The historic Mankameshwar Temple in Prayagraj will continue enforcing a strict dress code and several other regulations for devotees during the upcoming Shravan month, beginning July 30. The temple administration said the guidelines, introduced last year, will remain in effect to preserve the sanctity of the shrine and ensure a disciplined worship environment.

Along with restrictions on clothing, the temple has also continued its ban on selfies, photography, plastic items, tobacco products and other activities considered inappropriate inside the temple premises.

Traditional attire mandatory for Rudrabhishek

The temple administration has made traditional Indian attire compulsory for devotees performing Rudrabhishek during Shravan.

According to the guidelines:

• Men must wear a dhoti
• Women must wear a saree or salwar suit

Male devotees who do not have a dhoti will be provided one free of cost by the temple administration. The garment must be returned after completing the ritual.

Temple authorities said the dress code is intended to maintain the spiritual atmosphere during worship.

Short and revealing clothes not allowed

The temple has also instructed devotees to wear modest clothing while entering the shrine.

Women and young girls wearing short or revealing outfits will not be allowed inside the temple premises. Men have also been asked to wear decent and respectful clothing while visiting the temple.

Notice boards displaying the dress code and other guidelines have been installed across the temple to inform visitors before entering.

Selfies and photography remain banned

The temple administration has continued its ban on selfies and photography inside the temple premises.

Officials said the restriction is aimed at maintaining the religious atmosphere and preventing disruptions during prayers and rituals.

Devotees have been requested to focus on worship instead of taking photographs or recording videos inside the shrine.

Plastic, tobacco products prohibited

Several other restrictions will also remain in force during Shravan.

The temple has prohibited:

• Polythene and plastic items
• Plastic cups for offering water or performing abhishek
• Smoking
• Gutka
• Pan masala

Authorities have urged devotees to maintain cleanliness inside the temple and avoid bringing prohibited items onto the premises.

Devotees advised against wearing expensive jewellery

Temple officials have also advised visitors not to wear excessive gold or silver jewellery while visiting the shrine due to the possibility of theft.

Devotees have also been requested not to remain near the Shivling after completing prayers and to leave the sanctum promptly so that others can offer worship without delays.

Temple says rules will preserve sanctity

Temple head priest Brahmachari Shri Dharanand said the decision to continue the dress code was taken to encourage devotees to worship in traditional attire and maintain complete focus during religious rituals.

According to the temple administration, appropriate clothing and disciplined behaviour help preserve the sacred atmosphere of the temple while ensuring that worship is conducted respectfully.

Devotees welcome the decision

Many devotees have supported the continued enforcement of the rules, saying temples are places of worship rather than tourist attractions.

Visitors said traditional and modest clothing reflects respect for religious traditions and helps maintain the spiritual environment inside the temple during the holy month of Shravan.

The Mankameshwar Temple, located on the banks of the Yamuna in Prayagraj, is expected to witness a large number of devotees throughout the Shravan period.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which temple has enforced the dress code?

The Mankameshwar Temple in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

2. When will the rules be enforced?

The guidelines will remain in force during the Shravan month, beginning July 30.

3. What is the dress code for Rudrabhishek?

Men must wear a dhoti, while women must wear a saree or salwar suit.

4. Are short clothes allowed inside the temple?

No. Women wearing short or revealing clothes will not be permitted to enter, and men are also expected to wear modest attire.

5. Are selfies allowed inside the temple?

No. Selfies and photography are prohibited within the temple premises.

6. Will the temple provide traditional clothing?

Yes. Male devotees performing Rudrabhishek can receive a free dhoti, which must be returned after the ritual.

7. Are plastic items allowed?

No. Polythene, plastic items and plastic cups used for religious offerings are banned.

8. Is tobacco consumption permitted?

No. Smoking, gutka and pan masala are strictly prohibited inside the temple.

9. Why has the temple introduced these rules?

The temple administration says the measures are intended to preserve the sanctity of the shrine and ensure devotees can worship without distractions.

10. Where is Mankameshwar Temple located?

The temple is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.