Prayagraj: Devotees visiting the revered Shri Mankameshwar Mahadev Temple during the holy month of Shrawan will have to follow a strict traditional dress code and refrain from carrying milk in polythene pouches or plastic cups for the abhishek of Lord Shiva, as the temple management has introduced new guidelines to uphold scriptural traditions, preserve the sanctity of worship and ensure a plastic-free temple complex.Under the new rules, only devotees dressed in traditional attire will be permitted to perform abhishek inside the garbhagriha. Men must wear a dhoti, while women are required to be dressed in a sari. Those wearing jeans, shorts or other western attire will not be allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum. The temple management has also warned that anyone violating or creating a disturbance over the guidelines will be handed over to the police.
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The month-long Shrawan festival, dedicated to Lord Shiv, will be observed from July 30 to Aug 28. Every year, thousands of devotees flock to the Mankameshwar Mahadev and Rinmukteshwar Mahadev temples to perform ‘jalabhishek’, ‘rudrabhishek’ and other sacred rituals.The decision was taken during a recent review meeting on Shrawan preparations. Presiding over the meeting, temple Mahant and representative of Dwarka Sharada Peeth, Shridharanand Brahmachari, directed priests and temple management members to ensure that all rituals are conducted strictly in accordance with scriptural traditions.Under the new guidelines, devotees carrying milk in plastic pouches or cups will not be permitted to enter the temple premises. Temple authorities said that after offering milk, many devotees discard the empty plastic packets and cups inside the complex, leading to littering and affecting the cleanliness and sanctity of the shrine.To ensure compliance, the temple administration will monitor the premises through CCTV cameras, while five to seven volunteers will be stationed at each entrance to inspect the offerings brought by devotees.Explaining the rationale behind the move, Shridharanand Brahmachari said plastic is considered impure in Hindu traditions, and offering milk from plastic packets or cups is inconsistent with scriptural practices. He urged devotees to use brass or copper vessels for offering milk and water to the Shivling, adding that offering milk in a silver vessel is regarded as especially auspicious in Hindu scriptures because of its association with the Moon and Venus.
