Pronunciation: [kɪnˈɑːɹə] (IPA) 
The word "kinnara" is spelled with five letters, consisting of two syllables. The first syllable "kinn" is pronounced /ˈkɪn/, with a short "i" sound and a strong "n" at the end. The second syllable "ara" is pronounced /ˈɑːrə/, with a long "a" sound and a weak "r" at the end. In Hindu mythology, a kinnara is a mythical creature that possesses the head and torso of a human and the lower body of a horse or bird.
A kinnara is a mythological creature that originates from Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. It is commonly depicted as a half-bird, half-human creature with the head, torso, and arms of a human, and the wings, tail, and lower body of a bird. In Hindu mythology, kinnaras are believed to be celestial creatures who reside in the Himalayas and possess divine beauty, elegance, and melodious voices.
Kinnaras are often portrayed as heavenly musicians, capable of playing various instruments with extraordinary skill. They have a deep association with music, dance, and poetry, reflecting their joyful and harmonious nature. It is believed that their enchanting melodies can even captivate gods and humans alike.
According to Buddhist legends, kinnaras are considered benevolent beings who symbolize love, kindness, and compassion. They are often depicted as guardians of the Buddhist faith and are said to serve as messengers between celestial realms and the mortal world.
The term "kinnara" is derived from the Sanskrit language, where "kinna" means "what kind of" or "of what sort" and "ara" refers to "one who moves or agitates." The name suggests their nature of being mysterious, ethereal beings with captivating movements and melodies.
In modern times, the term "kinnara" is also used as an aesthetic motif in art, dance, and music, representing beauty, grace, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.
The word "kinnara" has its origins in ancient Indian mythology. It comes from the Sanskrit language, where "kinnara" (किन्नर) refers to a mythical creature that combines features of both humans and birds. In Sanskrit, "kinnara" is derived from the root word "kinnaraḥ" which means "a singer" or "a musician". In various Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain texts, kinnaras are depicted as celestial musicians who possess exceptional singing and instrumental skills. Over time, the term "kinnara" has become synonymous with heavenly musicians in South and Southeast Asian cultures.
