The Indian Temples And Their Obsession Over Supervising Clothes

Recently, a temple in Shimla imposed restrictions for entry into the premises. Posters across temples prohibiting the entry of those wearing short clothes, half pants, mini skirts, night suits, jeans, frocks, and short clothes inside the temple were put up. The notice read, “All women and men should come to the temple wearing decent clothes. Those wearing short clothes, half pants, Bermuda, mini skirt, night suit, torn jeans, frock and three-quarter jeans etc. should only pay obeisance outside the temple premises.”

Reportedly, the temple is run by Shree Digambar Jain Sabha, Shimla. A priest of the Jain temple shared that the decision came after looking at the changing fashion preferences of women. He further underlined that the decision will bring about discipline and decorum at the temple premises.

Another report suggests that 16 temples in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar also imposed a dress code. Big notice boards were put outside these temples stating that those wearing revealing, provocative, and indecent clothes were not allowed on the temple premises.

A few days back three temples including Daksh Prajapati Temple at Kankhal in Haridwar, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Pauri, and Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dehradun implemented dress codes for women and girls. Taking an idea from some temple or the other introducing these dress codes, temples under different states have been announcing restrictions for entry to the premises.

Netizens Stand Divided

All these reports stating the dress codes put in place by temple authorities have been doing the rounds on the internet and netizens stand divided. While some feel it was a great, much-needed decision, others are questioning the bans, citing that no such dress codes, or restrictions find their mention in Holy books. The first half felt that just like we maintain the decorum of any other place, be it a workplace or club, it is important to follow appropriate clothing at temples too. However, the other half argued how clothing made a difference in the faith of the devotees.

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Spirituality And Clothes: Is There A Connection?

This isn't the first time temples have imposed restrictions on devotees wearing inappropriate clothing. Previously too, many places of worship across religions have introduced dress codes for devotees entering religious places, especially women. However, we wonder if the set of clothes brings about any change in the devotion of the person. It is tricky to say our choice of clothing reflects our belief in the almighty.

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Since most temples highlight that devotees should be entering the premises wearing decent, non-objectionable clothing, we wonder who decides what are the ideal clothes for the devotees. Also, it is interesting to see how always those wearing objectionable fits are held guilty and not those who find them offensive. What's your take? Share with us on our Facebook page.