Two Rituals of the Devadasis in Jagannath's Temple: (Followed by Conclusions in a Confessional Mode)

Abstract

The article "Two Rituals of the Devadasis in Jagannath's Temple" by Frederique Apffel-Marglin examines two distinct rituals performed by the devadasis in the Jagannath Temple in Puri, India. The first, briefly mentioned, is the public dance during the main cooked meal offering, previously discussed elsewhere. The primary focus is on the "Going to Sleep Ritual" (pahuda alati), a private evening ceremony where a devadasi sings songs, primarily from the Gita Govinda, as the deities are prepared for rest. This ritual, deeply rooted in Vaishnava theology, is interpreted as symbolizing the erotic union of the divine, particularly the "stolen love" (parakiya bhava) between Krishna and the Gopis, which contrasts with marital love and is seen as leading to a higher, ego-less devotion. The second ritual explored is the "Hidden Ritual" (gupta seba) performed during the Chandan Festival. This secretive dance, performed in darkness for Balabhadra (Jagannath's elder brother), is interpreted as a symbolic seduction of an ascetic, aiming to evoke rain and fertility, drawing parallels to ancient Indian narratives of ascetics and courtesans. The article highlights the complex interplay of Shakta and Vaishnava influences, gender roles, and the symbolic significance of these performances for well-being and renewal.