Dress code for devotees in Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple

TTD has introduced a dress code for women devotees in Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara temple. As a part of initiating the process of transforming Tirumala Tirupati into the fullest spiritual center, TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam), the Board which manages Tirupati temple, has set up a dress code for women devotees. It can prevent the skin show in the world’s richest temple.

Times of India reports:

If Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) which manages the famed Lord Venkateswara temple has its way, “skin show” by pilgrims would be a no-no at the Lord’s abode.

Even as it mulls a dress code in the next couple of months for pilgrims thronging the hill shrine, shorts, minis, sleeveless tops, bermudas and any western outfit exposing bodyparts would be banned. The TTD message is clear: The dress worn by pilgrim should be a “decent outfit” before he/she enters the temple for Lord’s darshan.

Confirming that TTD is seized of the matter, executive officer I Y R Krishna Rao on Friday said they are mulling imposing curbs on “vulgar dresses” following complaints from pilgrims. “We will educate the pilgrims on Indianness, culture and the need to protect the sanctity of the temple,” he said.

Though it is only a proposal, sources said TTD is keen to implement the dress code in the next 2-3 months. Dress code of dhoti/pyjamas for men and saree/pyjamas for women pilgrims taking part in special rituals like Suprabhatam, Thomala, Archana and Kalyanotsavam is already in place since 2004.

Sources said the attire problem arises only when foreigners or researchers from abroad visit the temple. “Some rich, spoilt kids also come to the temple in ill-fitting manner much to the chagrin of others,” a temple official said. The basic aim of the dress code is to propagate the Hindu sanatana dharma. In fact, some pilgrims raised this question during the ‘Dial Your EO’ programme in Tirumala on Friday when Krishna Rao was fielding questions.