201. A life of perpetual pleasure

Half-human and half-bird, they are mentioned in both Buddhist as well as Hindu mythology where they are depicted as paradigmatic lovers and celestial musicians.

Their character is clarified in the Adi parva of the Mahabharata, where they say: We are everlasting lover and beloved. We never separate. We are eternally husband and wife; never do we become mother and father. No offspring is seen in our lap. We are lover and beloved ever-embracing. In between us we do not permit any third creature demanding affection. Our life is a life of perpetual pleasure.

The monthly magazine of Thai Airways is named after the female form of these mythological creatures. In Indonesia, a male-female coupled pair is often depicted guarding the mythical Kalpataru.

Identify.