Apsara
In arts
Many Indian apsaras were identified with names and were central in myths. However, since they were not attributed specific physical features or attributes, artistic depictions do not individualize them.
Apsara
!A 12th-century sandstone statue of an apsara from [Madhya Pradesh, India](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/METDP-1062-001.jpg/250px-METDP-1062-001.jpg)
Apsara
The apsaras are described as being beautiful, youthful and elegant, and are said to be able to change their shape at will; making anyone fall for their beauty. There are two types of apsaras—laukika (worldly) and daivika (divine). They are said to excel at dancing, and are often considered the wives of the gandharvas, the court musicians of Indra. The apsaras reside in the palaces of the gods and entertain them by dancing to the music of the Gandharvas. The 26 apsaras of Indra's court are each said to symbolise a different facet of the performing arts, drawing comparisons to the Muses of ancient Greece. They are also renowned for seducing rishis in order to prevent them from attaining divine powers. Famous apsaras include Urvashi, Menaka, Rambha), Tilottama and Ghritachi.
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