Dress code Implemented in over 500 Karnataka temples

Success to Karnataka Temple-Muth and Religious Institutions Federation’s efforts

(Dress Code refers to the clothing guidelines within the temple premises)

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – To preserve the sanctity, traditions and culture of temples, the ‘Karnataka Temple-Muth and Religious Institutions Federation’ has decided to implement a dress code in line with Indian culture. Dress code will be implemented in over 500 temples across Karnataka, including 50 temples in Bengaluru. The coordinator of the federation, Mr Mohan Gowda, informed this during a press conference held at the Shri Lakshmi Venkataramana Swamy temple in Vasanthnagar, Bengaluru. An appeal to maintain the purity of temples and to adhere to the Indian culture and dress code was made to the devotees during the press. A signboard with this appeal has also been installed at the entrance of the temple. Mr Nagesh Babu, Secretary of Vasavi temple; Mr Pradeep Kumar, Trustee of Shri Anjaneya temple, Shivajinagar; Mr Venkatachaliah, State President of the Priests’ Association; Dr B.N. Mahesh Kumar, Secretary of the All-India Organisation of Purohit Karmika Parishad and Mr Sharath, the Bengaluru coordinator of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti were present in the press conference. Previously, during a State-level meeting of the federation held in Bengaluru on 16th and 17th December 2023, a resolution regarding the dress code for temples was unanimously passed and the implementation process has started in temples across the State.

Mr Mohan Gowda stated that, along with Bengaluru, a widespread campaign will be conducted to create awareness among devotees for implementing the dress code in all temples across Karnataka. Comparatively speaking, Indian attire is spiritually purer and more dignified than western clothing. Wearing Indian clothes will enhance our culture and instill pride (of the Hindu culture) in the younger generation. Additionally, this initiative will boost the traditional garment manufacturing industry and strengthen the rural economy. If we wish to imbibe spiritual purity in temples to a greater extent, it is essential that our behaviour and attire be spiritually pure.