Devadasi
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A devadasi is a woman dedicated to the worship of a temple's patron god. The dedication takes place in a ceremony that is somewhat similar to a marriage ceremony. They have been variously described as
Devadasi named Gnyana of Tanjore, 19th century
Vellayi Gopuram in Srirangam; one of the temple gateways named after devadasi Vellayi in 14th century.
Sacred prostitution
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Sacred prostitution, temple prostitution, cult prostitution, and religious prostitution are purported rites consisting of paid intercourse performed in the context of religious worship, possibly as a
Devadasi
…and learn and practice classical Indian dances such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and Odissi, but also as de facto sex slaves forced into temple prostitution. Between the sixth and thirteenth centuries, Devadasis had a high rank and dignity in society and were exceptionally affluent as they were seen as the…
Inanna/Ishtar, Mesopotamian goddess of sex and fertility, depicted on a ceremonial vase
Inanna depicted wearing the ceremonial headdress of the high priestess
Complex of Cancho Roano, Spain, a proposed place of temple prostitution