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Unlike other parts of India, the devadasis of the Jagannath temple complex in the eastern state of Orissa have never practised prostitution, and have been expected to remain celibate from the time they became devadasis.

Devadasi is a name given to a group of women who danced in the temple premises.

The word devadasi or mahari means " those great women who can control natural human impulses, their five senses and can submit themselves completely to God ( Vachaspati ).

" Mahari means Mohan Nari that is, the woman belonging to God.

Sri Chaitanayadev had defined devadasis as ' Sebaets ' who served God through dance and music.

Pankaj Charan Das, the oldest Guru of Odissi classical dance, who comes from a Mahari family, explains Mahari as Maha Ripu-Ari ( one who conquers the five main ripus-enemies ).