Apsara

In Hindu mythology, a class of celestial
nymphs renowned for their beauty,
grace, and irresistible attractiveness.
One of their main mythic functions is
to seduce ascetics and sages when they
become too powerful. Because ascetics
practice celibacy, and it is assumed
that celibacy builds spiritual power,
successful ascetics can become rivals
to the gods themselves. Sexual activity
will quickly exhaust the ascetic’s power,
although it can often bring other benefits to the world, including the birth of
children, which always results from
such intimate encounters.
The apsaras are sent on their missions by Indra, the king of heaven,
since any ascetic who gains too much
power will be able to claim Indra’s
divine throne. One famous apsara is
Menaka, whose seduction of the
sage Vishvamitra results in the birth
of Shakuntala. Another is Urvashi,
who is renowned for her dalliance with
King Pururavas.