திருகோணமலை கோயில் மரபில் பெண்ணடியார்கள் - ஒரு வரலாற்று நோக்கு (Temple Girls in Trincomalee Tradition - A Historical Perspective)

Abstract

Women engaging in temple service have been found since the ancient period. In the tradition of ancient temples in Trincomalee, women known as Maanikathal, and Alathi penkal are prominent. The main objective of this study is to reveal the importance of these women in temple traditions and social and cultural aspects. This research is structured as a historical methodology. There is evidence in inscriptions of the Polonnaruwa period that the Devaradiyar were well-versed in dance and were an important role in the rituals of Trincomalee temples. And also have evidence of donations being made for their work. Some remnants of the historical development of the Devaradiyar tradition, which has a long history and many specialities, can be seen in the Trincomalee temple traditions to date. Nowadays they are doing only circumambulating the Aladi and doing some temple servise. It is worth pointing out that during the Pallavar period, women called Manikkattar were appointed to nurture music and singing. However, nowadays there are doing only hand movement, which can be seen in the festivals of Trincomalee temples. They engage in service in the temples of Thirukoneswaram, Verugal and Tambalagamam. However, it is also noteworthy that these women have changed from dancing to serving as temple servants nowadays. However, it is understood to reflect the influence of the Devaradiyar system, a feature of Chola temple administration in Tamil Nadu.