Udaipur Temple Bans Mobile Phones, Short Clothes

Udaipur - The Eklingji temple in Udaipur has implemented new guidelines prohibiting mobile phones and entry of individuals wearing short clothes, such as mini skirts, bermudas, and night suits. The decision, announced by the temple management, aims to preserve the sanctity of the religious site.

The temple management emphasized that the dress code is intended to maintain the temple's purity and respect its sacredness. On Friday, a banner outlining the new guidelines was posted on the premises. Previously, visitors were permitted to bring mobile phones inside the temple in a switched-off mode. However, photography has always been prohibited. The new guidelines also reiterate the ban on pets and weapons within the temple grounds.

The temple committee cited concerns from devotees regarding inappropriate attire as the impetus for the changes.

Eklingji Temple, located approximately 22 km from Udaipur in Kailashpuri village, is a revered site dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as the deity of Mewar. Established by Bappa Rawal between 734-753 AD, the temple underwent renovations by Maharana Mokal (1421-1433 AD). Maharana Raimal (1473-1509 AD) installed the current idol.

This is not the first instance of a dress code being implemented in Rajasthan temples. Last year, the Jagdish Temple in Udaipur also banned T-shirts, Bermudas, and night suits, though the decision was met with controversy and the banners were eventually removed. The Jharkhand Mahadev Temple in Jaipur has also previously enforced a dress code, banning half-pants, bermudas, mini skirts, night suits, and torn jeans.