Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered temples in India. Located in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh this temple stands on the western bank of river Ganga and houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It’s the holiest of Shiva temples. Pilgrims often flock here in large numbers during festival seasons. After years of lenient dress code, the holy shrine now has a new dress rule for devotees before they enter the sanctum sanctorum. Devotees in western attire now, won’t be able to touch the diety at Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
What’s In It?
Devotees who wish to touch the Jyotirlinga also known as sparsh darshan in Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple will now have to wear Dhoti-Kurta. After holding a meeting with the most recognized and oldest body of Varanasi’s Sanskrit Scholars and Vedic experts, Kashi Vidvat Parishad, the temple administration decided to implement this new dress code – if the bill is passed
People who wear jeans, t-shirts and pants will only be allowed to worship the deity from a distance. They won’t be able to enter the sanctum. Dr Neelkanth Tiwari, UP Tourism and Dharmarth Karya Minister chaired the meeting and also sought suggestions from the Parishad members to extend the time for sparsh darshan. This was done so many more devotees could touch the Jyotirlinga.
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What’s More?
Members of Parishad and professor Ramchandra Pandey unanimously decided that the time for sparsh darshan could be extended to 11 am. Professor Ramchandra Pandey also stated that there must be a specific dress code for doing visiting the sanctum sanctorum and for doing sparsh darshan. The dress code for male devotees is Dhoti-Kurta and for female devotees its Saree. The priests or archaks offering prayers inside the temple, also have a certain dress code to be followed. These decisions were taken after a lot of discussions by the team. Did you know Marijuana Is Now Legal In Varanasi?
UP Tourism and Dharmarth Karya Minister, Dr Neelkanth Tiwari also informed that the dress code for devotees who want to do sparsh darshan, will come into effect soon. The temple administration has been asked to ensure this as soon as possible. The archaks or priests inside the sanctum will also have a specific dress code, so they can be identified in the crowd. The minister further stated that the Vishwanath Corridor area will witness a Vedic Centre soon. A sub-centre will be present there to train priests to speak English within three months and to also enlighten them with basic computer skills. If you’re planning to visit Varanasi, then here are some of the must try dishes that should be on your foodie list. Check out Deena Chaat Bhandar’s Tamatar Chaat Is A Must Try-Varanasi