Like all devadasis, Lakshmi was in effect married to the deity, Yellamma. She was expected to carry out rituals at the village temple, and to sing and dance at festivals.
She was invited to all the village's social functions. In this area marriages and house-warmings are incomplete without a devadasis. Evil spirits are said to cling to them, sparing the guests.
But a devadasis's principle occupation - in the eyes of many - is the flesh trade. A concubine may be very different to a prostitute, but that nuance is missed by most.
Easily identifiable by their red beaded necklaces devadasis are a common sight in India's red light districts.
Crispin Thorold BBC News 29 June, 2002
