Servitors of Lingaraj Temple In Bhubaneswar Demand Dress Code Like Puri Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar: A day after announcement of dress code for devotees in Puri Jagannath temple, the servitors of Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar have demanded similar restrictions.

Welcoming the decision of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to strictly implement dress code for devotees coming to the temple, secretary of Brahman Nijog in Lingaraj temple Biranchi Narayan Pati told the media that they would submit a similar proposal to the temple administration.

Admitting that some devotees were not respecting the sanctity and dignity of the temple by wearing indecent dresses, he said it is high time the administration take a strong step in this regard. At the same time, he expressed his doubt about sincerity of the administration in this regard.

The SJTA had taken decision on enforcing the dress code in Jagannath temple at a meeting with the servitors on the issue on Monday.

“Our temple is a holy place. People from around the world come here with devotion and religious belief. It is our responsibility to maintain the dignity that the temple it holds in the hearts of millions of devotees. Unfortunately, some visitors have been found visiting the temple without caring the religious sentiments of others,” Ranjan Kumar Das, chief administrator of SJTA had said.

On the dress code to be implemented from January 1, 2024, he said people wearing half plants, shorts, torn jeans, skirts and sleeveless dresses will not be allowed entry into the temple. Decent dresses reflecting the dignity of the temple and religious sentiments of the devotees will be ensured during the checking, he added.