Tilottama - Revision history

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{{short description|Apsara in Hindu mythology}}
{{other uses}}
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| image = Tilottama.jpg
| alt = Tilottama
| caption = Tilottama by [[Raja Ravi Varma]]
| name = Tilottama
| Devanagari = तिलोत्तमा
| Sanskrit_transliteration = Tilottamā
| abode = [[Svarga]] (heaven)
| affiliation = [[Apsara]]
| deity_of =
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}{{Use Indian English|date=March 2016}}
'''Tilottama''' ({{lang-sa|तिलोत्तमा|Tilottamā}}), is an [[apsara]] (celestial singer) described in [[Hinduism|Hindu]] [[Hindu mythology|mythology]].

"Tilasma" is the [[Sanskrit]] word for a small particle and "uttama" means the ultimate. Tilottama, therefore, means the being whose smallest particle is the finest or one who is composed of the finest and highest qualities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Tilottamā |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc242006.html |access-date=2022-09-09 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[Hindu epic]] [[Mahabharata]], Tilottama is described to have been created by the divine architect [[Vishwakarma|Vishvakarma]], at [[Brahma]]'s request, by taking the best quality of everything as the ingredients. She is responsible for bringing about the mutual destruction of the [[asura]]s (a class of malevolent beings), [[Sunda and Upasunda]]. Even [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]] (a class of benevolent beings) like [[Indra]] are described to be enamoured of Tilottama.

While a legend talks about a pre-birth as an ugly widow, another narrates how she was cursed to be born as a [[daitya]] princess Usha by sage [[Durvasa]].

==Legend==

=== Death of Sunda and Upasunda ===
In the ''Adi Parva'' (Book 1) of the epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'', the divine sage [[Narada]] tells the [[Pandava]] brothers the story of the destruction of asura brothers Sunda and Upsunda due to the apsara Tilottama and warns the [[Pandavas]] that their common wife [[Draupadi]] could be a reason of quarrel between them. The tale states [[Sunda and Upasunda]] were sons of the [[asura]] [[Nikumbha]]. They are described as inseparable siblings who shared everything: the kingdom, the bed, food, house, a seat. Once, the brothers practiced severe austerities on the [[Vindhya]] mountains, compelling the creator-god [[Brahma]] to grant them a boon. They asked for great power and immortality, but the latter was denied, instead, Brahma gave them the boon that nothing but they themselves can hurt each other. Soon, the asuras attacked Svarga and drove the devas out. Conquering the whole universe, the asuras started harassing sages and creating havoc in the universe.<ref name="adi" />

[[File:Fronton Cambodge Musée Guimet 9972.jpg|thumb|The asuras Sunda and Upasunda fighting over the apsara Tilottama]]
The devas and seers sought refuge with Brahma. Brahma then ordered the divine architect [[Vishvakarma]] to create a beautiful woman. Vishvakarma collected all that was beautiful from the three worlds (Svarga, earth, [[Patala]]) and all the gems of the world and created an alluring woman - with unrivalled beauty - from them. As she was created bit by bit from the gems, Brahma named her Tilottama and directed her to seduce the asura brothers to the extent that she would become an issue of contention between them.<ref name="adi" />

As Sunda and Upasunda were enjoying a dalliance with women and engrossed in drinking liquor along a riverbank in the Vindhya mountains, Tilottama appeared there plucking flowers. Bewitched by her voluptuous figure and drunk with power and liquor, Sunda and Upasunda took hold of Tilottama's right and left hands respectively. As both of the brothers argued that Tilottama should be his own wife, they grabbed their clubs and attacked each other, ultimately killing each other. The devas congratulated her and Brahma granted her the right to roam freely in the universe as a boon. Brahma also decreed that no one would be able to look at her for a long time due to her luster.<ref name="adi">Buitenen, Johannes Adrianus Bernardus (1978). ''The Mahābhārata''. vol 1 [[University of Chicago Press]] Adi Parva (Book of Beginnings) Cantos 201-204. pp. 392-8</ref>

=== Enchantress of the devas ===
The Mahabharata (Book 1: Adi Parva) narrates: Though Brahma was unaffected by Tilottama's beauty, the other devas were spell-bound by her beauty. Initially, [[Shiva]] and Indra remain unperturbed,<ref name="adi" /><ref name="collins">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pQNi6kAGJQ4C&dq=shiva+Tilottama&pg=PA86|title=The Iconography and Ritual of Siva at Elephanta: On Life, Illumination, and Being|first=Charles Dillard|last=Collins|date=1 January 1988|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=9780887067747|via=Google Books}}</ref> however, so great was the desire of the great god Shiva (referred to as "Sthanu" - the firm one) to see her, ahead of developed on both his sides and back of his head as she [[pradakshina|circumambulated]] him as a mark of reverence. The king of Svarga, [[Indra]], however, developed thousand red eyes on his body to see her.<ref name="adi" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01214.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Rajya-labha Parva: Section CCXIII|website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref> Another legend describes sage [[Gautama Maharishi|Gautama]] cursing Indra for seducing his wife [[Ahalya]]. Gautama decreed that Indra would develop a thousand vaginas on his body, but they change to thousand eyes once Indra lays his eyes on Tiliottama.<ref name="wendy" />

Another tale in the Mahabharata (Book 13) narrates that Tilottama comes to tempt Shiva. Eager to see her as she circumambulated him, Shiva developed four visible faces, another interpretation states that Shiva revealed himself to Tilottama as the five ''[[Brahman]]''s, with his five faces (4 visible, 1 invisible). The east face signifying his sovereignty over the world, the north face to sport with Parvati, the west to ensure the happiness of creatures; the south face, to destroy the universe and the fifth face was invisible as it was beyond the comprehension of Tilottama.<ref name = "collins"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=HQvbJDacNDMC&q=tilottama+Encyclopaedia&pg=PA116 Of The Saivism, Volume 1 By Swami P. Anand, Swami Parmeshwaranand] p. 116</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m13/m13b106.htm|title=The Mahabharata, Book 13: Anusasana Parva: Section CXLI|website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref> Another legend from the ''[[Purana]]s'' says Brahma created Tilottama and was aroused by her. He makes five heads in order to see her and then sends her to [[Mount Kailash]], the abode of Shiva, to pay her obeisance to him. Shiva glances at her but avoids carefully looking at her as his consort [[Parvati]] was seated beside him. As Tilottama circumambulated Shiva, he develops a head in each direction to see her. The divine sage [[Narada]] taunts Parvati, "You can imagine what Shiva is thinking about this woman who is reviled by wise men". Agitated, Parvati covers Shiva's eyes with her hands submerging the universe in darkness. Shiva then develops the third eye to bring light to the universe.<ref name="wendy">{{cite book|last=O'Flaherty|first=Wendy Doniger|authorlink=Wendy Doniger|title=Śiva, the erotic ascetic|year=1981|publisher=Oxford University Press US|pages=84–6, 294–5}}</ref>

=== Curse to king Sahasranika ===
The ''[[Kathasaritsagara]]'', the 11th century Sanskrit translation of the 1st-2nd century [[Paishachi]] text ''Brihatkatha'', tells how king Sahasranika was cursed by Tilottama. As the king was returning from Indraloka to his kingdom, Tiliottama told him to wait so she could tell an interesting fact, but the king engrossed in the thoughts of his sweetheart - the apsara Alambusa, ignored what Tilottama said. Infuriated by the king's conduct, Tilottama cursed the king that he would suffer separation from the one he was thinking about - for a period of fourteen years.<ref>{{cite book|last=Manohar Laxman Varadpande|title=History of Indian theatre|publisher=Abhinav Publications|volume=3|page=115}}</ref>

=== Previous birth and rebirth ===
The ''[[Padma Purana]]'' narrates that Tilottama was an ugly widow named [[Kubja]] in her previous birth. Kubja underwent auspicious ceremonies for eight years and finally performing the ritual ''[[Magha (month)|Magha]] [[puja (Hinduism)|puja]]''. This ensured that she was born as Tiliottama and appeared in Svarga as an apsara.<ref>{{cite book|last=Williams|first=George Mason |title=Handbook of Hindu mythology|year=2003|publisher=ABC-CLIO|page=282}}</ref>

The ''[[Brahma Vaivarta Purana]]'' narrates that Sahasika, grandson of [[Mahabali|Bali]] disturbed sage [[Durvasa]]'s penance in his amours with Tilottama. As the result, the sage turned him into a donkey and cursed Tilottama, to be born as asura [[Banasura]]'s daughter Usha. Usha would later become the wife of [[Aniruddha]], the grandson of [[Krishna]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wilson|first=H H|date=September–December 1833|title=Analysis of the Puranas: Brahma Vaiverita|journal=The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British and Foreign India, China, and Australia|volume=XII|page=232}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
Her tale was made into a movie in 1954, by [[Homi Wadia]], Directed by [[Babubhai Mistry]], starring Chitra, Kailash, Maruti, [[B. M. Vyas]], Babu Raje and Indira Bansal.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{commons category-inline}}

{{Hindu apsaras}}

[[Category:Apsara]]
[[Category:Characters in the Mahabharata]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:43, 30 January 2025
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	}}		}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=March 2016}}{{Use Indian English\|date=March 2016}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=March 2016}}{{Use Indian English\|date=March 2016}}
	'''Tilottama''' ({{~~lang-~~sa\|तिलोत्तमा\|Tilottamā}}), is an [[apsara]] (celestial ~~singer~~) described in [[Hinduism\|Hindu]] [[Hindu mythology\|mythology]].		'''Tilottama''' ({{langx\|sa\|तिलोत्तमा\|Tilottamā}}), is an [[apsara]] (celestial nymph) described in [[Hinduism\|Hindu]] [[Hindu mythology\|mythology]].

	"~~Tilasma~~" is ~~the~~ [[Sanskrit]] word for a small particle and "uttama" means the ultimate. Tilottama, therefore, means the being whose smallest particle is the finest or one who is composed of the finest and highest qualities.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=www.wisdomlib.org \|date=2019-01-28 \|title=Story of Tilottamā \|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc242006.html \|access-date=2022-09-09 \|website=www.wisdomlib.org \|language=en}}</ref>		"Tila" is a [[Sanskrit]] word for a small particle and "uttama" means the ultimate. Tilottama, therefore, means the being whose smallest particle is the finest or one who is composed of the finest and highest qualities.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=www.wisdomlib.org \|date=2019-01-28 \|title=Story of Tilottamā \|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc242006.html \|access-date=2022-09-09 \|website=www.wisdomlib.org \|language=en}}</ref>

	In the [[Hindu epic]] [[Mahabharata]], Tilottama is described to have been created by the divine architect [[Vishwakarma\|Vishvakarma]], at [[Brahma]]'s request, by taking the best quality of everything as the ingredients. She is responsible for bringing about the mutual destruction of the [[asura]]s (a class of malevolent beings), [[Sunda and Upasunda]]. Even [[Deva (Hinduism)\|devas]] (a class of benevolent beings) like [[Indra]] are described to be enamoured of Tilottama.		In the [[Hindu epic]] [[Mahabharata]], Tilottama is described to have been created by the divine architect [[Vishwakarma\|Vishvakarma]], at [[Brahma]]'s request, by taking the best quality of everything as the ingredients. She is responsible for bringing about the mutual destruction of the [[asura]]s (a class of malevolent beings), [[Sunda and Upasunda]]. Even [[Deva (Hinduism)\|devas]] (a class of benevolent beings) like [[Indra]] are described to be enamoured of Tilottama.
Line 25:		Line 25:

	=== Death of Sunda and Upasunda ===		=== Death of Sunda and Upasunda ===
	In the ''Adi Parva'' (Book 1) of the epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'', the divine sage [[Narada]] tells the [[Pandava]] brothers the story of the destruction of asura brothers Sunda and ~~Upsunda~~ due to the apsara Tilottama and warns the [[Pandavas]] that their common wife [[Draupadi]] could be a reason of quarrel between them. The tale states [[Sunda and Upasunda]] were sons of the [[asura]] [[Nikumbha]]. They are described as inseparable siblings who shared everything: the kingdom, the bed, food, house, a seat. Once, the brothers practiced severe austerities on the [[Vindhya]] mountains, compelling the creator-god [[Brahma]] to grant them a boon. They asked for great power and immortality, but the latter was denied, instead, Brahma gave them the boon that nothing but they themselves can hurt each other. Soon, the asuras attacked Svarga and drove the devas out. Conquering the whole universe, the asuras started harassing sages and creating havoc in the universe.<ref name="adi" />		In the ''Adi Parva'' (Book 1) of the epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'', the divine sage [[Narada]] tells the [[Pandava]] brothers the story of the destruction of asura brothers Sunda and Upasunda due to the apsara Tilottama and warns the [[Pandavas]] that their common wife [[Draupadi]] could be a reason of quarrel between them. The tale states [[Sunda and Upasunda]] were sons of the [[asura]] [[Nikumbha]]. They are described as inseparable siblings who shared everything: the kingdom, the bed, food, house, a seat. Once, the brothers practiced severe austerities on the [[Vindhya]] mountains, compelling the creator-god [[Brahma]] to grant them a boon. They asked for great power and immortality, but the latter was denied, instead, Brahma gave them the boon that nothing but they themselves can hurt each other. Soon, the asuras attacked Svarga and drove the devas out. Conquering the whole universe, the asuras started harassing sages and creating havoc in the universe.<ref name="adi" />

	[[File:Fronton Cambodge Musée Guimet 9972.jpg\|thumb\|The asuras Sunda and Upasunda fighting over the apsara Tilottama]]		[[File:Fronton Cambodge Musée Guimet 9972.jpg\|thumb\|The asuras Sunda and Upasunda fighting over the apsara Tilottama, a pediment from Banteay Srei Temple, Cambodia]]
	The devas and seers sought refuge with Brahma. Brahma then ordered the divine architect [[Vishvakarma]] to create a beautiful woman. Vishvakarma collected all that was beautiful from the three worlds (Svarga, earth, [[Patala]]) and all the gems of the world and created an alluring woman - with unrivalled beauty - from them. As she was created bit by bit from the gems, Brahma named her Tilottama and directed her to seduce the asura brothers to the extent that she would become an issue of contention between them.<ref name="adi" />		The devas and seers sought refuge with Brahma. Brahma then ordered the divine architect [[Vishvakarma]] to create a beautiful woman. Vishvakarma collected all that was beautiful from the three worlds (Svarga, earth, [[Patala]]) and all the gems of the world and created an alluring woman - with unrivalled beauty - from them. As she was created bit by bit from the gems, Brahma named her Tilottama and directed her to seduce the asura brothers to the extent that she would become an issue of contention between them.<ref name="adi" />

Line 33:		Line 33:

	=== Enchantress of the devas ===		=== Enchantress of the devas ===
	The Mahabharata (Book 1: Adi Parva) narrates: Though Brahma was unaffected by Tilottama's beauty, the other devas were spell-bound by her beauty. Initially, [[Shiva]] and Indra remain unperturbed,<ref name="adi" /><ref name="collins">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pQNi6kAGJQ4C&dq=shiva+Tilottama&pg=PA86\|title=The Iconography and Ritual of Siva at Elephanta: On Life, Illumination, and Being\|first=Charles Dillard\|last=Collins\|date=1 January 1988\|publisher=SUNY Press\|isbn=9780887067747\|via=Google Books}}</ref> however, so great was the desire of the great god Shiva (referred to as "Sthanu" - the firm one) to see her, ~~ahead of~~ developed on both his sides and back of his head as she [[pradakshina\|circumambulated]] him as a mark of reverence. The king of Svarga, [[Indra]], however, developed thousand red eyes on his body to see her.<ref name="adi" /><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01214.htm\|title=The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Rajya-labha Parva: Section CCXIII\|website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref> Another legend describes sage [[Gautama Maharishi\|Gautama]] cursing Indra for seducing his wife [[Ahalya]]. Gautama decreed that Indra would develop a thousand vaginas on his body, but they change to thousand eyes once Indra lays his eyes on Tiliottama.<ref name="wendy" />		The Mahabharata (Book 1: Adi Parva) narrates: Though Brahma was unaffected by Tilottama's beauty, the other devas were spell-bound by her beauty. Initially, [[Shiva]] and Indra remain unperturbed,<ref name="adi" /><ref name="collins">{{Cite book\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pQNi6kAGJQ4C&dq=shiva+Tilottama&pg=PA86\|title=The Iconography and Ritual of Siva at Elephanta: On Life, Illumination, and Being\|first=Charles Dillard\|last=Collins\|date=1 January 1988\|publisher=SUNY Press\|isbn=9780887067747\|via=Google Books}}</ref> however, so great was the desire of the great god Shiva (referred to as "Sthanu" - the firm one) to see her, a head developed on both his sides and back of his head as she [[pradakshina\|circumambulated]] him as a mark of reverence. The king of Svarga, [[Indra]], however, developed thousand red eyes on his body to see her.<ref name="adi" /><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01214.htm\|title=The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Rajya-labha Parva: Section CCXIII\|website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref> Another legend describes sage [[Gautama Maharishi\|Gautama]] cursing Indra for seducing his wife [[Ahalya]]. Gautama decreed that Indra would develop a thousand vaginas on his body, but they change to thousand eyes once Indra lays his eyes on Tiliottama.<ref name="wendy" />

	Another tale in the Mahabharata (Book 13) narrates that Tilottama comes to tempt Shiva. Eager to see her as she circumambulated him, Shiva developed four visible faces, another interpretation states that Shiva revealed himself to Tilottama as the five ''[[Brahman]]''s, with his five faces (4 visible, 1 invisible). The east face signifying his sovereignty over the world, the north face to sport with Parvati, the west to ensure the happiness of creatures; the south face, to destroy the universe and the fifth face was invisible as it was beyond the comprehension of Tilottama.<ref name = "collins"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=HQvbJDacNDMC&q=tilottama+Encyclopaedia&pg=PA116 Of The Saivism, Volume 1 By Swami P. Anand, Swami Parmeshwaranand] p. 116</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m13/m13b106.htm\|title=The Mahabharata, Book 13: Anusasana Parva: Section CXLI\|website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref> Another legend from the ''[[Purana]]s'' says Brahma created Tilottama and was aroused by her. He makes five heads in order to see her and then sends her to [[Mount Kailash]], the abode of Shiva, to pay her obeisance to him. Shiva glances at her but avoids carefully looking at her as his consort [[Parvati]] was seated beside him. As Tilottama circumambulated Shiva, he develops a head in each direction to see her. The divine sage [[Narada]] taunts Parvati, "You can imagine what Shiva is thinking about this woman who is reviled by wise men". Agitated, Parvati covers Shiva's eyes with her hands submerging the universe in darkness. Shiva then develops the third eye to bring light to the universe.<ref name="wendy">{{cite book\|last=O'Flaherty\|first=Wendy Doniger\|authorlink=Wendy Doniger\|title=Śiva, the erotic ascetic\|year=1981\|publisher=Oxford University Press US\|pages=84–6, 294–5}}</ref>		Another tale in the Mahabharata (Book 13) narrates that Tilottama comes to tempt Shiva. Eager to see her as she circumambulated him, Shiva developed four visible faces, another interpretation states that Shiva revealed himself to Tilottama as the five ''[[Brahman]]''s, with his five faces (4 visible, 1 invisible). The east face signifying his sovereignty over the world, the north face to sport with Parvati, the west to ensure the happiness of creatures; the south face, to destroy the universe and the fifth face was invisible as it was beyond the comprehension of Tilottama.<ref name = "collins"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=HQvbJDacNDMC&q=tilottama+Encyclopaedia&pg=PA116 Of The Saivism, Volume 1 By Swami P. Anand, Swami Parmeshwaranand] p. 116</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m13/m13b106.htm\|title=The Mahabharata, Book 13: Anusasana Parva: Section CXLI\|website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref> Another legend from the ''[[Purana]]s'' says Brahma created Tilottama and was aroused by her. He makes five heads in order to see her and then sends her to [[Mount Kailash]], the abode of Shiva, to pay her obeisance to him. Shiva glances at her but avoids carefully looking at her as his consort [[Parvati]] was seated beside him. As Tilottama circumambulated Shiva, he develops a head in each direction to see her. The divine sage [[Narada]] taunts Parvati, "You can imagine what Shiva is thinking about this woman who is reviled by wise men". Agitated, Parvati covers Shiva's eyes with her hands submerging the universe in darkness. Shiva then develops the third eye to bring light to the universe.<ref name="wendy">{{cite book\|last=O'Flaherty\|first=Wendy Doniger\|authorlink=Wendy Doniger\|title=Śiva, the erotic ascetic\|year=1981\|publisher=Oxford University Press US\|pages=84–6, 294–5}}</ref>