Jagannath Temple To Enforce A Dress Code For Devotees

Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri to Implement Dress Code for Devotees Starting January 1, 2024

Written by Sanjay Kumar

News Highlights

Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, to enforce a strict dress code for devotees starting January 1, 2024, to maintain sanctity.
Dress code decision made after some visitors were found in “indecent” attire inside the temple premises.
Prohibited clothing items include torn jeans, sleeveless dresses, half-pants, and shorts; awareness campaign to begin soon.

Shree Jagannatha Temple Puri

Address: Bali Sahi, Puri, Odisha 752001
Creator: Indradyumna
Temple(s): 31
Elevation: 65 m (213 ft)
Opened: 1161
Architectural styles: Hindu temple architecture, Dravidian architecture, Kalinga architecture
Deity: Jagannath
Function: Hindu Temple

In a bid to maintain the sanctity and reverence of the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, a dress code for devotees is set to be enforced from January 1, 2024. The decision comes after some individuals were spotted inside the temple premises wearing what authorities deemed “indecent” clothing.

The announcement was made by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Chief, Ranjan Kumar Das, who stated that the dress code will be strictly enforced inside the temple, particularly at the ‘Singha Dwar’ entrance and by Pratihari servitors. The move aims to uphold the temple’s spiritual atmosphere and respect for religious sentiments.

Das expressed concern about the need to maintain the temple’s dignity and sanctity, noting that certain visitors had been observed in attire such as torn jeans, sleeveless dresses, half-pants, and inappropriate clothing that was considered disrespectful to the sacred space.

“The temple is the abode of God, not a place for entertainment,” Das emphasized, highlighting the significance of the temple as a place of worship and devotion.

While specific details of the dress code are yet to be finalized, the temple administration plans to commence an awareness campaign among devotees to inform them about the upcoming regulations.

Effective January 1, 2024, individuals wearing clothing items such as half-pants, shorts, torn jeans, skirts, and sleeveless dresses will not be granted entry into Jagannath Temple. This move reflects the temple’s commitment to preserving its spiritual ambiance and upholding the values and traditions associated with this sacred site.

This development follows a similar initiative undertaken earlier this year in July, when Jharkhand Mahadev Temple in Jaipur, Rajasthan, introduced its own dress code for devotees, discouraging attire like ripped jeans, shorts, frocks, night suits, and mini-skirts.