MATHANGI (DEVADASI)

The Devadasi (Mathamma) cult in the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP) is a historical and complex practice that has deep roots in the region’s religious, social, and cultural traditions. The Devadasi (Mathamma) system traditionally involved the consecration of young girls, who were dedicated to the service of deities in temples. While the system has been largely outlawed in India, particularly in the 1980s, its influence still lingers in certain regions, including Tirupati district in AP.

Understanding the Devadasi (Mathamma) Cult:

1. Devadasi (Mathamma) Tradition:

o  The word "Devadasi (Mathamma)" literally means "servant of God" in Sanskrit, signifying the dedication of young girls (usually from impoverished or marginalized backgrounds) to the service of a temple deity.

o  Historically, Devadasi (Mathamma)s were girls who were ceremonially "married" to a god or goddess, particularly in temples. They were responsible for performing religious rituals, singing, dancing, and maintaining the temple premises.

o  The Devadasi (Mathamma) system was rooted in ancient temple practices, particularly in the Tamil and Telugu-speaking regions, and the tradition spread across southern India. In AP, it had strong cultural and religious significance in places like Tirupati, Srikalahasti and other temple towns.

2. Role of Devadasi (Mathamma)s in Temples:

o  The Devadasi (Mathamma)s played a central role in temple activities. They were highly trained in classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Odissi, and would perform in front of deities during festivals, rituals, and other temple functions.

o  Their role was not just confined to performance; they were also seen as custodians of temple traditions, ensuring that religious ceremonies were performed in a prescribed manner.

o  The temple was viewed as their spiritual home, and they were often highly respected within the religious community.

3. Social and Cultural Context in Tirupati:

o  Tirupati, a major pilgrimage destination and the site of the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, has a significant historical connection to the Devadasi (Mathamma) system. This temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, is one of the most prominent temples in India, and its rituals, music, and dance have historically been central to temple culture.

o  In Tirupati, Devadasi (Mathamma)s were primarily dedicated to the Tirumala temple and other smaller temples in the region. They performed temple dances (often as part of the Bharatanatyam tradition) and sang devotional songs to honor the deity.

o  Over time, some Devadasi (Mathamma)s in this region were also seen as women of high cultural and artistic standing, although their lives were often marked by social challenges.

4. Decline and Abolition:

o   The Devadasi (Mathamma) system began to decline during the British colonial period, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when reform movements and social activists, such as Veerasalingam Pantulu and Rajaji, raised awareness about the exploitation and degradation of women within the system.

o   In the 1940s and 1950s, there was increasing pressure for legal reforms, which culminated in the Devadasi (Mathamma) (Abolition) Act of 1988 in Andhra Pradesh, making the dedication of girls to temples illegal. This act sought to end the exploitation and abuse that Devadasi (Mathamma)s often suffered, including forced prostitution and exploitation by wealthy and powerful individuals.

o   Despite this legal abolition, remnants of the Devadasi (Mathamma) system continue to persist in some rural areas, including Tirupati, where the practice is sometimes clandestinely carried out.

5. Modern-Day Issues and Legacy:

o   Even though the formal dedication of girls to temples has largely ceased, the Devadasi (Mathamma) system’s legacy remains in the form of social stigmas, economic exploitation, and the perpetuation of caste-based practices.

o   Devadasi (Mathamma)s today are sometimes seen as women who were once dedicated to temple service but are left without support or resources after the abolition of the system. Many Devadasi (Mathamma)s continue to face economic hardship, marginalization, and lack of social security.

o   In modern-day Tirupati, the cultural and spiritual contributions of the former Devadasi (Mathamma)s to temple music, dance, and rituals are still recognized, but the exploitation and abuses associated with the practice have led to a shift in perception.

6. MARGADARSHI (NGO) Intervention and Rehabilitation Efforts:

o   After the abolition of the Devadasi (Mathamma) system, MARGADARSHI NGO along with the government and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has been working to rehabilitate former Devadasi (Mathamma)s and provide them with educational opportunities, vocational training, and social support to help them reintegrate into society.

o   Efforts have been made to empower women, offering alternative livelihoods and social security schemes to prevent exploitation and abuse.

7. Current Status of Mathammas:

o   In Tirupati, the Devadasi (Mathamma) system is no longer an open or institutionalized practice, but its cultural and historical traces can still be found. The contributions of former Devadasi (Mathammas), especially in the temple traditional performance, continue to be appreciated in the region.

o   In the modern era, the focus has shifted towards preserving the traditional art forms while ensuring the dignity and empowerment of women in the region. Efforts are ongoing to address the historical exploitation that was part of the Devadasi (Mathamma) system.

8. Support sought:

o   We request your support to help us provide these women with the necessary tools, materials, and guidance to start their own tailoring businesses. By doing so, we can significantly improve their quality of life, reduce their dependency on low-wage jobs, and contribute to the social and economic upliftment of former Child Mathas in Tirupati..