Temple dress code evokes mixed reactions

The decision of the Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple, Mysuru Road, to impose a dress code on devotees, especially women, has evoked mixed reactions. The temple says women should not wear modern outfits - jeans, skirts, mini-skirts, shorts and sleeveless tops.

As per the dress code, women devotees should wear saris with blouses or churidar with proper dupattas. Girls aged under 12 can wear gowns up to their feet. Men are supposed to wear dhoti or trousers and shirt with or without a shalya.

The temple, however, would not stop the entry of devotees who do not conform to the dress code. Hayagreeva Achar, a member of the temple trust, said: "We will let them in but we will tell them they should follow the dress code while visiting the temple again."

He said the dress code was similar to that prevalent in other places. "Don't we wear a suit while meeting the Governor or the President? We make sure to look good and this is also like that. Instead of wearing ripped jeans, why can't people wear our traditional clothes while visiting temples," he asked.

People have given mixed reactions to the dress code.

Muktha Ghattadahalli, of Chamarajpet, said: "The idea of God has nothing to do with the dress code or the size of a bindi. God is something which people believe in irrespective of different cultures."

Mohit Kumar, a student, said. "It is good to have a dress code in temples as that helps in bringing in a sense of devotion."