As per the Hindu dharmic religion,
Gandharvas are skilled in Art, Music, and Dance. Holding a position of
Intermediator(Messenger) between Human beings and Devas.
They are also heavenly singers in Dharmic religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. we knew Hindhu dharma grasp mixed with fiction and mythology, there is a separate place called 'Gandharva Loka' in Northern Kailasa where they exist.
Gandharvas are considered to be the successors of rishi ‘Kashyap’. Well-known Gandharvas are Chitarasena(one of the kings in Gandharva), Panadas, and Nala. very powerful male spirits oriented with Natural powers of the Ability to appear and disappear.
Apsaras are the ones who are married to Gandharvas often. Apsaras are female divinities. They are known for their alluring charms and Proficient dancers.of Gandharva Loka as well as in Indira Loka.
In many stories, we might have heard about them for their melodious voice along fruitful dancesteps.
Who are Apsaras?
Apasaras were born from ‘Rishi Kashyapa’ ,They satisfy the tasks assigned by the gods, love to indulge in services, and entertain and perform dances in the court of Indira. usually, Apsaras can be seen in the Banyan and Fig trees, as per Hindu mythology. there are some remarkable Apasaras we knew, including Rambha, who holds a Queen position among them. other apsaras include Urvasi, Menaka, and Tilottama. All of them are under the discretion of Indira.
Apsaras - Independent feminine of Ancient.
Yes, Apsaras choose their life partner wisely. There is a kind of marriage called, “Gandharva marriage” Where each bride can find their life partner own. According to Manu smriti of Hinduism, 8 marriages exist out of which this one stands alone. in the absence of the priest
Each Gandharva and apsara get married together only giving importance to mutual acceptance and love. there will not be many rituals performed during this marriage.
The marriage ritual of Sakunthala and Dushyant was made by following the Gandharva wedding style.
The magnitude of Natya Shastra – associated with Apsaras
Apsaras take part in marriages and bestow weddings. they will dance, play around and bless the bride. Causes extreme madness because of their beauty one could lose his mind totally and begin to follow them. Apsaras indulge in Bharata Nataya – a form of divine dance and drama. which contains folk classical theories with Alankaras(costumes) , Mudras (representation of gestures through hands)and Abinayas(facial expressions).
Lord Brahma created this art platform and gifted it to apsaras, also there is a strong cause for gifting, He knew that performing Bharata Natya is a consecrated tribute to the god. All compositions are collectively called “Gandharva Veda”. Later it turns into adoration, a kind of devotion to a god.
Side of Un-Sophistication as well
The Gandharvas are found to be very handsome and Brilliant in handling the assigned tasks.
They must guard Soma (drink), but should not consume it. There reference to Soma bana in Sama Veda. once Gandharva failed to safeguard the Soma bana and Indra bought it back, Indira provided punishment Gandharvas for their carelessness.
It is believed that Apsaras are the creators of Seven manus. Because of their flippant behaviors both Gandharvas and apsaras very often being cursed by sages to take part in life as Trees and unidentified beings, the only way is to get a boon or release from any of the incarnate Gods. so we don't have any of their deities in the temple for worship.
Gandharva's Existence in every Ancient temples
In every old south Indian temple, we can see the “Bali peeda" near the flag pole. it is said that along with asuras and other devatas, Gandharvas are also being installed inside the Bali peeda. because they are also one of the guardians in that temple and guardians of the Presiding deity of that temple. every day Bali prasad is being served to all of them who are installed in Bali peeda. During that time Gandharvas are invoked in the form of mantras to offer them ball-shaped Bali prasad.They guard the temple after it was closed, especially during night times and they also perform divine musicals to the Cheif God, in the form of Bells and other musical instruments
Whenever you Visit the temple note the Bali peeda and observe its presence and you can worship the Bali peeda to lose your miseries.
we can able to identify the Gandharva dolls at each top corner of south Indian Tamil wedding invitations, especially in brahmin wedding cards. In Rigveda, it is believed that marriage rituals taking place with the occupancy of 330 million gods namely 12 Aditya, 8 vasus, 11 rudras, Lord Indira, and Prajapathi. along with other 300 million devas. Gandharvas are also part of them and involves in marriage, Especially during specific occasional rituals like Panigraha,mangalaya Dharana, and saptapadi for granting a marvelous life to married couples.
This website contains information regarding Hindu Devotional alerts and History of ancient hindu rituals.
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