INTRODUCTION :
Devadasis are the great dance performers who used to live in the temples, by following lifelong celibacy, with dedication and devotion on the almighty. They are considered as the divine mothers, who used to sincerely worship the deities, and would pray for the wellness of the people. They are selfless women, who are considered as the special creations of the god. They also would heal the diseases, black magic problems and mental illness of the people by praying to the god.
But some people are considering the noble devadasis in a different manner. The term DEVADASI, means “SERVANT TO THE GOD”, and they are not considered as the servant to the mankind. They are humble, kind hearted and sweet natured ladies, who are having good manners, and are having the powers even to change the fate of the people. In general, all the Devadasi ladies are considered as the incarnations of Ma Parashakti, and by reciting the word “DEVADASI” we can feel great sanctity in our mind.
The Devadasi women were experts in Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi dance, and they usually perform dance concerts in the temples before the deities, and sometimes the Kings and the wealthy landlords would watch their dance performance, and would appreciate their talents. Most of the Kings and the rich people considered them as their own daughters and treated them in a proper manner.
During the time of British rule, Devadasis were not given much importance, and most of them left their temple jobs and become freelance artists. During the year 1988, the Devadasi system was totally abolished. As per ancient tradition, dance and music performances are very essential in the temples, similar to daily puja and abhishekham, and the presence of Devadasis in the temples are very important. But due to the changing life style and due to the wrong outlook of the people, the system was stopped. The great King Rajaraja Chola who built the Brahadeeshwara Temple at Thanjavur had appointed hundreds of devadasis in the temple, in order to glorify the god through their dance concerts. He treated them as his own daughters, provided rich food, and presented many gifts as a token of showing his gratitude to the divine ladies.
He was a man of good behaviour, and Lord Shiva used to show his divine appearance in his dreams. But instead of knowing about his true history, some people are talking badly about him, and it wounds millions and millions of Shiva devotees. Before criticising a particular individual they should thoroughly read about their life history, and then only they should talk about them in front of the public gathering. According to legend, for some Devadasis, Lord Shiva had appeared in their dream as Nataraja, and taught the different forms of Bharatanatyam dance to them.
Let us worship the holy Devadasis as our divine mother Adiparashakti Devi, and be blessed.
“OM”
SENT BY
R.HARISHANKAR
