Significance of Apsarase
Apsarase, according to various Indian traditions including Buddhism, Jainism, and Hindu mythology, refers to celestial nymphs known for their extraordinary beauty and grace. These divine female beings often play significant roles in festivities by enhancing auspicious occasions with their enchanting dances and music. They are depicted as tutors of pleasure and allure, commonly found in divine narratives while accompanying gods, participating in celebrations, and serving heroic figures. The portrayal of Apsarase highlights their significance in spiritual and cultural contexts.
Synonyms: Nymph, Fairy, Celestial maiden, Divine dancer, Heavenly woman
In German: Apsaras; In Spanish: Apsarasa; In Dutch: Apsarase; In Finnish: Apsarase; In Swedish: Apsarase; In Malay: Apsarase; In French: Apsarase
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Apsarase'
Apsarase in Buddhism refers to celestial nymphs known for their beauty and music, celebrating significant events, aiding deities like Shakra, and enhancing the auspiciousness during births of Bodhisattvas, contributing to divine care and atmosphere.
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Celestial nymphs in Buddhist mythology who celebrate significant events with dance and music.[1] (2) Celestial beings attending to Shakra, the lord of the devas.[2] (3) Celestial maidens who attend to Bodhisattvas and their mothers, contributing to their divine care during gestation.[3] (4) Celestial maidens who adorn the scene with their beauty and presence, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere of the Bodhisattva's birth.[4] (5) Celestial nymphs celebrated for their beauty and dance in the realm of the devas.[5]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Divine female beings who played a pivotal role in attending to the queen and enhancing the auspicious signs at the time of birth.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Apsarase'
Apsarase in Hinduism are celestial nymphs embodying beauty and grace, often engaging in enchanting dance and music. They serve divine beings and heroes, distracting sages and enriching celebrations, reminiscent of muses in Greek mythology.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Water-nymphs associated with beauty and music, often serving the gods and assisting heroes.[7] (2) Celestial nymphs associated with beauty and arts, comparable to the muses in Greek mythology.[8] (3) Celestial nymphs given to Naravahanadatta by Vishnu, signifying his rise to prominence and favor among the divine beings.[9] (4) Celestial nymphs who add to the festive celebration with their enchanting dance during Suryaprabha's coronation.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The text mentions that those born of the foam and water were aptly named Apsarases, and each had her maids.[11] (2) Individuals who come down to play where lotuses adorn the flood, with full-blown flowers and opening buds, alongside swans and mallards.[12] (3) Apsarases are described as dancing beneath the boughs of well-loved trees, suggesting a place of beauty and divine presence within the narrative.[13]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Heavenly nymphs in Hindu mythology, recognized for their beauty and grace.[14]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Courtezans of the Gods, exemplified by figures like Urvashi.[15]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Celestial nymphs in Hindu mythology associated with beauty and glory, often invoked within ritual contexts.[16]
Jain concept of 'Apsarase'
In Jainism, Apsarase are celestial nymphs symbolizing beauty and allure, often associated with divine pleasures, festivities, and rituals, enhancing the enchanting nature of both mythological narratives and the grandeur of celestial scenes.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Celestial nymphs known for their beauty and grace, often involved in festivities and divine pleasures.[17] (2) Celestial nymphs or courtesans who are often found in the company of the gods.[18] (3) Celestial nymphs known for their beauty, often present in divine narratives, enhancing the grandeur of the palace.[19] (4) Celestial nymphs in the Hindu tradition, used as a comparison to the Khecara-maidens.[20] (5) Celestial nymphs in Hindu mythology, symbolizing beauty and allure, often associated with pleasure and enchantment.[21]
The concept of Apsarase in local and regional sources
Apsarase, as described in the text, are celestial nymphs in Hindu mythology, known for their beauty and seduction, often interacting with gods and sages, embodying the allure and enchantment of heavenly dancers.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Celestial nymphs in Hindu mythology often depicted as beautiful, seductive beings influencing sages.[22]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) These are heavenly dancing girls who have sexual intercourse with the gandharva, the moon joining the nakshatras, according to the Shatapatha-Brahmana.[23]