Popular figures in Indian culture, they are said to be goddesses of the clouds and water. They are also portrayed as the wives of the gandharvas who are the court musicians for Śakra/Indra on top of Mount Meru.

A member of the class of celestial female beings known for their great beauty.

A member of the class of celestial female beings known for their great beauty.

A divine girl.

A class of celestial female beings known for their great beauty.

Popular figures in Indian culture, they are said to be goddesses of the clouds and water.

The “apsarases” are popular figures in Indian culture, they are said to be goddesses of the clouds and water and to be wives of the gandharvas. However, in the Kāraṇḍavyūha, they are presented as the female equivalent of the devas. Therefore the Tibetan has translated them as if the word were devī (“goddess’’).

In this sūtra, “apsaras” (or “apsarases” in plural) is synonymous with devī, the female equivalent of deva. In Indian culture, it is also the name for goddesses of the clouds and water, and the wives of the gandharvas.

Popular figures in Indian culture, apsarases are said to be goddesses of the clouds and water and to be wives of the gandharvas.

A class of nonhuman beings, usually female, known for their beauty.

A member of the class of celestial female beings of great beauty.

Celestial nymph.

A class of celestial female beings known for their great beauty.

A type of goddess.

A celestial nymph.

A celestial nymph.

A class of female celestial beings known for their great beauty.

A class of celestial female beings known for their great beauty.

Sometimes also translated “goddess.”

A class of celestial singers and dancers in Indian mythology who inhabit the heaven of the god Śakra, lord of the heavens.

A female being in the paradises from the base of Mount Sumeru upward. Also can refer to a female deity or goddess in the human world. See also “deva.”

A female deva.