Maharashtra: 'Dress code' imposed for devotees at these temples in Nagpur

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• May 27, 2023 | Dhupali Das

In an unprecedented move, a "Vastra Samhita" or dress code has been implemented at four temples in Maharashtra's Nagpur district...

Digital Desk: In an unprecedented move, a "Vastra Samhita" or dress code has been implemented at four temples in Maharashtra's Nagpur district. It has been implemented from Friday (May 26, 2023) at the Gopalkrishna temple in Dhantoli, Sankatmochan Panchmukhi Hanuman temple in Bellori (Saoner), Brihaspati temple in Kanolibara, and Durgamata temple in Nagpur's Hilltop area. 

The matter of dress code in places of worship made headlines earlier this month when the state's famous Tulja Bhavani temple tried to regulate how visiting worshippers dressed before withdrawing the order.

Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangha coordinator Sunil Ghanwat told reporters that the Maharashtra temple federation has issued a "Vastra Samhita" for temples across the state. 

Wearing 'objectionable' clothing is prohibited for devotees

Devotees should not wear "objectionable" clothes, he said, adding that the decision was made following a meeting of the Maharashtra Temple Trust Council in Jalgaon, north Maharashtra, in February.

The decision was made to maintain the sanctity of temples

"The primary goal is to protect the sanctity of temples. Many temples have such codes," Ghanwat claimed.

Ghanwat also stated that he will request Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to enforce the rule in government-controlled temples.