Dos and Don'ts In the Temple!

Several of us go to temples seeking the blessings of The Divine! In most of the places like railways stations, schools, or in fact while driving, rules are laid out to ensure the user is convenient. It yields result only if it is followed.

There are no strict rules in most of the temples except like wearing lungies, mini skirts, smoking but there are general DOs and DON'Ts. If they are followed, all the devotees will be benefited not only in peaceful darshan for the self but for others as well. This would also help in keeping the temples clean and less noisy.

If you think I need to do some more, do let me know and I will be glad to add as it would help everyone!

DOs inside the temple

1. Always think about the god;


2. Say only god's name and talk only good things;


3. Chant RAMA RAMA RAMA or your mantra until you come out of the temple;


4. Come in the line and obey the rules set by the temple;


5. Dress code for Men: Preferably wear dhothis and go without a shirt; if not, wear a decent pant and shirt. You can decide on wearing the shirt or to remove it; Only dhotis are allowed in Guruvayurappan temples--in Guruvayur, Kerala and in Madippakkam, Chennai. Shirts should be removed;


6. Dress Code for Women: Preferably madisar, if not in saree or chudidhar or salwaar. Please avoid wearing jeans, or sleveless tops;


7. Use dustbins kept inside the temple; if not availble, bring the waste outside and throw it in the dustbin or garbage box;


8. Eat the prasadam outside the temple in a neat place, put the dhonnai in the container.

DON'Ts inside the temple

1. Do not enter the temple after taking alchoal;


2. Do not enter the temple with your footwear;


3. Do not wear 'lungi', one of the dresses used by Men;


4. Do not wear short skirts or dress that exposes the body parts;


5. Do not talk anything other than chanting Lord Rama or your favorite mantra;


6. Do not wish others inside the temple;


7. Do not namaskaram others inside the temple regarldess of how senior they are;


8. Do not violate any rules set by the temple authorities; it is only for the good of us and others to see the god piecefully and get his blessings;


9. Do not use mobile phones and cameras;


10. Do not eat prasadam inside the temple;


11. Do not spill the waste in other areas, put it in the dustbin;


12. Do not write anything on the walls of the temple;


13. Do not go straight facing the "Lingam / Lord Shiva." The believe is that, his powers would destroy you. It is suggested that you go on the side allocated and not straight towards the Lord. This is only in Shivan Temple;


14. Do not spill the Prasadam.