Dress code implemented in 47 temples of Ratnagiri District : Sunil Ghanwat

• Includes many famous temples such as Shri Kanakaditya Temple, Shri Mahakali Temple

• Dress code is implemented in 232 temples in Maharashtra till now

Mr Sunil Ghanwat (Centre) 2. Sadguru Satyawan Kadam (3rd from right) and trustee of various temples in the District

Ratnagiri, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Government has implemented dress code in all Government offices in the State in 2020. Not only this, the dress code is applicable in many temples, gurudwaras, churches, mosques and other places of worship, private establishments, schools-colleges, Courts, Police etc. in the country. On the similar lines, meetings were conducted at 11 locations in Ratnagiri District by ‘Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’ to uphold the sanctity, etiquette and cultural values of temples. During these meetings, trustees representing 47 temples in the Ratnagiri District collectively resolved to implement a dress code in accordance with Indian cultural norms within their respective places of worship. Sunil Ghanwat, the coordinator of ‘Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh’, shared this information during a press conference held at ‘Hotel Viva Executive’ here.

Mr Sunil Ghanwat added,

1. To safeguard the sanctity of the temples and uphold Indian cultural values, informational boards have been installed at the entrances of 20 temples in the District. These boards kindly request devotees to refrain from wearing provocative or revealing attire when visiting the temple. Additionally, they emphasise the importance of adhering to Indian cultural norms and encourage cooperation with the temple administration in maintaining the sacred atmosphere. So far, 47 temples in the District have decided to implement the dress code which include Shri Kanakaditya Temple at Kasheli in Rajapur Tehsil, Shri Mahakali Temple at Adiware, Shri Vitthal Ram Panchayatan Temple at Rajapur, Swayambhu Shri Kashi Vishweshwar Devasthan at Ratnagiri, Village Deity Shri Navalaidevi Temple at Nachne, Shriram Temple at Pawas, Famous Village Deity Shri Juna Kalbhairav Temple of Chiplun, Shri Vindhyavasini Temple, Shri Ramvardayini Temple at Majre-Dadar (Daspati).

2. Earlier, the aforementioned resolution was passed in the state level ‘Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad’ held at Jalgaon on 4th & 5th February 2023 for the protection of temples and religious traditions. The ongoing process involves the practical implementation of these guidelines in temples across the state.

3. For several years, a sattvik dress code has been enforced in numerous renowned temples, including the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple of Ujjain, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Shri Grishneshwar Temple in Maharashtra, Shri Kashi-Vishweshwar Temple in Varanasi, Shri Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh, the famous Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, Shri Mata Temple in Kanyakumari. Dress code is also implemented in most of the temples in Goa including big churches like Basilica of Born Jesus and Se Cathedral. The Maharashtra Government has banned Government officials and employees from wearing jeans pants, T-shirts, brightly coloured or embroidered clothes, and slipper footwear. The Madras High Court also accepted that sattvik attire should be worn to enter temples there and implemented the dress code in the state from January 1, 2016. The Court clarified that visiting temples for the darshan of Deity in insufficient or non-traditional clothing cannot be construed as ‘personal freedom’. While individuals have the freedom to choose their attire at home and in public places, a temple is deemed a religious space where conduct should align with Dharma. In such sacred places, adherence to religious principles takes precedence over personal freedom, as emphasized by the Court’s directives.

4. Indian attire is more sattvik and refined when juxtaposed with Western clothing. Wearing Indian clothes will promote our culture and instill self-esteem in the young generation. This shift will provide a significant impetus to the traditional garment manufacturing industry, contributing to its growth in comparison to Western counterparts. Rural economy will be strengthened. If we want to imbibe more sattvik energy from temple visits, our conduct and dress should be sattvik.