Puranic literature describes Apsarā Rambhā falling to curses of Maharishi Viśvāmitra and Indra, but later attaining liberation from the same thus confirming the recurring progression of time and deeds.
In Jagannath Sanskruti , Kartik Amavasya or Diwali, is observed as Deepa dana Shradha. On this day forefathers are offered prayers and pacified by lighting Diya – earthen lamps and by making an offering of Bhoga .
Devi Durga, the Divine Mother is symbolic of a creator and a destroyer; a caretaker and caregiver; a preserver and a liberator; a symbol of sacrifice and as the all powerful protector of the humankind.
Rishi Viśvāmitra cursed Apsara Menaka to part from him forever and she parted ways never to return. He initiated his penance for achieving the goal of becoming a Maharishi and Indra was nervous again.
This unknown story of love, rejection and insult leads to an exchange of curse and counter curse , resulting in the creation of a pilgrimage attached to the failed amorous concoction to the two.
The origin of The Mahabharata is associated with Apsara Adrika, an essential link in the initiation of the Epic. Apsara Adrika, a celestial nymph liberated herself from a curse and became instrumental in the birth of Matsyagandha.
Legend has it that during Treta Yuga in the month of Chaitra on Shukla Ashtami, Shri Ram visited Ekamra Kshetra during the Vanavasa period of 14 years.
The eleven day Saahi Jaata in the alleys of Puri celebrates the birth of Shri Ram by conserving the religious legacy of Sanatan Dharma embellished with a fusion of martial arts, acrobatics and classical dance moves.
Shalini Mahapatra tells us the story behind Apsara Kunda- involving Shiva, Parvati and the beautiful Apsara Tilottama.
Apsara Alambuṣā has an important role in Hindu scriptures for laying the foundation of the Kingdom of Vishala and also in the birth of Kubera- the God of Wealth.
Shalini Mahapatra is a passionate writer and has several research papers to her credit. She authored "Shri Jagannath Mahaprasad: Legends Miracles Myths'', a book on Jagannath Consciousness. The book has been selected by the Ministry of Culture and Government of India for the Raja Ram Mohun Roy Library Foundation. Her second publication, a Coffee Table book titled “Mimescape of Telangana A Montage of Mime” was published by the Department of Language and Culture Department Government of Telangana in August 2019. She is an independent researcher, freelance Mar-com consultant, a Mass Communication pedagogue and author. Her areas of writing interest include Indian Culture, Jagannath Culture, Social and Developmental issues, Women issues, Food, Cuisine , Indigenous Culture , Art , Travel, Current affairs etc. She can be read on writingbugg@blogspot.in
