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Revision as of 23:05, 29 August 2005 by Dowcet (talk | contribs) (changes to first sentence)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Apsaras, in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, are the celestial damsels of Indra's court, created by Lord Brahma. Natya Shatra lists the following apsaras: Manjukesi, Sukesi, Misrakesi, Sulochana, Saudamini, Devadatta, Devasena, Manorama, Sudati, Sundari, Vigagdha, Vividha, Budha, Sumala, Santati, Sunanda, Sumukhi, Magadhi, Arjuni, Sarala, Kerala, Dhrti, Nanda, Supuskala, Supuspamala and Kalabha.
Apsaras are said to be able to change their shapes at will. Urvasi, Menaka, Rambha and Tilottama are the most famous among Apsaras who are well versed in the arts of music and dancing. The total number of Apsaras at Indra's court is 26, each representing a distinct aspect of the performing arts. (compare with the ancient Greek muse).
Apsaras are the wives of the Gandharvas, court servants of Indra. They danced to the music made by their husbands, usually in the various gods' palaces. In India, it is popularly believed that some of the outstanding Odissi and Bharata Natyam dancers, such as Medha Hari, are the incarnations of apsaras.
The Apsara was associated with fertility rites. In Hinduism, the lower Apsaras (also Vrikshakas, fairies) are sometimes referred to as nature spirits, who sometimes lured men to their deaths.
Apsaras are often depicted in Buddhist art as far afield as Cambodia and China, however. They are a common motif in the decorations of the Angkor temples.
