Traditional Hindu Mores in Contemporary Society

    Hinduism, in brief, is a compilation of beliefs that extends its influence across over a billion followers. Not only is it characterized by a rich history, it also proves to include significant social components embodied in religious traditions that look to bring individuals together, strengthen religious zeal and even explain different facets of life. It is no question that the influence and impact of Hinduism even extends into Western society, as the concept of karma, a Hindu construct, even reaches mainstream popularity among even the non-religious following. Being that Hinduism evolves from the great depths of rich Indian and South Asian history, and also acknowledges divine beings within its practice, a high degree of reverence is most often displayed by individuals. This even extends to the places of worship, the temples, in which many devotees and tourists look to admire their own respective divine beings. Within this religious atmosphere traditional Hindu mores considering appropriate dress and attire are found.

    To properly encourage individuals to keep these holy areas sanctified, recent actions extending from the Madras high court enforces a dress code to help to keep the dignity and integrity of the temples and religious areas. Famed Indian historian, D.R. SarDesai, explains traditional, acceptable garment wear as one of“traditional or regional dress, [with] most urbanite young females and college coeds sporting salwar and a khameez.” The main piece of legislation enforcing the dress code is mainly derived from the existing Tami Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act of 1947, permitting each temple to enforce its own dress codes dependent on local customs and traditions. The recent news coverage explains that “the court’s order was not in consonance with the existing Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act of 1947.” Ultimately, a suspension on the court order was delivered to hold the bans on contemporary clothing within these religious sectors. While the many temples are continuing to absolve the situation at hand, what the world experiences is the high level of importance that is placed on keeping the integrity of Hindu beliefs. Hindu mores and customs extend far back in history, and appropriately presenting oneself to the divine beings of the religion is necessary to properly preserve its sanctity and integrity.

    After reading and writing about certain social issues sometimes I really don't know where I stand. On the one hand, it is very obvious for me to agree that a certain level of respect should be shown to religious elements that are held so dear to so many in the world. But on the other hand, how can I agree with legislation dated so far as back as the 1940's? Should there be no amendments to adhere to the new ways of society? To that I say, we all agree respect should be shown, but it seems society disagrees on whether certain things, like wearing jeans in a temple, is disrespectful or not. The beauty in the Tami Nadu Temple Entry Authorization Act of 1947, is that it isn't solely a law demanding an action. It is a law that leaves it up to each temple to enforce a code. And if the temple you want to visit feels a certain garment shows a higher sign of respect, then so be it. At the end of it all, are we trying to prove our own point, or to show respect and admiration and to be one with the spirit that guides us.

Sources

SarDesai, D.R. India: The Definitive History. Colorado: Westview Press, 2008.

Sivarajah, Padmini. “Madras High Court Stays Dress Code at Tamil Nadu Temples.” The Times of India. January 11, 2016.