Few hours after criticism, Yogi Govt denies dress code for Kashi Vishwanath

The Yogi Adityanath-led UP govt on Sunday proposed a “dress code” at famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi according to which it barred people from wearing western dresses in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and prescribed only “dhoti-kurta” for men and “saree” for women.

The controversial proposal tabled at the Kashi Vidwat Parishad (the oldest body of Sanskrit Scholars and Vedic experts in Varanasi) meeting was junked on Monday after widespread criticism.

The current temple built in 1776 by Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore is currently controlled by the state government since 1983 and considered as fifth richest temple in India. The Shivalinga at the Vishwanath temple is among one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Mahant of the temple Dr Kulpati Tiwari told FPJ, “UP Tourism and Dharmarth Karya Minister Dr Neelkanth Tiwari, who chaired the meeting, sought suggestions from the members of the Parishad for extending time for sparsh darshan. Then he proposed that male devotees who want to touch the Jyotirlinga (called sparsh darshan) in the sanctum should wear DhotiKurta while women should wear sarees and added that those wearing pants, shirts and jeans will only be able to worship the deity from a distance.”

Mahant added, “Minister suggested a dress code for the priests as well. The suggestions were on the lines of Balaji Temple at Tirupati and Mahakal Temple at Ujjain to maintain the temple’s sanctity.”

Vishvanath Corridor Project CEO Vishal Singh added fuel to the fire when he told media the dress code would be enforced after Makar Sankranti (Jan 15). The Modi govt is developing a swanky corridor around the temple after clearing old and narrow colonies.

The proposal generated furore across India with people condemning it what they considered as a “conservative move” for the Shiva temple which is known for its openness and attracts people of all faiths from across the world. Many hailed the BJP government for “upholding the Hindu values on the lines of Mecca and Vatican.”

However, Commissioner of Varanasi zone Deepak Agrawal told media only a discussion took place and no formal proposal was with the state for the dress code implementation. Dr Neelkanth Tiwari toned down by the evening and tweeted, “There is no plan to introduce any dress code in KVT. Scholars have proposed it but no decision in this regard has been taken.”