Visiting the Temple

Etiquette for Visiting the Temple The temple welcomes visitors and devotees from all over the world. While visitors of all races and religions are welcome, a few simple rules should be followed in the temple: -Modest dress is required and traditional Indian dress is preferred. Dhotis/trousers and shirts for men and sari, salwar kameez or modest western wear for women. -Remove all footwear and place them in designated areas outside the temple. Socks are recommended to protect feet on hot granite paving stones. -Follow all posted rules regarding photography. Tripods are not allowed without special permission. Photography is not permitted inside the sanctum and in a few other places in the temple. There is a fee for cameras. -Keep voices low, turn phones to silent and avoid public displays of affection. -Walk in a clockwise direction around the temple structures. -Do not enter the sanctum of the main temple or any of the surrounding shrines or touch statues of deities for whom pooja has been performed. -While it is permissible to touch sculptures on the outside of buildings, minimize doing so to avoid damage to these ancient artifacts. -While there is no entry fee for the temple, a small donation placed in one of the donation boxes throughout the temple is a respectful gesture. -Offerings of flowers or fruit can be given to the priest but are not mandatory. -After pooja is performed, the priest will walk around with a lamp and holy water. To accept these blessings, place your cupped hands above the flame and then fold your hands. Holy water should be received in cupped hands with the right hand held above the left hand and sprinkled on your head with the right hand. -Prasad (sanctified food), red kumkum powder or holy ashes, given by the priests should be accepted with the right hand. -A small offering (Rs. 50-100) may also be placed on the plates held by priests when they offer Kumkum or holy ashes to devotees during times of worship.