India Customs For Visiting Temples

Temple and holy places...

I was pondering before if I should start to write about this article. Honestly to said, I don’t know much about the temple customs. Instead of just writing one article and move on, I will continue to update this article as soon as I learn something new. Thank you for being patience.

Well, let's get started.

Entering the temple

One thing a friend of mine told me is when you are approaching toward a temple or a mosque, the street people will approach you with their hand extend. Most of the time you thought that those people want to shake their hand, but in fact, what the India people want to do is put a bracket onto your hand and demand a donation. Don't be surprise when it happens, and for donation a couple rupees will be fine.

As you are arriving to the temple, remember to take your shoe off and walk through the threshold. When coming inside the temple, you will see some native perform Puja, a ritual that people perform to honor the gods. During the ritual, people will a lay some offering to their choosing gods, and they will receive a mark on their head as a sign of blessing.

Indian women have a tendency to cover their head when entering the temple. I heard the rule is a little easier for foreigner women. However, as a sign of respect for India customs, you should wear something to cover up your body especially the shoulder, arm, and legs. Once enter, it is best to keep your hand to yourself and not touching the painting or statue (common sense).

Wow, its look good...

There are temples that have a customs of passing out Prasad, a sacred food consist of coconut and banana. One simple rule, you should always accept the offer. Even if you not going to eat it, you may hold on to it and give to someone else. Refusing the offer is considered extremely rude. Yes, rude with a capital "ARRR, Matey." Sorry, just watch Pirate of the Caribbean yesterday. As I have mention from India customs in public article, when the priest handing the Prasad to you, it is best to receive it with your right hand or both.

A couple of quick India customs, when you entering Hindu temple. First, if you are a woman, who on your period (menstruate); then you should not enter the temple. I'm know that majority of the temple (if not all) will not allow woman with menstruate to get inside the temple. It is consider the woman is unclean during this time.

Second, if you not a Hindu, do try to avoid going into the place have a sign "Non-Hindu may not enter." The sign is there for a reason; try to respect it if you can.

For Muslim mosques, you just know that woman and man with sit in separated areas.

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