Apsaras
Historical background
Divine beauties, dancers of the gods who live in Indra’s paradise They are mistresses of the gandharvas and, occasionally, men and can assume any form at will. They are often sent by the gods to seduce ascetics.
Date: Paintings: 19th century
Description: Four apsaras.
Location: Tamil Nadu Temple;Atmanatha Temple;Avudaiyarkoyil
Positioning: Detached mandapa, ceiling panel skirting the central square
Date: Paintings: probably 18th century
Description: Kailasa tableau (detail); Top row: Nandikeshvara and the 330 million devas; Bottom row; The celestial dancers: Rambha, Urvashi, Tilottama, Menaka, and the kings praise Shiva.
Location: Tamil Nadu Temple;Atmanatha Temple;Avudaiyarkoyil
Positioning: Nandishvara Manikkavachakar shrine, ceiling of the mandapa
Date: Paintings: probably 18th century
Description: Kailasa tableau (detail); Three apsaras: Rambha, Urvashi and Tilottama.
Location: Tamil Nadu Temple;Atmanatha Temple;Avudaiyarkoyil
Positioning: Nandishvara Manikkavachakar shrine, ceiling of the mandapa
Date: Paintings: probably 18th century
Description: Kailasa tableau (detail); On the left the apsara Menaka; On the right: dancer and dancing master beating the time with the cymbals.
Location: Tamil Nadu Temple;Atmanatha Temple;Avudaiyarkoyil
Positioning: Nandishvara Manikkavachakar shrine, ceiling of the mandapa
Date: mid-19th century
Description: Rama, Lakshmana and Bharata on elephants surrounded by the festive crowds; Apsaras watch the wedding procession from the sky and strew on it flower petals.
Location: Tamil Nadu Palace;Bodinayakknur
Positioning: Lakshmi Vilasam
Date: First half of the 16th century
Description: Arjuna reaches a small Shiva temple perched on Indrakila hill and devoutly bows before the linga and resumes his journey. Accompanied by a gana, Bhairava appears before Arjuna who pays homage to him. The next section is almost completely lost. It probably depicted the progress of Arjuna in the Himalayas and the beginning of his penance. The two female figures on the left may well be the apsaras sent by Indra to seduce Arjuna and to test his steadfastness.
Location: Andhra Pradesh Temple;Virabhadraswamy Temple;Lepakshi
Positioning: Natyamandapa, central hall, west bay
Date: 17th century
Description: The apsaras welcome Tyagaraja in Amaravati, Indra’s heaven.
Location: Tamil NaduTemple;Tyagaraja Temple;Tiruvarur
Positioning: Devasiriya mandapa, ceiling, first bay from the east
Date: 17th century
Description: The icon of Tyagaraja, placed on a chariot, and escorted by the gods arrives in Indra’s heaven, Amaravati. The apsaras dance to welcome his arrival.
Location: Tamil Nadu Temple;Tyagaraja Temple;Tiruvarur
Positioning: Devasiriya mandapa, ceiling, first bay from the east
Date: 17th century
Description: Celebrations of Vishnu’s victory over Varkali; the gandharvas shower flowers; music and dance in the world of the gods, Devaloka.
Location: Tamil Nadu Temple;Tyagaraja Temple;Tiruvarur
Positioning: Devasiriya mandapa, ceiling, first bay from the east
Date: 17th century
Description: The apsaras dance at the court of Indra in Amaravati (right); Indra goes to war (left).
Location: Tamil Nadu Temple;Tyagaraja Temple;Tiruvarur
Positioning: Devasiriya mandapa,ceiling, first bay from the east
Date: 17th century
Description: Indra on his throne, in Amaravati, watches a dance performance by the apsaras, when news arrive of Varkali’s threat to Devaloka, the world of the gods.
Location: Tamil Nadu Temple;Tyagaraja Temple;Tiruvarur
Positioning: Devasiriya mandapa, ceiling, first bay from the east