Wherefore, in accordance with the method of concealment, the truly sacred Word, truly divine and most necessary for us, deposited in the shrine of truth, was by the Egyptians indicated by what were called among them Adyta, and by the Hebrews by the veil.
"Esoteric Christianity, or The Lesser Mysteries"
Annie Besant
It is said to have arisen from the following three considerations: 1. These people are concentrated in their professions; 2. They must see and touch strange women at the shrines; and 3. The shrines are "Harim," or sacred, having Adyta which are kept secret from the prying eyes of men, and, therefore, should be served by eunuchs.
"Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Madinah and Meccah"
Sir Richard Francis Burton