How are apsaras described in Hindu folklore?

 Actually the word “Apsara” has been very wrongly interpreted. People make fun of this term without even knowing its Vedic meaning. People think Apsara’s are just some celestial nymphs. The Vedic definition of what the word Apsara actually means is completely different.

Please do read what the Vedas describe Apsara’s to be. It will break all disgusting delusions people have built.

The woman who is the bringer of victory, who removes obstacles and resolves all difficulties is an Apsara according to the Vedic Dharma. This has been directly stated in the Atharva Veda.

Atharva Ved 4.38.1

Udbhindatīṃ saṃjayantīm apsarāṃ sādhudevinīm.
Glahe kṛtāni kṛṇvānām apsarāṃ tām iha huve.

“I invoke here that Apsarā, the virtuous and divine one, she who brings victory and removes obstacles; who unties what has been bound and resolves difficulties.

The woman who celebrates the joy of life with dance and music, who is empowered with intelligence is an Apsara. She who helps to recover what is lost is an Apsara.

Atharva Ved 4.38.3

Yayaiḥ pariṇṛtyaty ādadānā kṛtaṃ glahāt.
Sā naḥ kṛtāni siṣṭi prahām āpnotu māyayā.
Sā naḥ payasvaty ait u mā no jaiṣur idaṃ dhanam.

Apsara who, with her noble acts, rejoices and celebrates life in song and dance, collecting and consolidating the achievements of her performance in the evolutionary struggle of life, may, we pray, guiding and organising our actions, achieve further progress by her wonderful power and intelligence. May she, abounding in the waters and food of life continue to come and bless us so that none may win away this wealth of achievement from us.

The woman who is glorious like the sun, who is mighty and is a protector is an Apsara.

Atharva Ved 4.38.5

Sūryasya raśmīn anu yāḥ saṃcaranti marīcīrvā
yā anu saṃcaranti. Yāsām ṛṣabho dūrato vājīnīvān
sadyaḥ sarvāṃl lokān paryeti rakṣan.
Sā na etu homam imaṃ juṣāṇo ’ntarikṣeṇa saha vājīnīvān.

The divine Apsarā herself, radiant and sovereign, moves along the rays of the Sun and pervades all directions with light. Her own mighty, swift power, like a noble steed, from afar instantly traverses all the worlds, guarding and protecting them. May that Apsarā come to us now, graciously accepting this sacred offering, descending through the mid-region of space with her radiant, life-giving might.

Please understand that a woman who not just excels in physical beauty but excels in all aspects like administration, intellect, protection, knowledge, arts is defined as an Apsara. The Apsara in Vedic terms is a lady who is an absolute mistress of femininity.

Namo Narayana 🙏🏻🪔🌸🦅

Hara Hara Mahadeva 🙏🏻🪔📿🔱