ALLURING DAMSELS OF HEAVEN (APSARAS)
If the clothes be of heat and cold and the food be of the wind, the alluring women of heaven be there everywhere. OR The alluring women of heaven may all go away. Still I may Praise Thee, O Lord! and the eagerness of my utterance may not diminish. (Var Majh, M. 1, p. 142)
The reference to the alluring women of heaven is, in fact, a reference to the Apsaras, who are said to reside in the heaven of Indra. They rose from the milk-ocean at the time of its churning.
They are celestial beings in resplendent forms. None of the gods could wed them because they did not undergo purification. Therefore, they became women of easy virtue and wives of Gandharvas. They are also presented as a reward to heroes fallen in battle.
Some of the important Apsaras are Menaka, Rambha, and Tilottama, who are sent by Indra to shake the virtue of penitent sages.
In Hindu tradition, Apsaras are enchanting celestial beings who reside in the heavens, particularly in the court of Indra, the king of gods. According to mythological accounts, they emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and are known for their beauty, grace, and artistic skills in dance and music. While their charm is celebrated, they are also depicted as beings who test the virtue and resolve of sages and mortals, sent by Indra to disrupt penances and devotion.
In the Guru Granth Sahib, the reference to the “alluring women of heaven” is an allegorical mention of Apsaras. It serves to illustrate the fleeting and illusory nature of worldly temptations that can distract an individual from their spiritual path. The scripture uses this imagery to remind its followers that even the most enticing pleasures of the heavens pale in comparison to the eternal bliss of remembering and praising the Divine (Naam Simran).
The verse in Var Majh, M. 1, p. 142 conveys this beautifully by emphasizing that such celestial distractions hold no value in the face of true devotion and divine connection. The Guru’s message focuses on rising above desires and attachments, recognizing them as obstacles on the journey toward spiritual liberation. By rejecting even heavenly temptations, the scripture encourages a life of humility, devotion, and selflessness.
In conclusion, the reference to Apsaras in the Guru Granth Sahib symbolizes the challenges posed by material allurements and emphasizes the supremacy of divine love over worldly pleasures. It inspires individuals to remain steadfast in their devotion and pursue the eternal truth that transcends all illusions.
