Temple Dress Code — What to Wear When Visiting a Hindu Temple

Clothes

• Wear modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
• Traditional wear is welcome but not always required.
• Some South Indian temples have stricter codes — for example dhoti or mundu for men and saree or churidar for women — and may not allow western wear inside the sanctum. Check the temple's notice board or website.

Footwear and leather

Remove shoes before entering — most temples have a shoe stand. Many devotees avoid leather belts and bags inside.

Inside the temple

• Wash hands (and feet where facilities exist) before entering.
• Walk clockwise (pradakshina) around the shrine.
• Ask before taking photos; many temples do not allow photography of the deity.
• Keep phones silent and voices low.
• Accept prasad with the right hand.

Visiting abroad

Temples such as the BAPS mandirs and large community temples welcome visitors of all faiths; most publish visitor guidelines online.

Before you go

• Check the temple's website or notice board for dress codes and visiting rules — some large temples abroad require online registration.
• Carry a shawl or stole to cover shoulders if needed.
• Many temples provide lockers or stands for shoes and mobile phones.
• Women in some traditions avoid temple visits during menstruation — temples and families differ.

Etiquette inside

• Don't point your feet towards the deity when sitting.
• Don't touch the idols unless the temple invites it (some, like Shiva lingas in certain temples, can be touched).
• Accept prasad and tirtha (holy water) with the right hand and don't throw prasad away.
• Leave a small offering in the hundi if you wish — it is never compulsory.

Famous temple dress codes

Some well-known South Indian temples, such as Guruvayur in Kerala, require men to wear a mundu or dhoti and remove shirts, and women to wear a saree or churidar; temples such as Tirumala ask for traditional dress for special darshan. Always check before travelling, as rules can change.