Parasmani Debi (alternatively spelled Parasmani, Parasmani Devi), was the last devadasi or mahari of Shri Jagannath Temple and “human consort” of the Lord Jagannath.[1] Parasmani came from a poor family and was initiated into service at the temple when she was a young ago. She was an accomplished classical musician and singer who later became a singer on Indian radio. She died on July 10, 2021.[2][3]
Parasmani Debi | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Origin | Jagannath Temple |
| Died | 10 July 2021 Puri District, Odisha, India |
| Genres | Odissi music |
| Occupations | Devadasi,Singer,Odissi dancer |
Early life
editParasmani does not remember who her parents were, only that she was adopted by devadasi Kundamani Devi when she was very young.[4] Kundamani Devi was her first teacher, she began learning odissi dance and playing the accordion at the age of seven.[5] Later, she studied odissi music with the famous musician and singer Singhari Shyamsundar Kar.[6]
Career
editParasmani began her artistic career as a devadasi. She joined Gahani Samprada, a singing group centered around devadasi.Parasmani is a bhitar gayani devadasi whose duty is to sing before the idols until late at night, with the aim of putting the gods to sleep. She also participate in sacrificial ceremonies at temples.[7][8]With her sweet voice and excellent skills, she then entered the world of radio in India. She became known for singing mainly odissi songs and bhajan on Indian radio.[9]
Personal life
editParasmani spent her later years serving the gods at the temple. She remained unmarried and devout throughout her life. She stated she would not adopt any girls, not wanting them to suffer without marriage and shelter. Parasmani lived in poverty in her later years; she was entitled to a monthly pension of 2,500 rupees, but it was always delayed or arrears were paid. She rented a small house in the Basli Sahi district of Puri for 700 rupees a month.Parasmani continued to sing at the temple in her later years; although the devadasi system had long since disappeared, married women still sought her blessings, hoping not to become widows. Later, due to her advanced age, she was unable to continue reciting the Geeta Govinda. In 2010, she was forced to stop serving at the temple due to health reasons.[10][11][12] On July 10, 2021, Parasmani died in her sleep; her funeral was arranged by her adopted son, Prasanna Kumar Das.[13]
References
edit- ↑ "Jagannath temple's last 'devadasi' Parasmani Devi dies at 90". devdiscourse. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
- ↑ "Parasmani, last surviving 'Devadasi' of Shree Jagannatha Temple, no more". Sambadenglish. 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
- ↑ "Puri temple's last Devadasi Parasmani passes away at 92". New Indian Express. 11 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ↑ "India – Last Surviving & Elderly Devadasis of Temple Diety". Wunrn. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
- ↑ "Jagannath Temple's last 'devadasi' Parasmani Devi dies at 90". New Indian Express. 10 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ↑ "Puri temple's last Devadasi Parasmani passes away at 92". The New Indian Express. 11 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ↑ "Centuries old Devdasi seva in Sri Jagannath temple ends with Mahari Parasmani's demise". Janam TV English. 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
- ↑ "Jagannath Temple's Last 'Devadasi' Parasmani Devi Dies At 90". Odisha TV. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ↑ "Puri temple's last Devadasi Parasmani passes away at 92". The New Indian Express. 11 July 2021. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ↑ "TEMPLE DECIDES TO CONTINUE BANNED ´DEVADASI´ SYSTEM IN EASTERN INDIA". Ucanews. 16 October 1995.
- ↑ "Last Devadasi of Jagannath temple passes away at 92". India TV News. Retrieved 12 July 2021.
- ↑ "India – Last Surviving & Elderly Devadasis of Temple Diety". Wunrn. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
- ↑ "Jagannath Temple's last 'devadasi' Parasmani Devi dies at 90". Mint. 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.