Orissa (Ganjam District)
Wood, with polychrome
A finely carved pair of Devadasis, who were women that were ritually married to the chief deity of the temple Devadasis (servants of God), were temple dancers and musicians. Their traditions were rooted in early literature, sculpture and inscriptions. From the historical period, their role in society and religious ritual was well defined. Devadasis were in service for life because they were ritually married to the main deity of the temple. The institution prevailed all over India, but with greater rigour in south India, till as late as the beginning of the 20th century. From Agamic sources it is learned that they had some specific duties in the temple such as fanning the deity with a chauri, holding and waving the oil lamp during puja and dancing and singing hymns in the temple before the deity.
Individual Sizes (cms): 74 (H) x 33 (W) x 33 (D)
Individual Sizes (inches): 29.1 (H) x 13 (W) x 13 (D)
