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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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..
o Your generosity will directly impact
the lives of these women, ensuring they have the means to sustain their
families, support their education, and break the cycle of economic difficulty.