Vrindavan Today | Bureau Report
12th August, 2012 :The ISKCON temple in Vrindavan has issued an advisory asking devotees to dress modestly and in accordance with traditional Indian customs while visiting the temple.
The temple management has put up a notice at the entrance advising visitors against wearing revealing or very short clothing. The advisory particularly requests women devotees not to enter the temple wearing sleeveless clothes, shorts, mini skirts, half pants and similar attire.
The management has also prohibited photography, selfies and video recording within the temple premises, with the stated objective of maintaining a devotional and spiritual atmosphere.
Devotees have been encouraged to visit the temple in traditional attire and maintain a respectful environment while having darshan of the deities. Suggested attire includes sarees, kurtas, salwar suits and other traditional Indian clothing.
Talking to ‘Vrindavan Today’ ISKCON Public Relations Officer Ravilochan Das said, that it is not complete restriction, but an advisory has been introduced specifically to ensure that devotees visiting the temple for darshan maintain decorum and respect the sanctity of the religious space. A notice regarding the advisory has been displayed at the temple. The management has stated that very short and revealing clothes are associated with Western cultural practices and are not considered compatible with Indian traditions, values and cultural ethos.
The ISKCON decision comes after similar advisories were issued by other prominent temples in Vrindavan. The Shri Radha Damodar Temple and Pagal Baba Temple on Mathura Road have also restricted entry for devotees wearing short or revealing clothes. However, non of these temples have been able to enforce this advisory on the visitors.
The move reflects a growing emphasis among several temples in Vrindavan on maintaining traditional dress, devotional discipline and the sanctity of temple premises.
