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- Syama Allard
- Temple etiquette. For thousands of years Hindu temples have been constructed, allowing people to immerse themselves in an atmosphere where they can worship a particular form of God, gather with other devotees, and become more connected to the Absolute.
- Deity worship. Upon entering a temple room, one of the first things you’ll probably notice is the presence of one or multiple statues of deities, known as murti.
- Mantra meditation and congregational chanting. Much of Hindu temple worship, the pujas and various rituals, are not usually congregational in nature.
- Temples in the home. Temples, while usually thought of as a place one has to travel to, can actually be constructed in the home. Though community and relationships are important uplifters in one’s spiritual development, spirituality in Hinduism is, ultimately, an individual experience.
Oct 1, 2012 · A central part of every Hindu’s life, samskaras are sacred rites of passage, such as coming of age and marriage, and childhood rites, including name-giving, first feeding, ear-piercing and head-shaving. They are held in temples, homes or halls. You may observe samskaras in progress during your visit.
- Overview
- Preparing to Visit the Temple
- Entering the Temple
- Moving Through the Temple
Hindu temples are gorgeous and sacred spaces, and visiting one should be at the top of your itinerary if you’re traveling abroad. Even visiting your local temple is a culturally enriching and educational experience not to be missed. But before you go, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some basic etiquette to make sure your time there is courteous and respectful. We’ll fill you in on everything you need to need to know, from what to do before you go, how to enter, and how to move about and respect the temple itself.
Take a shower and put on loose, modest clothes that cover your shoulders, back, and knees before you head to the temple.
Remove your shoes before you enter, and refrain from taking photos, chewing gum, or talking loudly once you’re inside.
Work clockwise through the temple and use your right hand or both hands to give a priest small offerings, like flowers, to be placed before each statue.
Take a shower or a bath before you visit.
Everyone is welcome to visit most Hindu temples, but practitioners of the Hindu faith ask that you come washed and clean. The temple is where many Hindu deities are enshrined, and you want to present your best self.
It’s a bit like visiting an esteemed elder—you wouldn’t want to show up disheveled, and a neat appearance shows your respect.
To prepare yourself mentally and spiritually, also take a moment to reflect on your visit and what you hope to experience. If you
, reflect on God or the deities present in the temple you’re visiting.
Cover your shoulders and back, or wear traditional clothing.
Turn off your phone and display your best self.
The temple is a sacred, holy space, so practice polite, constrained behavior when visiting. Before you enter, turn off or silence your phone and throw out any gum or other trash you might carry. Lower your voice and avoid loud conversation or laughter. Put away any cameras, as photography is often not permitted within the temple.
Also extinguish any cigarettes, and leave alcohol outside.
In addition, avoid any displays of affection, like holding hands, hugs, or kisses within the temple. This is a space for respecting the deities, so give the building and its features your full attention.
Remove your footwear outside the temple.
Most temples will have a space designated for your shoes: usually a series of cubby-holes along one of the temple’s exterior walls.
Bow before each statue you pass.
As you come across each statue, join the palms of your hands near your heart into a “namaskara” (a traditional pose) and bow.
This is the minimum act you should perform in front of each statue as a respectful gesture. Practicing Hindus often bow or fully prostrate themselves in front of statues as a sign of respect and reverence. If you feel comfortable, prostrate yourself as well, although it’s not required.
If you do prostrate or sit before a statue, avoid pointing your feet in its direction. Feet are generally seen as unclean, and pointing them at a statue may be seen as disrespectful.
Avoid touching the shrines or statues.
A single temple can house hundreds of statues—do not attempt to touch any one of them; this is seen as an inappropriate and disrespectful act. Also, never enter the cove or space that houses each shrine or statue. In Hindu faith, only priests are permitted to touch the statues and enter these spaces. Keep a respectful distance unless a priest invites you to take a closer look.
Sep 16, 2017 · Hindu Temple Visits – Things to Know, Rituals & Meanings. “Gopura dharsanam, Koti Punyam”, means that the sight of a temple tower gives you ten million good things. Also there is a proverb in Tamil which says that don’t live in a place where there is no temple. Temples are an integral part of Hindu way of life, and with majority of ...
Mar 15, 2024 · For Namaste, put your hands together in front of you in a praying motion. Bend your head down slightly. Alternatively, you can go all the way down to your knees and bow your head to the ground. The gods will likely have their own alcoves, little spaces cut out in the wall that act like their “homes.”.
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Apr 22, 2015 · It sets upon a vibration in your ears that activates your brain. Next is the sense of sight you see the arathi and the god decked up in all its glory. Next is the sense of taste. The tirtham or the prasadham enhances your taste sense. A visit to a temple is not just to satisfy your nagging parents but also for awakening your senses.
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Jul 1, 2009 · I. ELEMENTS OF WORSHIP. Like Ramachandran in the story below, many Hindus observe a weekly fast, the choice of day depending upon the Deity to whom they have vowed. Whether fasting or not, worshiping at home or in the temple, all Hindus begin their day by bathing. It is considered essential to approach a Deity in as clean a manner as possible ...
