“Shree Jagannath and Lingaraj Temples Enforce Dress Code and Ban Harmful Substances for Devotees”

In a significant stride towards preserving the sanctity of two of India’s ancient and revered temples, the Shree Jagannath Temple and the Lingaraj Temple have implemented a mandatory dress code and banned harmful substances within their premises. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Lingaraj Temple Trust Board have joined hands to ensure a spiritually enriching and respectful environment for devotees.

Effective from the first day of the New Year in 2024, the SJTA announced a dress code mandating devotees to wear “decent clothes” when entering the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple. Prohibiting attire such as half pants, shorts, torn jeans, skirts, and sleeveless dresses, the move aimed at upholding the sacredness of the shrine. Male devotees were observed donning traditional attire like dhoti and towels, while women adorned sarees or salwar kameez, reflecting a collective commitment to the spiritual ambience.

The temple administration’s decision aligns with their dedication to preserving the sanctity of the sacred shrine. To enforce these guidelines, the SJTA sought the support of local law enforcement agencies, making devotees found violating the dress code or engaging in the consumption of gutkha and pan subject to fines.

On New Year’s Day, the temple doors reopened to a flood of devotees seeking the darshan of Lord Jagannath. Over 180,000 pilgrims visited the temple by noon, underscoring the widespread appeal and devotion to the deity. The SJTA and the police collaborated to implement comprehensive arrangements for a smooth darshan experience, including an air-conditioned tensile fabric structure equipped with CCTV cameras, public announcement systems, drinking water facilities, and public toilets.

Samarth Verma, a spokesperson for the Puri police, emphasized their commitment to facilitating specially-abled devotees. “Along with ensuring hassle-free darshan, police are ensuring the facilitation of specially-abled devotees,” he stated, highlighting the inclusive approach taken to accommodate all devotees.

In tandem with the Shree Jagannath Temple, the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar has also enforced similar measures. Devotees entering the premises of this 11th-century Shiva temple are now prohibited from chewing tobacco or betel leaves, and the use of polythene and plastics has been banned by the Lingaraj Temple Trust Board.

Traffic restrictions were imposed in the town on New Year’s Day, designating specific areas as ‘no vehicle zones.’ These proactive measures taken by the temple administrations and local authorities reflect a commitment to preserving the spiritual ambience of these ancient shrines while ensuring a safe and respectful environment for devotees.

As these historic temples embrace change to align with contemporary values, the collective effort to maintain the sanctity of these revered sites showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The commitment to inclusivity and environmental consciousness marks a positive step towards a more enriching and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for devotees.