This Temple In Kerala Allows Entry Of Pilgrims Only In Sarees And Dhotis

by Suchismita Pal
This Temple In Kerala Allows Entry Of Pilgrims Only In Sarees And Dhotis

Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala is known to be one of the wealthiest temples in the world. Nestled in the Keralian capital Thiruvananthapuram, the temple is dedicated to Shri Padmanabhaswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu. Sri Padmanabhaswamy is the family deity of the Travancore Royal Family. Here, Lord Vishnu is seen in the sleeping posture. The temple has six vaults which are known to hold treasures worth more than a billion rupees. The treasure troves comprise golden jewellery, golden statues, crowns, thrones, diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other valuable gemstones. The temple architecture is a blend of Chera and Dravidian designs and has a striking golden gopura.

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The Padmanabhaswamy Temple In Kerala Has Some Strict Entry Rules

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most spectacular temples in Kerala that gets a large number of tourists all around the year. Having said that, the temple has some strict entry rules. Women are allowed to enter the temple only if they are clad in sarees. Men need to wear dhotis to be allowed to enter the temple. The temple has been following his rule for over 5000 years. Since 2016, the temple management has been allowing entry of women in salwar suits too.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple Kerala
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons

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Non-Indians Are Not Allowed To Enter The Temple

Not only does the temple have specific dress codes, it does not allow entry of non-Hindus and non-Indians either. Non-Indians married to Indians too are not permitted to enter the premises. A foreigner named Juli narrated how she was prevented from entering the temple despite being engaged to an Indian man and wearing a saree. She said that the temple authorities had told her that no foreigners are allowed inside the shrine. She was also asked to provide a certificate of Hinduism at the temple office. Watch the full video of Juli here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-5rsUy8AAo

What are your thoughts on these entry rules? Let us know in the comments section below! On that note, World’s First Ayurvedic Resort Somatheeram In Kerala Offers Yoga Lessons, Therapies & More!

First Published: July 13, 2022 4:45 PM