Q&A: 2. Temple Attire

தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கு செல்லவும். 

Question: Should I wear only traditional dresses while visiting temples? Why shouldn’t I wear what is comfortable for me?

Answer: There are many views about this question and here is my humble opinion on this. First, the definition of traditional dress itself is time-bound. What was traditional earlier on is ‘ultra-traditional’ today (something like a dhoti with Kachcham (folds) or a sari in the ‘madisar’ fold). In many temples, shirts, pants etc., for men and salwars for women are acceptable. I would probably substitute the word ‘traditional’ with ‘appropriate’ or ‘suitable’ so that this is decided by common sense than by any rule.

There could be many reasons why dress recommendations are in place while going on a pilgrimage to temples, some of which are below:

• Sign of equality
  A temple is a place where all are equally judged in front of the Lord and hence the differences within the society need not be brought about. A prescribed dress code, to an extent, helps alleviate these differences and puts all devotees on an equal footing.
• Avoiding distractions
  Being dressed in a simple attire will help in focusing completely on the temple and the Lord and avoid getting distracted by what one is wearing. It will help avoid making unnecessary comparisons on the attire and help retain focus.
• Comfort
  Once inside a temple, we may end up doing some service to the Lord (cleaning, serving food, moving things etc) or even sit cross-legged for a minute of meditation. Imagine doing all this in a tight jeans or a mini-skirt!
• Abiding by the rules
  In temples, especially those run by Agamas there are a set of rules that are religiously followed and some of which are applicable to the devotees as well. While some of it may not make sense to us, that does not mean they are created in vain. What is the harm in following the instructions that are stipulated by our learned forefathers?

Funnily enough, I have been trying to figure out the purpose of wearing a tie in the current society. Its applicability and appropriateness in a country like India still eludes me! Still, there are more questions about not following established dress code in temples than having to wear a tie in hot weather (or any weather), which I find very strange!

Does any of know why we are wearing the tie by any chance?