According to the National Commission of Women, over 2.5 lakh girls, most of whom belong to the Dalit communities, are dedicated to temples in the Maharashtra-Karnataka border. Photo: Sindhuja Parthasarathy
The community makes a compelling plea to State Governments to tighten enforcement and rehabilitate Devadasis. An increase in the monthly pension and implementation of welfare schemes are some of the critical first steps. Photo: Sindhuja Parthasarathy
Some women have walked out to eke out a living as agricultural labourers, making less than Rs. 20 a day. Their children look emaciated and malnourished; education and a regular job are distant dreams. Photo: Sindhuja Parthasarathy
Durgamma ran up to my autorickshaw shouting “I’m also Devadasi; shoot me, shoot me.” Her naive vulnerability was in stark contrast to the complex, perplexing image I had of the contemporary Devadasi. She was married at the age of 10, even before puberty, to goddess Yellama. She was forced to sleep with her maternal uncle and pushed into prostitution. Photo: Sindhuja Parthasarathy
During the annual festival at Saundatti, the elaborate Devarige biduvudu, dedication to the deity, is conducted, where jogathis (female) and jogappas (male) are initiated in the service of Yellamma. It is marked by Muttu kattuvudu, in which beads from the goddess’s necklace are tied around the girl’s neck. Photo: Sindhuja Parthasarathy
Jayamma has six children to take care of, one of whom is mentally challenged. Frequent abortions and children born with congenital diseases are common. These children too are dedicated to the goddess. Photo: Sindhuja Parthasarathy
Mariamma is inconsolable. Her name doesn’t figure in the Karnataka government survey conducted to identify Devadasis over the age of 45 for the monthly pension of Rs. 400. Meagre as it is, the pension hasn’t reached the larger part of the community. Photo: Sindhuja Parthasarathy
Uligamma doesn't believe Yellama will come to her rescue. She has seen too many Devadasis dying of poverty and sexually transmitted diseases. She has made up her mind to educate her grandchildren. Photo: Sindhuja Parthasarathy
Mudamma’s parents vowed to dedicate their first child to Huligamma, if it were a girl. This is a common practice when there are no sons in the family. While Articles 34 and 35 of the Convention of Rights of the Child call for the State to protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation, organised crime against lower caste children continues with religious sanction. Photo: Sindhuja Parthasarathy