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Udupi: Sri Krishna Math enforces strict dress code for all devotees

  •   Mon, Jan 19 2026 06:29:10 PM

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jan 19: The Udupi Sri Krishna Math has enforced a strict dress code for all devotees, making it mandatory for male devotees to remove their shirts before entering the temple premises. The directive, issued by the Paryaya Shirur Math, came into effect on Monday, January 19.

According to the revised guidelines, the dress code will be strictly implemented for devotees entering the temple. Women devotees are required to wear modest and traditional attire, while entry will be denied to both men and women wearing jeans, T-shirts, sleeveless outfits or other non-traditional clothing, temple authorities said.


Representational image

In addition, male devotees must remove their shirts before entering the inner precincts of the temple. Earlier, this practice was applicable only to devotees attending the early morning Mahapuja before 11 am. Under the new regulation, however, the rule will now be enforced throughout the day, regardless of the time of visit.

Temple authorities said the decision was taken to preserve the sanctity, discipline and traditional customs of the historic Sri Krishna Math. “The objective is to ensure that age-old temple traditions are upheld and respected by all devotees,” an official said.

Devotees have been requested to co-operate with the temple administration and strictly adhere to the prescribed dress code while visiting the revered shrine.
  

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Comment on this article

  • SURESH, mumbai

    Wed, Jan 21 2026

    Good decision! Implementing a dress code in temples is a good decision as it helps maintain the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of the place. Temples are sacred spaces meant for devotion and discipline, and modest attire reflects respect towards the deity and traditions. A dress code prevents inappropriate clothing, promotes equality among devotees, and preserves cultural heritage. Similar guidelines exist in religious places worldwide, making such a practice reasonable and respectful. Therefore, a uniform dress code should be implemented in all temples to uphold dignity and devotion.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Venkatpathi Rao, Kayarthottu

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    Temple in Gokarna has already implemented dress code for entering temple which is under Karnataka state administration. Communist ruled Kerala has dress code for entering Guravayoor temple. Even some Hindu temples in Goa have dress code for entering inside temple. Few decades ago even Krishna Matha had dress code which got diluted over the years. Now new Shiror mutt peethadipathi has done right job.

    DisAgree [7] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abhishek Raj, Mulki

    Mon, Jan 19 2026

    This decision by Sri Krishna Math is not about “sanctity” or “tradition” it’s about control, exclusion, and preserving a deeply regressive Brahminical power structure under the convenient disguise of custom. Forcing only male devotees to remove their shirts is humiliating, discriminatory, and fundamentally anti-human. It strips individuals of dignity and bodily autonomy in a public religious space that claims to be inclusive. If spirituality truly transcends the physical, why is the body being policed so aggressively? Let’s be honest: this practice has long been used as a visual caste marker. It makes it easier to identify who “belongs” and who doesn’t, who is treated with reverence and who is tolerated at best. In reality, it reinforces caste hierarchies and enables differential treatment by priests based on appearance and perceived social status. That is not devotion; that is institutionalized bias. Calling this “age-old tradition” doesn’t magically make it moral. Plenty of age-old practices untouchability, segregation, exclusion were also once defended in the same tone. Tradition without empathy is just habitual injustice. Religion should evolve with society, not drag humanity backward. If the goal were truly discipline and respect, the rules would apply equally, logically, and without humiliation. Instead, this regulation sends a loud message: conformity over conscience, hierarchy over humanity. This is a backward step, full stop. Faith should uplift people, not strip them literally or symbolically of their dignity. When religious institutions prioritize control over compassion, they lose moral authority, no matter how ancient the walls around them are. Progress doesn’t destroy spirituality. But exclusion certainly destroys trust.

    DisAgree [24] Agree [54] Reply Report Abuse


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