Angels-APSARA

In many ways, apsaras (the word is derived from ap, “water”) differ from
the traditional Western conception of angels. For instance, as the
nymphs of southern Asia, they are best known for their inordinate interest
in sex. The mistresses of the gandharvas, (said to reside in the sky or
in trees), they are shape-shifters and are fond of bathing. The apsaras are
also the singers and dancing girls of the heavenly paradise. Perhaps their
role as celestial singers is what ultimately associated them with angels.
In the Vedas, the most ancient religious texts of Hinduism, the
apsaras performed the role of valkyries, escorting the valiant warriors
slain in battle to heaven, which may also have influenced observers to
perceive them as angelic. Unlike the valkyries, however, the apsaras
would—true to their nature—seduce the heroes as they were flown to
heaven.Finally, in Hindu mythology, the apsaras
were often sent to earth to seduce ascetics who
seemed on the verge of attaining a divine state,
and thus posed a threat to the status of the
gods. Therefore they were angel-like in the
sense that they performed duties at the behest
of the gods, although these duties were decidedly
nonangelic.