The World of Courtesans c4.51

c4.51

In India, women and religion are inseparable and taking advantage of this, prostitutes began playing an important part in the esoteric rites of the Tantras. They began frequenting the *tirthas* not with a view to gaining salvation for their lost souls but to ensnare rich merchants and bankers. At Devachakra in a kind of Mandala connected with the worship of a god (as enjoined by the Tantras), the part of Sakti or embodiment of the active power of the divinity, is played by five well-known prostitutes: *raja-veshya* (the king's courtesan), *nagari* (a courtesan living with accomplished citizens), *gupta-veshya* (one who followed the profession secretly), *deva-veshya* (temple dancer) and *brahma-veshya* or *tirthaga* who visited holy places. That *tirthagas* actually carried out their profession in holy places is further supported by the *Brahma Purana*, XL. 30-35. While describing the Ekamra Tirtha it is said that important courtesans (*varamukhyah*) endowed with beauty and charm lived there, and were skilled in the arts of dance and music. It is said that the holy influence of the *tirtha* had caused them to give up jealousy, which however, seems doubtful.