ATTIRE IN THE TEMPLE

Temple Priests in the south are bare chested. Priests in the north cover their chests with some dress. How come?

There are many theories put forward for this practice.  Some of the reasons are:

1. Clothes indicate affluence. You are supposed to be with the God with nothing to hide from Him.

2. The practice could have a theory that everyone is equal before the God.

3. Temples are constructed in such places where there is plenty of positive energy. The person visiting a temple is believed to receive the beaming radiant energy. To fulfil the need of getting this energy, you are supposed to go shirtless.

4. When the God, the reigning/residing deity of the temple is not with his shirt on, why should his devotees wear a shirt and see him to offer their prayer and get blessed.

5. Most of the Gods inside the temple are with their bare body. They wear only a Dhoti. (The sculptor has designed the idols in such a way) Of course, the Goddesses are with their upper garments. 

6. Almost all Gods appears with their chest open. The least they wear on their top is an Angavasthiram (a towel or a long cloth). Hence, the devotees are permitted to wear an Angavasthiram instead of a shirt.

7. In the north also the same rule is followed excepting in colder places .

So, as the God, so are his/her devotees.