What is the history of Apsara dance?
What is the history of Apsara dance?
Stretching back to the 7th century, Apsara dancing stems from Cambodia’s Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Evidence that the dance form existed as early as the 7th century can be seen in carvings at Sambor Prei Kuk temples in Kampong Thom province, where the ethereal beings — Apsaras — have been immortalised in stone.
How beautiful are apsaras?
In Indian mythology, apsaras are beautiful, supernatural female beings. They are youthful and elegant, and superb in the art of dancing. They are often wives of the Gandharvas, the court musicians of Indra.
What did apsaras do?
apsara, in Indian religion and mythology, one of the celestial singers and dancers who, together with the gandharvas, or celestial musicians, inhabit the heaven of the god Indra, the lord of the heavens. Originally water nymphs, the apsaras provide sensual pleasure for both gods and men.
What do apsaras do in heaven?
Which apsara is most beautiful?
Urvashi
Urvashi (Sanskrit: उर्वशी, romanized: Urvaśī) is an apsara (celestial nymph) in Hindu mythology. She is considered to be the most beautiful of all the apsaras and an expert dancer. Urvashi is mentioned in many Vedic and Puranic scriptures of Hinduism.
What is Apsara Dance?
Apsara Dance is the ancient classical dance form of Cambodia. Ancient reliefs at Angkor Wat temple, Cambodia. Angkor Wat was built between 1113 and 1150 by King Suryavarman II. “Golden Apsara”, a Khmer Apsara of Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. It’s the world Aspara Dancer at Angkor Wat. Sepia toned.
What is the role of apsaras?
As messengers of peace between Gods and Kings, Apsaras would often use their dances and beauty to distract or ensnare those who threatened the peace or the power of those who ruled — both in heaven and on earth.
What are the apsaras in the Natyashastra?
The Natyashastra particularly mentions the work and dedication of the following Apsaras: Manjukesi, Sukesi, Misrakesi, Sulochana, Saudamini, Devadatta, Devasena, Manorama, Sudati, Sundari, Vigagdha, Vividha, Budha, Sumala, Santati, Sunanda, Sumukhi, Magadhi, Arjuni, Sarala, Kerala, Dhriti, Nanda, Supuskala, Supuspamala and Kalabha.
Why did Brahma create Apsaras?
So the Lord then created the Apsaras, who would help propagate them among the earthlings. It is believed that Brahma created these cosmic beings from the clouds and water. The Lord also gave Apsaras the power to change their form at will and the ability to change the course of history, thus transforming the world for the better.
