In Hindu religion, Apsaras are considered a symbol of beauty and hold a very important place. No one’s creation is considered more beautiful than Apsaras. Any woman on earth who is very beautiful is also called Apsara and her beauty is respected. It is said that Devraj Indra had created the Apsaras. Many Apsaras were also created by the Supreme Father Brahma, among whom Tilottama is the main one. Apart from this, many Apsaras were also daughters of great sages. According to Bhagwat Purana, Apsaras were born to Maharishi Kashyap and Dakshputri Muni. Many Apsaras are also said to have originated from Kamadeva and Rati.
Music of Gandharvas and dance of Apsaras are considered the glory of heaven.
The main function of the Apsaras was to keep Indra and other gods happy. Especially the companionship of Gandharvas and Apsaras is considered very close. The music of Gandharvas and dance of Apsaras are considered the glory of heaven. Apsaras are considered sacred and extremely respectable. Devraj Indra used to send Apsaras every now and then to break the penance of great ascetics. There are many such stories in the Puranas when fearing the penance of an ascetic, fearing that he might ask for heaven from the Trinity, Lord Indra sent many Apsaras to earth to break his penance.
Beauty of the Apsaras has break the penance of Rishi Munis
The beauty of the Apsaras was such that they would break the penance of ordinary ascetics just by playing. However, there have also been great sages whose penance could not be broken by the Apsara and they had to bear her curse. Rambha, one of the great sages, could not break the penance of Maharishi Vishwamitra and had to bear the curse of Maharishi but later the same Vishwamitra lost in front of the beauty of Menaka. Urvashi also broke the penance of many great sages but was defeated by sage Markandeya.
Apsara are considered to be of the category of sub-goddesses
Apsaras are considered to be of the category of sub-goddesses. She can change her form as per her wish and is also considered capable of giving boons and curses. Many Apsaras have also made a significant contribution in the destruction of many demons and demons. Of these, the name of Tilottama is notable, who became the cause of the death of Sunda-Upasunda. When Ravana stops Rambha from going to Kubera’s son Nalkuber and misbehaves with her, she curses Ravana that if he touches any woman without her consent, she will die. Due to the same curse, Ravana could not touch Goddess Sita against her will. Urvashi had cursed Arjun to remain impotent for 1 year.
1008 Apsara are described in the Puranas,
A total of 1008 Apsara are described in the Puranas, out of which 108 major Apsaras were created by Devraj Indra. Among those 108 Apsara, 11 Apsara are considered important. Among those 11 Apsara, the beauty of 4 Apsara is considered unique. These are – Rambha, Urvashi, Menaka and Tilottama. Rambha is the chief and queen of all the Apsara. There are many Apsaras who were cursed to live on earth like Bali’s wife Tara, Demon King Shambar’s wife Maya and Hanuman’s mother Anjana.
Apsara are considered to be of two types:
Devik
Apsara who reside in heaven. The main 11 Apsara including Rambha are called divine Apsaras.
Lokik
Apsara who reside on earth. Like Tara, Maya, Anjana etc. Their total number is said to be 34.
Apsara are also considered a symbol of good luck. It is said that the virginity of Apsaras is never broken and they always remain virgins. After intercourse the nymphs regain their virginity. Her beauty never fades and she never grows old. Their age is also very high. While conversing with sage Markandeya, Urvashi says – O Maharishi! How many Indras have come before me and how many Indras have gone, but I remain the same. I will not die until 14 Indra suffers Indrapad in front of me.
It is also worth knowing that the most glorious male dynasty of India is the gift of the nymph Urvashi herself. His ancestor Pururava married Urvashi which led to the Puruvansh in which great kings and warriors like Yayati, Puru, Yadu, Dushyant, Bharat, Kuru, Hasti, Shantanu, Bhishma and Shri Krishna Pandava were born. In his second lineage, Lord Shri Ram was born in the Ikshvaku clan. Other cultures, such as the Greek religion, also describe nymphs. Apart from this, Apsaras have great influence in many countries including Indonesia, Cambodia, China and Java.
Let us know about the main Apsara and some of their mantras:
Pradhan Apsara
Rambha: Om Sah Rambhe Aagcchagachch Swaha
3 top Apsara :
- Urvashi: Om Shri Urvashi Agachchhagachch Swaha
- Maneka
- Tilottama: Om Shri Tilottame Agachchhagachha Swaha
7 Major Apsara:
- Kratsthali
- Punjiksthala
- Pramlocha
- Anumlocha
- Ghritachi
- Varcha
- Purvachiti
Other major Apsara:
- Ambika
- Alamvusha
- Anavadya
- Anuchana
- Aruna
- Asita
- Budbuda
- Chandrajyotsana
- Devi
- Gunmukhya
- Gunuvara
- Harsha
- Indralakshmi
- Kamya
- Kanchan Mala: Om Shri Kanchan Male Agachchhagach Swaha
- Karnika
- Keshini
- Kundala Harini: Om Shree Hreem Kundala Harini Aagachchhagachch Swaha
- Kshema
- Lata
- Lakshmana
- Manorama
- Mariachi
- Mishrasthala
- Mrigaakshi
- Nabhidarshana
- Purvachitti
- Pushpadeha
- Bhushini: Om Vaah Shri Vaah Shri Bhushini Agachchhagach Swaha
- Rakshita
- Ratnamala: Om Shree Hreem Ratnamala Agachchhagach Swaha
- Ritushala
- Sahajanya
- Samichi
- Sorbhedi
- Sharadwati
- Shuchika
- Somi
- Suvahu
- Sugandha
- Supriya
- Surja
- Sursa
- Surata
- Shashi: Om Shree Shashi Devya Ma Aagchchhagachch Swaha
- Umlocha