The Crossbill News Desk
A newly issued advisory at a Digambar Jain temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat has sparked discussion after the management introduced a dress code for women devotees entering the shrine.
The directive urges visitors to dress modestly, refrain from wearing western outfits and cover their heads while visiting the temple, according to a report by PTI.
The notice, displayed outside the temple premises a few days ago, states that women should avoid entering the temple in “half-pants, bermudas, mini skirts, or western outfits such as jeans and tops”.
Temple authorities said the guidelines were framed to reinforce traditional values within the religious space.
“The decision has been taken to promote a sense of devotion and discipline among devotees,” said temple committee member Anjush Jain, reported PTI.
He added that the notice has been issued to “maintain the sanctity and decorum” of the religious site and is not intended to curtail personal freedom.
Located in Baraut village, the temple is a well-known centre of the Digambar Jain faith and attracts devotees from across the country, including Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The shrine houses an idol of Parshvanath and witnesses steady footfall throughout the year.
Temple manager Prabhat Jain said authorities are encouraging visitors to follow the advisory voluntarily.
“Women and girls arriving in western attire are being politely requested to follow the guidelines before entering the premises,” said temple manager Prabhat Jain.
He added on Thursday (April 30) that the dress code has been put up on a board outside the temple and efforts are being made to ensure compliance.
According to the temple administration, the move comes amid changing lifestyles and aims to reinforce cultural practices among younger devotees. Officials believe such steps “may help promote cultural values” while preserving traditional religious decorum.
The decision, however, has drawn criticism from some sections within the Jain community.
Amit Rai Jain, general secretary of the All India Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Conference, has termed the move a “publicity stunt” and said that most devotees, including foreigners, already visit in the type of attires against which the notice has been issued.
The directive urges visitors to dress modestly, refrain from wearing western outfits and cover their heads while visiting the temple, according to a report by PTI.
The notice, displayed outside the temple premises a few days ago, states that women should avoid entering the temple in “half-pants, bermudas, mini skirts, or western outfits such as jeans and tops”.
Temple authorities said the guidelines were framed to reinforce traditional values within the religious space.
“The decision has been taken to promote a sense of devotion and discipline among devotees,” said temple committee member Anjush Jain, reported PTI.
He added that the notice has been issued to “maintain the sanctity and decorum” of the religious site and is not intended to curtail personal freedom.
Located in Baraut village, the temple is a well-known centre of the Digambar Jain faith and attracts devotees from across the country, including Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The shrine houses an idol of Parshvanath and witnesses steady footfall throughout the year.
Temple manager Prabhat Jain said authorities are encouraging visitors to follow the advisory voluntarily.
“Women and girls arriving in western attire are being politely requested to follow the guidelines before entering the premises,” said temple manager Prabhat Jain.
He added on Thursday (April 30) that the dress code has been put up on a board outside the temple and efforts are being made to ensure compliance.
According to the temple administration, the move comes amid changing lifestyles and aims to reinforce cultural practices among younger devotees. Officials believe such steps “may help promote cultural values” while preserving traditional religious decorum.
The decision, however, has drawn criticism from some sections within the Jain community.
Amit Rai Jain, general secretary of the All India Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Conference, has termed the move a “publicity stunt” and said that most devotees, including foreigners, already visit in the type of attires against which the notice has been issued.
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