Dress Code to apply in Shri Raj Rajeshwar and Shri Vitthal Mandir, Akola, Maharashtra

Notice displayed on boards against entry in unsuitable attire !

(Dress Code for temples means rules for wearing clothes while visiting a temple)

Akola (Maharashtra) – It has been decided to follow a Dress Code in some of the temples in Akola as has been earlier done in Amaravati. Notice boards about the Dress Code have been put up in Shri Raj Rajeshwar Temple, the worshipped Deity of the locals, and in the ancient, 319-year-old Shri Vitthal Mandir in the old city. The notice on the board says, ‘Entry in body-exposing attire is prohibited in the temple. Please have ‘darshan’ in ‘sattvik’ attire, following Indian culture.’

The devout Hindus feel that the sanctity, auspiciousness, decorum, and culture of temples should be protected. A Dress Code is implemented even in Government offices, besides other religious places, prayer houses, private companies, schools, colleges, Courts, Police departments, etc.  ‘Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’ had demanded dress code for temples, a few days ago.

Views of trustees

Gajanan Ghonge, a Trustee, Shri Raj Rajeshwar Sansthan – A letter was received from social and devout Hindu organisations regarding the Dress Code, and the decision on the Dress Code has been taken after discussions with the Board of Trustees. Devotees are expected to follow the Dress Code, but nobody will be deprived of having ‘darshan’ due to attire.

Ramesh Alkari, a Trustee, Shri Vitthal-Rakhumai Sanstha – It is necessary to preserve Indian culture, maintain sanctity, so also, respect others’ sentiments. A temple is a holy place and not a tourist place. The sanctity of temples has to be maintained; therefore, Dress Code has been implemented in the temple.

Editorial Viewpoint

All temple trustees in Maharashtra should keep this example as an ideal.