Apsaras are stunningly beautiful celestial damsels. They are
the dancers and singers of heaven. The story of the origin of Apsaras in Hindu religion is
mentioned in the Puranas and they appeared during the Samudra Manthan –
Churning of Ocean.
Urvashi, Rambha, Tilottama, Kratusthala, Punjikasthala,
Menaka, Sahajanya, Pramlocha, Anumlocha, Chritachi, Vishwachi, and Purvachiti
are among the prominent Apsaras.
Churning of the Ksheera Sagara, the celestial Milky Ocean ,
was performed by Devas and Demons to acquire Amrita (Nectar of immortality).
Devas and Asuras faced numerous difficulties and they were solved by Vishnu and
Shiva.
Finally, churning proved successful and one after the other
numerous things appeared. Apsaras were the seventh to appear from the churning.
They then became the dancers and singers in the court of Devas.