Deva-Dāsīs. A class of women who in Hindu practice were dedicated to the service of the temple and were held to be married to the particular god associated with it. The term means literally "slave of the god" In early times they seem to have been expected to be models of devout propriety, but later they appear to have become temple prostitutes available to the priests of the temple and in some regions of India to any of the temple worshippers. Such temple prostitution was especially common in the south of India and survived until comparatively recent times. Girls destined for this purpose might be drawn from any caste. They were taught from childhood the traditional dances and were generally trained in other arts such as the playing of a musical instrument and in reading and writing. They had a recognized place in society, partly because of their liberal giving to deserving causes, and took a place at public and official ceremonies at which other women were not admitted.

Geddes MacGregor, Dictionary of Religion and Philosophy, New York: Paragon House, 1989