Etiquettes to Follow While Visiting a Hindu Temple

Hindu Temple Etiquettes

While visiting a Hindu temple, it is essential to maintain the traditions and customs in order to contribute to the environment. Here are some of the temple etiquettes to be followed when you are visiting a Hindu temple in India:

• Dress modestly: Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothes as a sign of respect for the sacred space. You can also try any ethnic wear if you please.

• Remove shoes: It is customary to remove your shoes before entering the temple premises. Look for designated areas or racks where you can leave your footwear.

• Silence your phone: Turn off or put your mobile phone on silent mode to maintain a peaceful and quiet atmosphere within the temple.

• Maintain silence and focus: Keep your voice low and maintain a calm and focused demeanor. This is to respect the worshippers who might be engaged in prayer or meditation.

• Follow the designated paths: Many temples have specific entry and exit points. Follow the designated paths and respect any directional signs.

• Offering prayers: When entering the inner sanctum or main prayer area, fold your hands in a gesture of respect. You may choose to bow your head slightly as a sign of humility.

• Do not interrupt rituals: If a ceremony or ritual is in progress, do not disrupt or interfere. Stand quietly or step aside until it concludes.

• Respect sacred symbols and idols: Try not touching any sacred symbols, idols, or religious artifacts within the temple unless explicitly allowed.

• Respect queues: If there is a line to enter the main sanctum or to offer prayers, wait patiently in the queue and avoid pushing or rushing.

• Donations and offerings: If you wish to make a donation, check for designated donation boxes. Avoid directly handing money to priests(pujari) or worshippers.

• Photography restrictions: Some temples may have restrictions on photography or videography. Always ask for permission before taking pictures and respect the rules.

• Food and eating: Avoid bringing food or chewing gum into the temple. Consume any prasad(sacred food offered during worship) in allotted areas of the temple.

• Respect other visitors: Be aware of your surroundings and be considerate of other visitors. Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior.

Customs & Traditions in Vedic and Deity Temples

Hindu temple etiquette can vary according to the temple you visit. There are both Vedic temples and deity temples. Very few Vedic temples exist today. However, several areas in Hindu temples practice Vedic presence. In the Vedic temple, the god is worshiped as formless.

Here, the universe is considered to the part of the almighty god, and the prayers and chanting by Hindu priests(pujari) will be commenced around a holy fire called "Agni". The primary elements of nature are worshiped in Vedic temples.

As for Hindu deity temples, the almighty god is worshiped in different forms. For example, several famous Shiva temples across India worship different forms of Lord Shiva. These temples have the deity of a particular Hindu god/goddess.

Following the Hindu temple rules and regulations makes the devotees become part of the religious practices, by respecting those religions. Several temple across India also offers funeral ritals and rites commenced by the hindu priests.

Let it be a Vedic temple or a deity temple. There are certain etiquettes or customs to be followed while visiting them. People are very sensitive about following the proper temple etiquette. A person who visits a Hindu temple may not be aware of the proper etiquette. Let this blog be an ultimate guide for them.

There you go, folks. Try to follow these Etiquettes in a Hindu Temple if you are planning a visit.