Meaning of devdasi

devdasi

Language - Sanskrit/Tamil

Tamil Word - தேவடியாள்

A woman dedicated to the service of a temple, often involving dance and music. Example: In historical Tamil Nadu, 'devadasi' women held a respected position in society and were often granted land or other endowments for their services to the temple. The term 'devadasi' literally means 'servant of god' in Sanskrit. Historically, devadasis were women dedicated to the service of a temple, often performing rituals, dances, and music as part of their duties. They held a respected position in society and were often patronized by rulers and wealthy individuals. However, the system also faced exploitation and social stigma in later periods. Understanding the historical role of devadasis is crucial for interpreting social and cultural aspects of historical land documents and temple-related practices in Tamil Nadu.