Apsaras are beautiful; supernatural women. They are youthful and elegant; and proficient in the art of dancing. They are the wives of the Gandharvas; the court servants of Indra. They dance to the music made by their husbands; usually in the palaces of the gods; and entertain gods and fallen heroes.

Apsaras are said to be able to change their shape at will; and rule over the fortunes of gaming and gambling. Urvasi; Menaka; Rambha and Tilottama are the most famous among them. Apsaras are sometimes compared to the muses of ancient Greece; with each of the 26 Apsaras at Indra's court representing a distinct aspect of the performing arts. Apsaras are associated with water; thus; they may be compared to the nymphs; dryads and naiads of ancient Greece. They are associated with fertility rites.