[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Polity, law and society](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity) › [The World of Courtesans](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973) › c4.51 # The World of Courtesans c4.51 The World of Courtesans c4.51 - **Language:** English ### [c4.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.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. - [Previous: c4.50](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.50) - [Next: c4.52](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.52) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4) ## Cites (1) - [Brahmapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.brahma.40.30) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.51](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.polity.chandra-1973.c4.51) · Pramāṇa