तिलोत्तमा
Tilottama is an Apsara in Indra’s court, known for her extraordinary beauty. Her name is derived from “Tila,” which means sesame seeds in Sanskrit, as she was created from sesame seeds by the divine architect Vishwakarma, following the advice of Lord Brahma. Tilottama’s creation was intended to serve a higher purpose, as her beauty played a key role in the downfall of the powerful demons Sunda and Upasunda, who were mesmerized by her and killed each other in their desire for her, thus restoring peace among the gods.
Connection to Other Entities and Stories:
| Character | Relation to Tilottama | Role in Mythology |
|---|---|---|
| Indra | King of the Devas, in whose court Tilottama resides | Ruler of the heavens, often employing Apsaras for divine interventions |
| Vishwakarma | Creator of Tilottama | The divine architect, who fashioned her from sesame seeds |
| Sunda and Upasunda | Asura brothers destroyed due to Tilottama’s beauty | Their mutual love for Tilottama led to their downfall |
| Brahma | Advised Tilottama’s creation | Advised Vishwakarma to create her for a divine purpose |
Themes in the Story:
- Beauty and Divine Intervention: Tilottama’s beauty serves as a divine instrument to bring about the downfall of evil forces, showcasing how beauty in Hindu mythology can be a force of cosmic balance.
- Destruction of Evil: The story of Sunda and Upasunda illustrates the common theme of asuras (demons) being overcome by their own desires, allowing the cosmic order to be restored through divine intervention.
Tilottama’s creation and role reflect the power of divine beauty and cosmic justice, with her story being part of the larger theme of how the gods maintain balance in the universe.