Fortunate are the ones who can take a call for themselves, unlike Shubhadra who had grown up on borrowed grains. She looked resplendent, dressed head to toe in bridal finery. A bride who shall be envied for being a ‘SadaSuhagan’ for time immemorial. A bride who will be revered and plundered simultaneously. A bride who shall be a concubine to many but a companion to none. Lady of the Lord; married to the Gods- A Devadasi!

Every night she dressed as a bride and consummated her marriage. Her heart sang the song of distress, knowing well that no one would reply....

‘Always remember the bride, you cursed,

Shattered within, plundered on earth.

Her soul is parched, her eyes a dried well,

Alas! I am a bride, who didn’t cry, but died within.’

The author has chosen through her story a tribute to all the women who suffered in silence, this abominable custom of DEVADASI. It was practised extensively in South-East Asia and Southern states of India, for centuries. Though it’s now banned it’s still practiced in its contorted version.

#About the Author

Dr Shweta Mathur Lall is a practicing dentist by profession and a writer at heart. She explicitly expresses herself through words and loves to pen down her thoughts. She has excellent oratory skills and has diligently compered many functions. She loves to travel, explore places and nature in its simplicity.

Background Score/ Music by :Music by GoodBMusic from Pixabay