Bengaluru: Devotees seeking darshan of Goddess Chamundeshwari-the presiding deity of Mysuru city- have to adhere to the dress code to be implemented soon.
Accordingly, men wearing bermudas and women in short skirts are barred from entering the temple. But they will be given the dhoti to wear before entering the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. This measure is being initiated following complaints from other devotees about people visiting the temple in that attire.
Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Management Board, in its recent, meeting has adopted a resolution to this effect. The same has been forwarded to the state government for its formal approval.
Mr Amarnath, president of the board told Deccan Chronicle that of late, there were series of complaints from general public about tourists wearing bermudas and short skirts visiting the temple to have darshan of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Taking serious note of this, the board discussed the subject in its meeting and resolved to introduce a dress code for Chamundeshwari Temple. “We have forwarded our resolution to the State government and we are optimistic of getting permission in maintaining the sanctity of the shrine”.
He said the board has plans to buy and keep around 100 dhotis at the entrance of the temple which would be given to bermuda wearing men and skirt wearing women to wear it in the changing room. As of now, there are no plans to charge anything for providing the dhotis to such devotees. This is being done not to curtail individual freedom but only to uphold the sanctity of the shrine, he added.
Mr Amarnath said the new rule would be implemented soon after getting the government’s approval. However, there was no bar on women wearing churidhar and pants. This issue would also be discussed with deputy commissioner and regional commissioner. To begin with they are focusing on bermudas and skirt and the next in the list may be tight T-shirts worn by lady devotees. An awareness campaign would be conducted at the shrine before strictly implementing the dress code.