How should I behave in a temple?

come clean and modestly dressed, leave shoes outside, keep quiet and phones away, and follow the local customs.

A temple is traditionally understood as the home of the deity, so we behave as respectful guests. Bathe and wear clean, modest clothes; leave footwear outside; wash hands and feet if there is a place to do so. Many people ring the bell on entering, bow at the threshold (without stepping on it) and first greet Gaṇeśa or the guardian deities.

Inside, keep your voice low, switch your phone to silent and do not take photographs where it is not allowed. Stand to one side of the deity rather than directly blocking others' view, offer what you have brought through the priest, and receive prasāda and tīrtha (holy water) with the right hand, or both hands together. Do not eat or chat in the sanctum.

After darśana, many people sit for a few minutes in the temple before leaving — a quiet custom that lets the experience settle. Every temple has its own rules; when in doubt, watch what local devotees do or ask the priest.

Source: Āgama tradition; common practice · Receive prasāda with the right hand

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