In its simplest form, a devadasi is a girl in India who is dedicated to a particular god or goddess for her entire life. While this is a part of the story, it’s not everything. Though illegal, girls in India who serve as devadasis are expected to perform sexual favours around town. They are prostitutes, giving the money they receive as a gift to their god.
From a young age
Devadasis begin their service at a young age, continuing their work far into adulthood and even passing responsibilities down to the next generation. For Haida, life as a devadasi began when she was just seven years old.
Her family worshipped a goddess called Yellamma, and Haida was taught that it was her duty to serve this goddess in any way possible. So, while her peers went off to school, Haida was pushed into temple prostitution by her mom. As the true devadasi meaning gradually unfolded, Haida had nowhere to run.
Young adult
By the time she was a young adult, Haida had two daughters by two different men. She did everything she could to provide for her children, labouring outside in the heat from dawn to dusk for income since her earnings as a devadasi went to the temple. Having been forced to sacrifice her education to serve the goddess, Haida was illiterate and therefore couldn’t find a better-paying job.
It took everything she had to provide for her daughters. Haida’s worries about their future spun out of control, and she could find no way out. Haida was prepared to take drastic measures to prevent her future generations from entering devadasi life.
God was at work
And yet, even when life was at its very worst, God was at work. The Holy Spirit prompted Haida’s Christian relative, Raheema, to pay a visit to Haida on the very day that Haida had planned to end her life. She shared the hope of the Gospel and walked Haida through positive ways to move forward, starting with an invitation to the Adult Literacy Class she was attending herself, just down the street.
Beyond gaining literacy skills, Haida participated in special training that taught her how to make products and she even discovered how to save money for future needs.
Jesus – the one true God
As she learned these life-changing lessons, Haida also came to understand more about Jesus through her Adult Literacy teacher’s guidance. Haida was overwhelmed by the Word of God and recognised the truth of Christ. Haida ultimately received Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. Knowing Him to be the one true God, she pushed aside all devotion to Yellamma—and she left her work as a devadasi.
Haida now sees herself as worthy. She knows she was created in God’s image and that He loves her deeply. She is sharing about Jesus with her daughters and attends a local worshipping group with them, transforming the next generation of her family. Finally, Haida is free.
(Original story has been shortened)
Source: Mission India
