Restrictions on Indecent Attire Enforced at Shri Damodar Temple

Restrictions on indecent attire enforced at Thakur Radha Damodar Temple in Vrindavan to uphold religious decorum. Temple authorities take a stand to preserve sacred ambiance and traditions, urging visitors to dress modestly.

2023.05.2022 (Vrindavan Today News) In a bid to maintain the sanctity of religious spaces, a restriction has been enforced at the renowned Thakur Radha Damodar Temple, located in Vrindavan, regarding the entry of individuals wearing indecent or revealing clothing. The temple, which is among the seven principal temples (Sapta Devalaya) in the region, has prominently displayed a notice at its entrance urging both men and women to refrain from entering while wearing attire that is considered indecent.

Temple caretaker Purna Chand Goswami has taken the initiative to request other temple administrators to enforce similar restrictions on devotees who arrive at their respective temples in clothing that is deemed inappropriate. The objective behind this move is to uphold the religious decorum and maintain the sanctity of the temple premises.

The Banke Bihari temple manager emphasized the importance of respecting the temple’s traditions by refraining from wearing indecent or revealing clothes when visiting religious places. Anubhuti Goswami rom Shri Radharaman Mandir also stressed the importance of dressing modestly while visiting religious places. Goswami stated that while individuals have the freedom to wear what they choose in other contexts, it is essential to dress modestly when entering religious spaces to show reverence and uphold the sanctity of the temple.

Support for the dress code has also come from Mukesh Ballabh Goswami, a sevait of Radhavallabh Temple, who believes that all temples should adopt similar guidelines. Goswami expressed concern over a perceived increase in casual and improper attire being worn in religious settings, and stressed the importance of putting a stop to this trend.

The Radha Damodar Temple is known for its historical and religious significance, attracting numerous devotees and visitors from across the country. This temple has been a major center of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism of Braj. After the disappearance of Shri Rupa and Sanatan Goswami, their nephew Shri Jiva Goswami was appointed as the head of Gaudiya Vaishnavas in Braj. Shri Jiva Goswami used to reside here at Damodar Temple. Apart from the deity of Shri Damodar ji served by Shri Jiva Goswami, the deities of Shri Vrindavan Chandra, Shri Radha Madhav, Shri Chhaliya Chikan is also worshipped in this temple. There are several samadhis of important Acharyas are situated in this temple. The recent decision to restrict entry to those wearing indecent clothing is aimed at preserving the sacred ambiance and ensuring that visitors adhere to the traditions and customs of the temple.

The move comes amidst concerns that an increasing number of individuals have been disregarding appropriate dress codes when visiting places of worship, which has led to a perceived decline in reverence and decorum. By implementing such measures, the temple administration seeks to foster a sense of spirituality and uphold the cultural values associated with religious traditions.

As the initiative gains traction, temple authorities anticipate that devotees and visitors will respect and comply with the dress code, thereby contributing to the overall atmosphere of devotion and respect at the Radha Damodar Temple.