The Shri Khandoba Temple Trust in Jejuri, Maharashtra, has announced the introduction of a new dress code for devotees beginning today. Along with this, a set of guidelines has been released to ensure proper adherence to the dress code.Going forward, devotees wishing to visit the temple for darshan (viewing of the deity) will be required to wear traditional Indian attire. Only those wearing Indian clothing will be permitted to enter the temple premises. This decision has been made by the Board of Trustees of Shri Martand Devasthan, Jejuri.
Both male and female devotees will not be allowed entry into the temple in inappropriate or revealing clothing. Fashion items such as torn jeans, bermuda shorts, skirts, and similar attire will not be allowed for darshan. Shri Abhijeet Devkate, Chief Trustee of Shri Martand Devasthan, stated, "The temple expects devotees to maintain the sanctity and decorum of the sacred space by wearing modest, traditional attire. Clothing above the knee or revealing outfits will not be accepted. We kindly request all devotees to adhere to this dress code." The same rules will apply to both male and female devotees. Traditional Indian attire will be considered appropriate for the darshan.
In addition to the new dress code, the Trust has also launched the "Bhandaara Prasada Production Center." The prasadam will be prepared using offerings made by devotees to the deity, and every devotee visiting the temple will receive this "Bhandaara Prasada" free of charge. The Trust has encouraged devotees to accept this prasada with reverence. The new equipment for producing the prasadam was donated by Vilas Dasharath Balwadkar, a devoted Khandoba follower from Pune, who contributed approximately one lakh rupees towards this initiative.