Saints welcome ISKCON Vrindavan's ban on immodest clothing, photography
Vrindavan, Aug 11
Saints and religious leaders on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan to enforce a dress code for devotees, describing it as a step towards preserving Sanatan traditions, cultural decorum, and the sanctity of temple premises.
The management of the ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, one of the most revered religious destinations associated with Lord Krishna, has made modest clothing mandatory for devotees visiting the temple. The wearing of short or immodest attire has been strictly prohibited. To ensure compliance, the temple administration has installed notice boards at the entrance gates outlining the dress code and other guidelines for visitors, including photography.
Reacting to the decision, President of the Ramadal Trust, Kalki Ram, said that a dress code should be implemented in temples as it is often observed that some people visit places of worship in attire that does not conform to standards of decency.
"A dress code should be implemented because it is often seen that people come to temples wearing clothes that violate decency. However, along with this, the ISKCON Temple also needs to make extensive improvements in its working system. On one hand, they provide devotees with the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, and on the other hand, they put a manjira in their hands," he told IANS.
Sant Satyendra Das Vedanti also welcomed the move and suggested that similar guidelines should be adopted across the country.
"It is a very good decision. It should be implemented across the entire country in all temples and monasteries wherever such an arrangement is possible. Considering the various forms of impurity and indecency spreading in society today, implementing such a measure would be beneficial," he said.
Mahant Nirmal Giri of Kailash Temple said that decent and culturally appropriate attire has always been an important part of Sanatan traditions.
"According to our tradition, when a devotee visits a temple, they should do so in a dignified and cultured manner. My view is that whenever one visits a temple or any religious place, special attention should be paid to clothing and conduct," he said.
Vrindavan, located in Uttar Pradesh, is one of Hinduism's most sacred towns. Believed to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, it is home to several renowned temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha, attracting millions of devotees from across India and abroad every year.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move by ISKCON, but I wish they'd focused on more pressing issues like the upkeep of the temple and crowd management during festivals. Dress code is fine, but let's not forget the essence of bhakti (devotion) which is in the heart, not just the clothes.
As a young woman, I actually appreciate this. It's not about restricting freedom, but about understanding the context. We have dress codes for offices, schools, and even restaurants. Why not for places of worship? It's a matter of respect and tradition. 🌸
I visited Vrindavan last year as a tourist, and I can see why this rule is needed. Some visitors, including foreigners, were wearing very revealing clothes at the temples. It's not about being prude - it's about respecting local customs and sensitivities. The management should also provide shawls or dupattas at the entrance for those who might not be prepared.
While I agree with the dress code, I have to point out the contradiction that Kalki Ram ji mentioned - ISKCON sells the Gita but also deals in manjiras and other things. Maybe they should focus on the spiritual aspect more than the commercial side. Just my two paise. 🤔
It's a welcome step, but it should be implemented sensitively. Not everyone can afford traditional clothes, and tourists from abroad may not know what to wear. Maybe the temple can provide wraps or ponchos at the entrance. That would be more inclusive and practical. 🌷
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