Urvasi was an Apsara in Hindu mythology. She was a celestial maiden in Indra's court and was considered the most beautiful of all the Apsara's.

Urvasi and Arjuna

In the "Forest Book" of the Mahabharata where the Pandavas spent 12 years in exile, Arjuna lived in the court of his father Indra for a period of time. During this time, he rejected the amorous advances of Urvasi. Angered, Urvasi cursed Arjuna (often referred to as Partha) thus:

“Urvasi said, ‘Because you will not welcome me, when I am under the control of desire and have come to your house with your father’s (Indra’s) permission, therefore Partha you shall wander as a dancer among women, bereft of prestige, reputed to be unmanly like a eunuch.” [Mahabharata, Critical Edition, Volume 4, page 1052]

The curse is then reduced by Indra to take place during Arjuna's lifetime for one year of his choosing. During the Pandava's last year of exile during which they are required to live in disguise, Arjuna chooses to live as a eunuch in the inner apartments of the Queen of King Virata.