Gandharas

Gandharvas are a class of celestial beings in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, best known for their mastery of music and the arts. They are typically described as male, handsome beings who inhabit the heavenly realms, often associated with Gandharva-loka, a subdivision of Svarga. Their primary attribute is musical skill, including singing and playing instruments such as the veena, with their melodies said to enchant gods, humans, and demons alike.

In Hindu myth, Gandharvas are among the many orders of semi-divine beings that serve the gods and partake in celestial performances. They are frequently linked with the apsaras, the celestial dancers, and are sometimes portrayed as their male counterparts or companions. Prominent Gandharvas, such as Tumburu, are depicted as chief musicians or leaders of the Gandharva host. The myths emphasize their beauty, agility, and artistry rather than martial prowess.

Culturally, the term Gandharva has also entered Hindu legal and social vocabulary. Gandharva vivaha denotes a form of marriage by mutual consent, without parental approval or elaborate ceremony, highlighting a model of union based on love and consent rather than ritual formalities. This concept appears in classical Dharmashastra literature and is discussed in the context of lawful varieties of marriage.

In Buddhist texts, Gandharvas appear as celestial musicians and beings inhabiting the higher realms. They are depicted as benevolent figures associated with music, sometimes appearing in Jataka tales and sutras, where their artistry is part of the rich tapestry of the celestial world.