Baghpat,

April 30 (HS): Digambar Jain temple in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat has issued a

dress code for female devotees, requesting that they avoid western costumes,

wear modest clothing, and cover their heads when visiting the temple grounds. The

temple management issued a warning a few days ago, stating that ladies should

not visit the temple wearing half-pants, bermudas, small skirts, or western

attire such as trousers and blouses.

The temple

in Baraut village is a significant center of the Digambar Jain faith, housing

an idol of Parshvanath. It is regarded as an important spiritual location,

attracting pilgrims from numerous states, including Delhi, Gujarat,

Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Ankush Jain, a temple committee member, stated that

the requirements are designed to protect the sacred site's holiness and decorum

rather than to limit personal freedom.

He stated

that the choice was made to instill a sense of commitment and discipline in

followers. On Thursday, temple manager Prabhat Jain stated that a clothing code

has been posted outside the temple, and attempts are being taken to guarantee

compliance. Women and girls arriving in western clothes are kindly asked to

observe norms before entering the grounds, he added. With people's changing

lives, the administration believes such activities will assist foster cultural

values among the younger generation. However, Amit Rai Jain, general secretary

of the All India Shwetambar Sthanakvasi Jain Conference, described the action

as a publicity gimmick. He informed reporters that the decision was made

internally by the temple committee and that most devotees, including

foreigners, already dress modestly when visiting.

Echoing a

similar sentiment, a local resident, Naveen Jain, stated that the sign posted

outside the temple is only an appeal and that the matter is being exaggerated,

claiming that devotees, particularly ladies and girls, already dress modestly

while visiting temples. According to him, the action simply reiterates an

established custom.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi