41. The Rule Today in Jagannath Puri temple

The Rule Today in Jagannath Puri temple:

The Puri temple still strictly prohibits entry for "non-Hindus" - persons of other faiths, foreigners, atheists, or those who want to visit out of curiosity. This is practically enforced based on one's appearance, such as the color of one's skin or if one is wearing clothing typically used by non-Hindus, or if somehow the pandas know that a person belongs to another religion. If it so happens that any such person enters the temple unseen by those who guard the entrances, then there is a massive ceremonial cleansing of the temple. Whatever foodstuffs had been prepared for the deity and not yet offered are discarded, and Lord Jagannath is given a maha-snäna, elaborate bathing.

Today, the only official temple rule on denying entrance to non-Hindus is found in a brief statement in the Sri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 (30-A.4.b and c) - 

"Whoever forcibly enters into any place within the temple when such entrance is prohibited under any law or custom or under any lawful order issued by the committee or by the administration shall, on conviction; be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to 2 months, or with fine which may extend to 50 rupees, or with both."

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