Priests at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya have adopted a new dress code featuring uniform traditional attire, which went into effect on August 15. The new guidelines aim to enhance discipline, uniformity, and religious dignity during the worship and service of Ram Lalla.
The New Attire and Grooming Standards
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Clothing: Priests will wear light-yellow silk dhotis paired with matching silk uttariyas (upper garments). Light yellow was selected because it is considered dear to Lord Ram. Silk was chosen for its association with sanctity and purity, according to Mahant Rajkumar Das, a member of the religious committee.
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Tradition: The dress code adheres to the Ramanandi tradition, as confirmed by Mithilesh Nandini Sharan, another committee member.
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Grooming: Priests must either follow the ‘Panchkesh’ tradition or be completely clean-shaven; partially grown hair or beards are no longer permitted.
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Markings: Wearing the traditional Ramanandi tilak is now mandatory for all priests.
