Partially on topic: temple outfit

[Jainarayan]

It's partially on topic only because it has to do with going to temple.

Does this outfit "pass muster" for temple? It's a lightweight shirt (I'd wear a white t shirt underneath), with white scrubs pants. The pants don't seem to look any different than yogi pants I've seen on-line. I'm uncertain about the outfit only because they are not "authentic" salwar kameez.

If not appropriate for temple, I'll still keep it, to wear the shirt elsewhere, and the pants around the house. I'd also wear the shirt with a dhoti. I have a few more shirts cut and shaped like it that I'd wear with the pants or dhoti; it wouldn't be my One Official Temple Outfit.

[Vinayaka]

Depends on the temple, but modesty is the key. Some temples might slightly object to the short sleeves, but not likely that one.

[Don Penguinoini]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that whatsoever. Do not let anyone tell you that is inappropriate either.

[Vinayaka]

Just be happy you're not in some temples in TN, where you'd be taking off that shirt.

[Jainarayan]

Thanks. The short sleeves are no issue... people come in wearing cargo shorts, jeans, t shirts and basketball shorts. I would never dream of doing that. I wear jeans less to work than I used to in case I decide spur of the moment to go to temple after work.

I got an e-mail from the lady at the office. She is bringing me a dhothi. I don't know what it looks like, but I'm sure it's nice, and I have a feeling she won't take any payment for it. If she doesn't, I'll make an extra donation.

[Jainarayan]

Originally Posted by Vinayaka

Just be happy you're not in some temples in TN, where you'd be taking off that shirt.

Why is that? Are they very conservative, or is it the custom to go bare-chested (like our priests)? I'm not embarrassed at all, I have a pretty good physique... the shirt is quite loose and makes me look fat.

[Vinayaka]

It's the custom. A security guard will have you take it off.

[Jainarayan]

Hmm... interesting. It sounds like a south custom, where it is hotter. Though I know I know very little. Here I'd never think of going shirtless, lest it be thought I was trying to imitate a priest. I'm even curious to see some of the looks I might get wearing pleated dhothi... white boy out-Hinduing Hindus. Otoh, I know some people will be quite honored and flattered.

[Jainarayan]

Btw, she has the angavastram for me also. Not sure how to wear it. I think some of the older men wear it around their waists over the shirt. The priests wear it variously draped over their upper bodies, or around their waists.

[Vinayaka]

Originally Posted by Jainarayan

Hmm... interesting. It sounds like a south custom, where it is hotter. Though I know I know very little. Here I'd never think of going shirtless, lest it be thought I was trying to imitate a priest. I'm even curious to see some of the looks I might get wearing pleated dhothi... white boy out-Hinduing Hindus. Otoh, I know some people will be quite honored and flattered.

I tried to find a Youtube video instruction thing for the way I wear it (veshti) but unfortunately I couldn't find one. It's not pleated, but its not the South Indian style on the videos either. I get the out-Hindu thing all the time. But still mu advice is to practice a lot, or it might fall off. It's really not that easy.