Hindu/Buddhist/Jain Temple Etiquette (First-Timer Guide)

Before you go: quick checklist

• Check times. Temples often close midday and reopen for evening worship.
• Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees covered for everyone; avoid tight/transparent clothing. A light scarf is useful.
• Footwear comes off before entering the inner areas—bring socks if you like.
• Bring small cash for offerings or donations (optional, but appreciated).

Arrival & entry

• Follow signage or ask a volunteer where to leave shoes. Some sites give a token or number.
• Wash hands if a basin is provided; some temples have a brief rinse station.
• Keep phones on silent; hats off in shrines; move slowly and keep voices low.

Accessibility: Many modern temples have ramps/elevators. Ask a volunteer if you need seating inside the hall.

Inside the temple

• Darshan: A respectful viewing of the deity or sacred image. Approach calmly; don’t rush the line.
• Circumambulation (pradakshina): Walk clockwise around the shrine if space permits, keeping the sacred image to your right.
• Aarti: A lamp ceremony with bells/chants. When the lamp comes to you, lightly warm your hands over the flame and touch your forehead (optional).
• Seating: If you sit, keep feet tucked and avoid pointing soles toward the shrine or images.

Offerings & prasād

• Common offerings: flowers, fruit, sweets, incense (follow local rules; some sites restrict incense).
• If prasād (blessed food) is given, accept with your **right hand or both hands**. If you can’t eat it, receive respectfully and take it with you.
• Do not touch the deity or inner sanctum objects unless invited by a priest/volunteer.

Photography & sound

• Ask before taking photos—many temples limit pictures near the sanctum.
• No flash during rituals; avoid filming people without permission.
• Silence your phone; step outside for calls.

Etiquette by tradition (quick guide)

Hindu temples

• Leather belts/shoes are fine, but avoid bringing leather items into certain sanctums if signs request it.
• Stand aside for pilgrims carrying offerings; watch for wet floors after ritual sprinkling.
• Rangoli/kolam designs near doorways: please don’t step on them.

Buddhist temples

• Shoes off in shrine halls; hats off. Do not point feet toward Buddha images.
• Walking meditation or prostrations may be in progress—give space and stay quiet.
• Offer flowers/tea/fruit if customary; monetary donations are typically placed in marked boxes.

Jain temples

• Strict **vegetarian** ethos; some sites request no leather items inside (belts/wallets/shoes).
• Move slowly and avoid touching statues; cleanliness is emphasized—use hand-washing if available.
• If you see white-clad ascetics or devotees with mouth-covers, give additional space and keep voices low.

Visitor FAQs