Apsara

An apsara is a celestial being in Hindu and Buddhist culture, who is usually depicted as a beautiful and graceful woman.

Apsaras are associated with water, clouds, music, and dance.

They serve as the handmaidens of Indra, the king of the gods, and entertain him and other deities with their singing and dancing.

They also have the power to change their shape and seduce mortal men, especially sages who practice asceticism.

Some of the most famous apsaras are Urvashi, Menaka, Rambha, Tilottama, and Ghritachi.

Apsaras are widely revered and admired in South and Southeast Asian cultures, where they are often depicted in sculpture, painting, literature, and performing arts.

Some of the most notable examples of apsara art are the frescoes at Ajanta in India and Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, and the sculptures and bas-reliefs at Angkor in Cambodia.

Apsaras are also known by different names in various languages, such as Accharā in Pali, Bidadari in Malay, Hapsari in Javanese, and Tennyo in Japanese.

Apsaras are considered to be the embodiment of beauty, elegance, and charm, as well as the inspiration for artistic creativity.

They represent the ideal of feminine grace and allure in many Asian traditions.

Apsara is a term that refers to a class of celestial beings in Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
They are often depicted as beautiful and graceful female dancers who entertain the gods and sometimes seduce the sages.
Apsara symbolizes different aspects of culture, spirituality, and art in various regions of Asia, especially in Cambodia, where the Apsara dance is a traditional and iconic form of expression.

In Hindu mythology, Apsara is derived from the Sanskrit word "apsaras", meaning "going in the waters or between the waters of the clouds".
They are said to be able to change their shape at will and to possess various skills in music, dance, and art.
They are also associated with fertility, prosperity, and good fortune.
There are two types of Apsaras: laukika (worldly) and daivika (divine).
The laukika Apsaras are born from the union of gods and mortals, while the daivika Apsaras are created by the god Brahma.
The most famous Apsara in Hindu mythology is Urvashi, who was the wife of the king Pururavas and the mother of the lunar dynasty.

In Buddhist mythology, Apsara is also known as Acchara or Bidadari.
They are considered to be one of the eight classes of non-human beings who are subject to the cycle of rebirth.
They live in the Trayastrimsa heaven, the second of the six heavens of the desire realm, where they serve as the attendants of the god Sakra (Indra).
They are also known to tempt and test the monks and nuns who practice meditation in the forests.
Some Apsaras, such as Suprava and Sujata, are revered as the benefactors of the Buddha and his disciples.

In Cambodia, Apsara is a symbol of the Khmer culture and heritage.
The Apsara dance is a form of classical dance that originated from the Angkor period, between the 9th and 15th centuries, when the Khmer Empire was at its peak.
The dance was performed by trained dancers who were highly esteemed in Khmer society.
The dance was influenced by Indian and Chinese traditions, as well as the local beliefs and customs.
The dance is known for its elegant and graceful movements, intricate hand gestures, and traditional costumes.
The dancers wear long and flowing silk dresses adorned with golden accessories and headdresses.
The dresses are designed to resemble the heavenly robes of the Apsaras, while the headdresses are decorated with jewels and feathers.
The dance is performed in a slow and refined manner, with each gesture and step conveying a specific meaning.

The Apsara dance symbolizes the spirituality, femininity, and the connection between humans and the divine in Cambodian culture.
The dance is an expression of the ethereal beauty and the artistic talent of the Apsaras, who are the guardians and the inspirations of the Khmer civilization.
The dance is also a way of preserving and celebrating the rich and ancient history of Cambodia, as well as its identity and pride.
The dance is performed during important ceremonies and festivals, such as coronations, weddings, and funerals.
It is also a form of entertainment and education for the people, as it depicts various stories and legends from the Khmer mythology and literature.

The Apsara dance is a unique and valuable cultural heritage of Cambodia, as well as a symbol of the Apsara, the celestial nymphs who are the embodiment of beauty, grace, and art.