The Puranas give graphic pictures of the many lokas, or astral realms, where dwell different types of beings. The apsaras were celestial dancers and Punchikasthala was one such apsara. She was once cursed by the Guru of the Gods, Brihaspati that she would be a born as a monkey. Even the curses of saints are blessings meant to fulfil a divine purpose, and so it would be.