Devalok
Concept · All traditions · Pan-India

Apsarases

Also called: Apsaras

Water nymphs of the Rigveda, wives of the Gandharvas. Vasishtha is said to be born of an Apsaras.

Sources: Vedic Mythology, A. A. Macdonell (1897); Hymns of the Rigveda, tr. R. T. H. Griffith (1896), hymns read for the Vedic layer · see Apsarases's web

Relations 3

Apsarases parent of

  • Yama (God)
    The 'Dame of Waters' of RV 10.10.4 is read by Macdonell as an Apsaras, mother of Yama and Yami. Griffith's note identifies her with Saranyu.
  • Vasishtha (Sage)
    Vasishtha sprang from the Apsaras; the verse before names her as Urvashi.

Apsarases consort of

  • The Gandharvas (God)
    The Apsarases are expressly called the wives of the Gandharvas (Atharvaveda 2.2.5).

Stories 1

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