Guest Author - Preena Deepak Music and dance rituals were an
important aspect of temple worship in ancient India. In this
pretext it was also a common Hindu tradition to dedicate or
commission young girls to gods. These girls called ‘Devadasis’
were then separated from their families and trained in music,
dance and a unique lifestyle within temple gates unlike their
counterparts outside. Their life was from then on, one of
service to the gods. When a Devadasi attained puberty, she was
married to the deity in a religious ceremony. From then on she
would become a temple prostitute. Indian temples always had the
patronage of Kings who ruled the country and in many instances
devadasis became the concubines of the kings. In other cases,
devadasis lived with their patron who provided them with
property and wealth. Marriage was forbidden for Devadasis who
were eternally bound to the deity. However Devadasis became
available to anyone who was able to ‘afford’ their keep. The
word ‘Devadasi’ means ‘Servant of God’. Th