Temple Etiquette: 15 Rules Every Devotee Should Know

Temple Etiquette: 15 Rules Every Devotee Should Know

Visiting a temple brings peace and rejuvenation to our minds. Following certain basic rules while worshipping the divine enhances our devotion and ensures a disturbance-free experience for all devotees. For InformationNeeds.com readers, here are 15 important guidelines to follow in a temple.

1. Dress Modestly

It is best to wear clean, traditional attire when visiting a temple. Men can opt for a dhoti and shirt or kurta pajama. Women can wear sarees, salwar kameez, or lehengas. This reflects our reverence.

2. Remove Footwear

Footwear should not be worn inside the temple premises. Leave them at the designated spot outside the temple.

3. Silence Your Mobile Phone

Maintaining silence is crucial in a temple. Therefore, set your mobile phone to silent or vibration mode. Avoid unnecessary calls or conversations.

4. Refrain from Photography

Photography is prohibited in many temples. Even where permitted, take pictures without disturbing other devotees, especially near the sanctum and main deities.

5. Be Patient and Calm

When the temple is crowded, do not panic. Stand patiently in line. Avoid pushing others.

6. Offer Donations

If you can, offer donations in the temple's hundi (offering box). You can also contribute to services like Annadanam (free meal distribution).

7. Receive Prasadam Properly

Accept the prasadam (sacred offering) distributed in the temple with devotion. Do not waste it and use it appropriately.

8. During Deeparadhana (Aarti)

During Deeparadhana, it is customary to close your eyes and focus on the divine. Experiencing the divine through your heart is more important than merely seeing.

9. Chanting Mantras and Slokas

You can chant known mantras or slokas mentally or softly to worship the deity. For example, chant 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha' for Lord Ganesha or 'Om Namah Shivaya' for Lord Shiva.

10. Circumambulation (Pradakshina)

Perform pradakshina according to the temple's layout. Generally, it's done clockwise, keeping the deity to your right. Some temples may have specific procedures; understand and follow them.

11. Applying Oil on Head

In certain temples (e.g., Ayyappan, Murugan temples), there's a tradition of applying oil on the head, which is believed to refresh the body and mind.

12. Purification

Before entering the temple, it's essential to wash hands and mouth, performing purification rituals. This signifies physical cleanliness.

13. Respect Elders and Children

Be considerate towards elders and children in the temple. Offering them space or assistance are acts of good conduct.

14. Maintain Temple Cleanliness

Dispose of waste in designated bins. We must all preserve the sanctity and cleanliness of the temple.

15. Depart with Devotion

After worship, pray for the divine's blessings and return home peacefully. Starting your day with divine thoughts is auspicious.

On InformationNeeds.com, you can find your daily horoscope, panchangam, spiritual news, and much more useful information. Visit us today!