Apsara

[Zarasis]

Apsaras are beings from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. They are described as half human and half divine women who live as court ladies in the heavenly palace of the God Indra. They appear as young women with divine beauty and elegance.

As „spirits of the clouds and waters“ they are often compared to the nymphs of Greek and Roman mythology. As companions and protectors of fallen heroes they also have similarities to the Valkyries of the northern mythology.

Other names for these beings are Vidhya Dhari, Pali, Accharā, Tiannu, in China they are known as Feitian, in Japan they are called Tennyo. In Vietnam people know them as A Bố Sa La Tư, in Malaysia and Indonesia as Bidadari. English translations are "celestial nymph” or "celestial maiden".

In Hinduism Apsaras are known as companions of the heavenly musicians, the Gandharvas. With these they perform their function to entertain the gods and goddesses with music and dance.

According to the traditions 26 Apsaras are living in Indras heavenly palace. Four of them – Rambha, Urvashi, Menaka and Tilottama – are sometimes sent to earth by the gods. They should seduce those people and lead them astray, who could become dangerous for the gods because of their abstinence and their pursuit of spiritual perfection.

Apsaras play a role not only in Hinduism, but also in some other cultures, where they can be found as frequent motive in art. They have great importance in the mythology of the Khmer where they have taught the art of dancing to the people. In Buddhism their role is rather less important, here they are subjected to the circulation of life, death and reincarnation, as well as humans.