Udupi's Sri Krishna Temple Implements New Dress Code Under Fresh Leadership
Shiroor Mutt has introduced strict dress code norms for devotees at the historic Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi. The new guidelines come into effect immediately after the recent Paryaya festival. Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swami of Shiroor Mutt now oversees the temple's administration. He issued these rules to reinforce traditional customs at the centuries-old shrine.
Specific Requirements for Devotees
Men must enter the temple without wearing shirts. This rule applies throughout the entire day now. Previously, men only needed to remove their shirts during puja hours. The mutt's Diwan, Udaya Kumar Saralathaya, explained the change in a video release. He stated that devotees should visit with utmost Krishna consciousness by following the new dress code.
Saralathaya quoted the Paryaya pontiff directly. He said, "The first Paryaya of Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swami of Shiroor Mutt commenced. The pontiff advised men devotees not to arrive in bermuda shorts, and they should remove shirts before entering the temple. Further, women devotees also should not wear short skirts and bermuda shorts while visiting the shrine. The mutt wants people to visit the shrine as devotees of Sri Krishna."
Clarifications and Extended Timings
Saralathaya provided additional clarifications about the dress code. Men are permitted to drape a shawl after removing their shirts. This allowance ensures some comfort while maintaining decorum. The dress code now extends throughout the entire day. Earlier enforcement was limited only to the noon puja.
The extension happens because multiple pujas and rituals occur inside the shrine from morning till night. Devotees must follow the dress code before entering through the 'Maha Dhwara'. This main entrance sits on the eastern side of the temple. The mutt emphasizes proper attire to honor the sacred space.
These changes reflect a broader effort to preserve traditional practices. The Sri Krishna Temple holds significant cultural and religious importance in Udupi. The new leadership aims to ensure that all visitors approach the shrine with appropriate reverence. Devotees should plan their visits accordingly to comply with these updated norms.
