I will explain in detail about the Apsaras who are beautiful celestial dancers in Indian mythology and legends.
The name Apsara means one who moves in the waters.
They play a very important role in Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
Apsaras mainly serve in the court of Indra the king of the gods where they entertain the deities by dancing and playing music.
They are said to have the power to control clouds and water and boast extraordinary beauty.
They often pair with Gandharvas the celestial musicians and fly through the sky performing their beautiful arts.
Also they are often tasked by Indra to seduce human ascetics who are trying to gain great power through severe penance thereby disrupting their meditation.
Menaka Urvashi Rambha and Tilottama are among the most widely known representative Apsaras.
Their beauty and elegant dance movements have deeply inspired not only Indian art but also many temple sculptures in Southeast Asia such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Even today they are widely loved as a very important artistic motif in traditional dances across various Asian countries.
