Bhagamandala-Talacauvery
Temple management committee has
decided to enforce dress code at the
Talacauvery
Temple, the origin of
Kaveri River
in Karnataka. People wearing non-traditional dress will not be permitted inside
the temple. Those who arrive unaware of new rule will be offered dhoti or shawl
on rent at the two counters opened by the temple committee.
Times of India reports
One staffer and six guards have been deputed at each counter
to check on the attire of tourists and pilgrims. Anyone who refuses to adhere
to a "presentable and decorous" dress code will be asked to cover
themselves with the shawl or dhoti.
"Out intention is to ensure visitors are modestly
dressed," said temple committee president Appachattolanda Manu Muthappa on
the rationale behind the move. "Sometimes visitors come wearing Bermudas,
sleeveless tops or are skimpily dressed and that's not acceptable in a place of
worship," said Muthappa.
The dress code was formally put in place with ZP member S N
Rajarao wearing a dhoti and Muthappa covering himself with a shawl. When asked
how the committee plans to tackle a possible resistance to the move from
visitors, Muthappa said, "The committee has already taken a firm decision.
Our security persons will convince pilgrims about the new rules framed by the
committee to maintain the sanctity of the place of worship."
Each piece of clothing can be borrowed for a fee
of Rs 10 after paying a refundable deposit of Rs 50.