No Proposal Imposed For Dress Code In Temples, Says Karnataka Minister
Update: 2021-10-15 13:15 IST
According to Muzrai minister Shashikala Jolle, the state administration has no plans to impose any clothing code on worshipers attending temples within its jurisdiction.
Traditional attire should be made mandatory at Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple and Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple in Dakshina Kannada district, according to the Karnataka State Dharmik Parishat. All 216 'A' category temples within the Hindu religious institutions and charitable foundations department are said to support a similar guideline (Muzrai).
At government-controlled temples, the parishat offers suggestions on ceremonies, pujas, and dress rules. However if the Muzrai department and the cabinet accept them are they enforced. Some government and private trust temples have posted notices requesting devotees to follow a dress code. Jolle stated that no such circular had been issued by the administration.
Concerning priests of group A and B temples, Jolle indicated that the government would enforce the suggestions of the Sixth Pay Commission. A total of 1,034 priests will profit from the transfer. While higher salaries, on the other hand, will be contingent on the temples' revenue. The new salaries will be paid only to the limited extend that they do not exceed 35% of the temple's annual revenue. Employees of the Muzrai department, as well as priests of C and D category temples, would be covered by the government.
Meanwhile, the administration, according to Jolle, has planned to hold a special puja in all state-run temples to pray for the safety of everyone, particularly children, during a probable third wave of Covid-19. On Vijayadashami, the concluding day of the nine-day Dasara festival, a special puja will be held.