Jejuri (Maharashtra): The Shri Khandoba Temple Trust in Maharashtra's Jejuri, has implemented a new dress code for devotees starting Monday, March 10. To ensure proper adherence, the Trust has also released a set of guidelines outlining acceptable attire for darshan (viewing of the deity).

Moving forward, only those dressed in traditional Indian clothing will be permitted entry into the temple premises. This decision was taken by the Board of Trustees of Shri Martand Devasthan, Jejuri, with the aim of maintaining the sanctity of the temple.

Both male and female devotees must adhere to the prescribed dress code, which prohibits inappropriate or revealing clothing. Items such as torn jeans, Bermuda shorts, skirts and other fashion apparel deemed unsuitable for a sacred space will not be allowed.

Clothes Above Knee-Length Not Allowed: Chief Trustee

Shri Abhijeet Devkate, Chief Trustee of Shri Martand Devasthan, stated that the temple expects visitors to maintain decorum by wearing modest, traditional attire, reported Lokmat Times. "Clothing above the knee or revealing outfits will not be accepted. We request all devotees to respect and follow this dress code," he stated. The rule applies equally to both men and women, ensuring a uniform standard of attire within the temple premises.

Alongside the introduction of the dress code, the Temple Trust has also launched a new initiative, the 'Bhandaara Prasada Production Center.' This center will prepare prasadam using offerings made by devotees to the deity, ensuring that every visitor to the temple receives 'Bhandaara Prasada' free of charge. The Trust has encouraged devotees to accept the prasadam with devotion and gratitude.

The establishment of the prasadam production center was made possible through a generous donation from Vilas Dasharath Balwadkar, a dedicated Khandoba follower from Pune. According to the report, he contributed approximately one lakh rupees towards acquiring the necessary equipment for prasadam preparation.

With these new measures, the Shri Khandoba Temple Trust aims to uphold the spiritual and cultural traditions of the temple while enhancing the overall experience for devotees.