Devadiga (Sanskrit: देवाडिगः, romanized: Dēvāḍiga), also known as Moily or Sherigar, is a Hindu community or caste traditionally associated with temple service and musicianship in Hindu temples. The community is primarily native to the coastal region stretching between Karwar in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala, with additional populations in parts of Maharashtra, Shivamogga, and Chikmagalur.
Etymology
The term "Devadiga" is derived from deva (deity) and adiga (servant), meaning "servant of God" or "attendant upon an idol." The 1894 Kittel's Kannada-English Dictionary defines the word as "an attendant upon an idol; a caste."
Demography
The community comprises two main divisions: Kannada Devadiga (Moily) and Tulu Devadiga (Moily), which were historically endogamous. Tulu Devadigas speak Tulu, while Kannada Devadigas speak Kannada. In Kerala, members also speak Malayalam.
History
According to colonial-era ethnographer H. A. Stuart, the Devadigas were established as temple servants during the reign of Mayura Varma, who built numerous temples and ordained that Brahmans would perform only the puja (worship), while Stanika Brahmins and Devadigas would perform other temple services. The Devadigas are Vaishnavites, and Tulu Brahmans serve as their priests.
Social System
The Tulu Devadiga traditionally follow a matrilineal inheritance system (Aliya Kattu), while Kannada Devadigas follow a patrilineal system (Makkala Kattu). Eight matrilineal clans (bari) have been identified, including Kundarannaya, Saliyannaya, Bangerannaya, Kajjannaya, Kariannaya, Bhuthiannaya, Gujjarannaya, and Kochatabettannaya. The community practices group endogamy and clan exogamy.
Religion and Culture
Devadigas profess Hinduism and worship family deities such as Kallutty, Guliga, Panjurily, and others, as well as major Hindu deities including Venkataramana, Rama, Krishna, Shiva, and Durga Parameshwari. Their major sacred centers include Kashi, Tirupati, Dharmastala, and Sringeri. The Kula Devata (clan deity) of Devadigas of Barkur Hobli is Shree Ekanatheshwari at Barkur, a temple dating to the Alupa rule.
Traditional Occupation
Devadigas traditionally served as temple musicians, playing instruments such as the kettle-drum (Nagari), barrel drum (Chende), and double drums (Mourii). A notable ritual role involves the "official temple Spirit" — dancing with a sword while shivering in front of the chief deity during the deity's processional rounds (bali or bali barpini). Additional duties include cleaning, lighting oil lamps, and general temple maintenance.
Administration
The traditional caste council, headed by a Gurikara, settles disputes within the community. The Devadiga Sudaraka Sangha is a caste association that looks after the welfare of the group.
