Maharashtra News: Kolhapur's Mahalaxmi And Jyotiba Temples Plan To Introduce Dress Code For All Devotees

Mumbai: In a move aimed at preserving the sanctity and heritage of two of Maharashtra's prominent religious sites, the Karveer Nivasini Mahalaxmi Temple and the Dakshinacha Raja Jyotiba Temple in Kolhapur have implemented a new dress code for all devotees. The directive, issued by the Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Management Committee, came into effect on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

According to a notice released by the temple committee, worshippers are now required to wear traditional and modest attire when visiting these venerated shrines. The specified acceptable clothing includes sarees and salwar-kameez for women, and dhotar and pajama-kurta for men. The committee has explicitly stated that individuals wearing revealing clothing will be denied entry, urging all visitors to respect and adhere to these guidelines.

Shivraj Naik, the Secretary of the temple committee, underscored the importance of dressing modestly while visiting the temples. "We encourage visitors to avoid wearing provocative attire and, if possible, choose traditional garments when coming to the temple," Naik stated. He further emphasized that "these guidelines have been introduced to ensure that worshippers dress appropriately and uphold the sacredness of the temple."

This decision follows the recent implementation of similar dress code regulations at the Tulja Bhavani temple in Tuljapur. The Maharashtra Mandir Mahasangh had previously established an attire policy at the Tuljapur temple with the objective of maintaining its holiness. The move by the Kolhapur temple committee indicates a growing emphasis on traditional values and decorum within major temples across Maharashtra.

To assist devotees who may be unaware of the new regulations or who may not have appropriate attire, the temple committee has made provisions for traditional clothing to be readily available at shops located near the temple premises. Visitors can purchase sovala, which includes a dhoti and an uparna (a shawl-like garment), for men, and sarees for women before entering the temple. This initiative aims to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure that all devotees can participate in the temple rituals while adhering to the new dress code.

The temple committee hopes that devotees will embrace these guidelines with understanding and cooperation, contributing to the serene and sacred atmosphere of the Mahalaxmi and Jyotiba temples. The implementation of this dress code marks a significant step towards reinforcing the cultural and religious heritage of these revered institutions.

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