Bhubaneswar: Administration of Temple Shree Jagannath (SJTA) in Puri on Monday forbade servants from wearing Western casuals such as jeans, T-shirts and shorts while offering prayers in the Sanctum Sanctorum from the 12th century Temple of October 21.
They actually asked dressed in traditional clothes such as Dhoti, Gamcha or Kurta Pajamas.
In the first phase, the dress code will only apply in two locations – Sanctum Sanctorum and Bhitara Kathain – from the temple.
Furthermore, traditional Indian usage will be mandatory for servants everywhere in a large place from the main temple and 136 subsidiaries.
The same traditional dress code will be adopted for employees from the Jagannath Temple administration starting 5.
November, stakeholders will be consulted before introducing a dress code for worshipers in the future, said Temple officials.
The servants have been wearing Dhoti only while doing daily rituals at the temple.
Many of them often enter the temple in jeans and casual to see a glimpse of God several times a day.
“We have observed that there was a rigorous dress code in different temples throughout the country.
Initially, we will introduce traditional dress codes for other temple servants and staff.
Then, we can think of the dress code for worshipers,” Krishhan Kumar, the main administrator SJTA, said.
He added that a broader goal was to promote the atmosphere of spirituality and service in the residence of religion.
“We often see people coming with jeans and shorts to give prayer.
We want to change it,” Kumar said.
It must be noted that the Chairman of India Judge Cji N V Ramana on September 25 visited Jagannath’s temple wearing traditional clothes while officials, who accompanied him, were formal.
Welcoming moving, worshipers said the temple government should at least provide an adequate dressing room around the temple for them.
“Planting the dress code for worshipers is praised.
It would be convenient for locals and tourists staying at the hotel.
But for many worshipers, visiting the temple for several hours, the dressing room is a must,” Tanmay Subudhi, said worshipers from Rourkela.