Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – July 4, 2024: Significant changes have been introduced at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, as the priests have adopted a new dress code and mobile phones have been banned within the temple premises. This development aims to enhance the sanctity and decorum of the holy site.
Temple trust officials have announced that, effective from July 1, the priests serving in the sanctum sanctorum have transitioned from their traditional saffron attire to a new uniform. Previously, the priests wore saffron turbans, kurtas, and dhotis. Now, they don a Pitambari (yellow) dhoti, accompanied by a yellow kurta and turban. The shift to yellow symbolizes a new era of spiritual vibrancy and discipline within the temple.
“The new dress code has been meticulously designed,” said a temple official. “The turban is made of yellow cotton cloth, and each priest has been trained to tie it correctly. The Chaubandi kurta has no buttons and is fastened with a threaded tie, maintaining a traditional appearance. The yellow dhoti, also made of cotton, is worn around the waist and extends down to the ankles.”
In addition to the new dress code, the temple has instituted a strict ban on mobile phones for priests. This measure aims to minimize distractions and maintain the sanctity of the worship environment. Each priest team, consisting of one chief priest and four assistants, will now work in five-hour shifts from 3:30 AM to 11:00 PM, with each assistant priest accompanied by five trainee priests.
These changes reflect the temple’s commitment to preserving the sacred atmosphere and ensuring a focused, devout environment for worshippers and priests alike.