devadasi Definition
- 1a Hindu religious practice in which girls are 'married' to a deity or temple, and then work as dancers and prostitutes for the temple
- 2a woman who is dedicated to worship and service of a deity in a Hindu temple
Using devadasi: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "devadasi" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The devadasi system was abolished in India in the mid-20th century.
Example
She was born into a family of devadasis and trained in classical dance from a young age.
Example
The devadasi tradition has a long history in South India.
devadasi Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for devadasi
- temple dancer
- sacred prostitute
Phrases with devadasi
the religious practice of dedicating girls to a deity and employing them as temple dancers and prostitutes
Example
The devadasi system was prevalent in South India until it was abolished in the mid-20th century.
Example
She learned devadasi dance from her mother, who was also a temple dancer.
the cultural practice of dedicating girls to a deity and training them in music, dance, and other arts
Example
The devadasi tradition has a rich history in South India, dating back several centuries.
Origins of devadasi
from Sanskrit 'deva' meaning 'god' and 'dasi' meaning 'servant'
Summary: devadasi in Brief
'Devadasi' [dey-vuh-dah-see] refers to a Hindu religious practice in which girls are dedicated to a deity and employed as temple dancers and prostitutes. It also denotes a woman who is dedicated to worship and service of a deity in a Hindu temple. The devadasi system was abolished in India in the mid-20th century, but the tradition has a long history in South India, with devadasi dance being a classical Indian dance style.
