Darj Mahakal temple issues dress code for women, cites ‘modesty & respect’
Times of India | 30 October 2025Boards with the warning "Ladies wearing short skirts/dress not allowed in Mahakal Mandir premises" were put up by the temple administration on Wednesday.
Members of Mahakal Mandir Puja Committee and Welfare Society said the decision was taken to drive home the message that the temple is not just a tourist attraction but a place of worship, and visitors should dress modestly in keeping with the tradition.
Asked why the dress code is only for women, society secretary Kishore Gazmer said, "The restriction primarily applies to women because it is considered a matter of modesty and respect at the temple.
Men are often seen moving around in trousers or casual attire, and the issue of modesty does not arise in their case."
He was, however, quick to state that the move was not aimed at restricting women's freedom of choice, emphasising that the temple committee only wanted to protect the sanctity, decorum and spiritual ambience of one of Darjeeling's most revered places.
"We are not against anyone wearing short dresses. But as this is a sacred place, we wish to adhere to Hindu culture and tradition, which is deeply embedded in our values," Gazmer said.
The committee has arranged for traditional attire that devotees and visitors can rent. "Visitors who wish to enter the temple but are not dressed according to the prescribed code can rent long attire near the temple premises," the secretary said.
Hinduism and Buddhism have long coexisted peacefully at Mahakal Temple, which sits atop Observatory Hill behind Chowrasta. Locals say Lama Dorjey Rinzing built a monastery at the site in 1765.
The monastery came to be known as Dorje-Ling Monastery, after which Darjeeling town was named.
"In 1782, Lama Dorjey Rinzing had rebuilt the temple, which today is known as Mahakal Temple. After the Gurkha invasion around 1788, the original monastery was desecrated. Over time, the site began to reflect Hindu religious practices," said Gazmer.
"Three Shiva Lingas miraculously appeared at the site in 1782. These three gold-plated Lingas still occupy the sanctum sanctorum, alongside idols of Lord Buddha.
A Hindu priest and a Buddhist monk perform rituals side by side, embodying inter-faith harmony."
A white chorten (Tibetan memorial shrine) housing relics of Lama Dorjey Rinzing stands on the temple premises. There are also smaller shrines to many Hindu gods and goddesses.
During her visit to Darjeeling on Oct 16, chief minister Mamata Banerjee had announced that a larger and grander Mahakal Temple would be built in Siliguri.
