Also known as: Apsarasas; Pari
Origin: India
Apsaras are beautiful female forest and water spirits. First documented in the Sanskrit Vedas, they star in myths from India, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Mauritius, and elsewhere. They are frequent subjects of Cambodian classical dance. Apsaras live in trees, specifically banana or figs, which can symbolize male and female genitalia respectively. This is no coincidence. Apsaras are spirits of sex and fertility, companions of the Gandharvas, male spirits of air and music.
* Gandharvas are musicians; Apsaras are celestial dancers.
* Apsaras serve as attendants to Kama, Lord of Love.
They are generally but not consistently benevolent. Contact reputedly results in either increased good fortune or insanity. Famously, Apsaras bestow luck in games of chance.
Manifestations: Apsaras manifest as incredibly beautiful women or mermaids. They ride clouds and/or transform into bird-women when they wish to fly.
Attributes: Golden comb, mother-of-pearl mirror, and magical knives
Element: Water
Sacred places: The lake Grand Bassin in Mauritius was once called Pari Talao (Lake of the Apsaras). Apsaras were witnessed frolicking there; the lake became a sacred pilgrimage. In 1897, a Hindu priest had a vision of the lake springing from the Ganges River: it has been renamed Ganga Talao (Lake Ganges) and rededicated to Ganga.
Offerings: They adore jewels, mirrors, and shiny things.
See also: Anjani; Dakinis; Gandharvas; Ganga; Hanuman; Kama; Lady Banana Ghost; Mermaid; Pari-May; Peri; Sirens