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Here are our tips on Hindu temple etiquette
1. Bring temple “offerings”. Whenever you go to a Hindu temple, be sure to get some flowers before entering. You can then offer these at the main statue as a sign of respect or in prayer.
2. Always remove your shoes at the entrance. The safest place to leave them is at the shop where you buy flowers because they have a vested interest in making sure no one steals them. Otherwise there is always an off chance someone will fancy your shoes or sandals, especially if they look nice or expensive.
3. Wear ear plugs. The temples in India can be extremely chaotic and noisy with bells, people yelling, babies screaming and guards pushing you through the lines. Wearing ear plugs helps dampen the sound and make it easier for you to enjoy the inner spiritual power that seems to pervade all temples in India.
4. Find a quiet spot for meditation or simply an “eyes closed chill out session”. Find a quiet corner away from the chaos and just sit. Feel the vibrations and see what happens. I’ve had some of my best glimpses into “enlightenment” at the temples and this is a major reason for me to visit India. It can truly be life changing.
5. Be inward and don’t get overwhelmed by the chaos. As I’ve mentioned, I recommend to be as inward as possible when visiting temples. Just be simple and quiet within yourself and you’ll have the best possible experience.
6. Get “special darshan” arranged at the temple office. Darshan means “receiving blessings from the divine”. Often the lines are so long at temples that you can be standing in the hot sun for hours before seeing the statue and then you’re quickly pushed out. If you go to the temple office and pay for “VIP” entry then you can skip the line and spend more time in front of the statue. It’s well worth it and won’t cost more than a few $5 to $10.
7. Have small change ready for donations. Many people will want your money at temples and it can be a bit overwhelming. If you feel to give something then have a wad of 10 rupee notes ready so that you don’t hurt your budget too quickly.
8. Hire a temple guide who won’t rip you off (that much). For me, the temples of India are often the highlight of my trip. They are usually an ancient architectural marvel, but more importantly, a place of spiritual wonder. The etiquette can be hard to know without help from a local so I recommend you go to the “temple office” and see if there is a good English speaking guide available. Although, agree on the price upfront and watch out for the “up sells”.
9. Stay at a hotel near the temple if you’re digging the vibes. I find that a hotel right outside the temple can be amazing because you’ll be in that “spiritual aura” 24/7 while you’re there and so the experience will be deeper and more long lasting. It also means you may be able to leave your valuables and shoes etc in your room which can be very convenient.