Hindu temples are one of the key cultural attractions in Mumbai. Visiting one of these temples can provide travelers with a good insight into the spiritual life of the average Indian. Like most places of worship, temples too ask visitors to observe some etiquette. Here are a few dos and don’ts of visiting a temple in Mumbai.
Dos:
Be mindful of important religious days
Most Mumbai temples are rather crowded and on important religious days, devotees throngs to these places by the thousands. For a visitor, it can make viewing the idols and the campus very difficult. Before you visit a temple in Mumbai, ensure that your visit doesn’t coincide with an important religious day or function.
Drape a stole or scarf on your head
Covering the head inside a temple is a mark of respect and humility. Men are required to tie a scarf on their head while women are required to drape a stole over their heads and shoulders. If you don’t have one with you, some temples might provide you with one in the campus.
Follow the safety measures
Even though it is a relatively safe metropolis, Mumbai has been targeted by terrorists of late and for that reason, many temples have begun prohibiting photography inside and outside temple campuses. Some temples even prohibit visitors from carrying bags inside and provide a luggage counter where belongings can be checked in.
Don’ts:
Don’t walk in with your shoes on
One must never enter a Hindu temple with their shoes on. There are shoe check-in counters where shoes can be left. If you are worried about theft, you can check your shoes in at the baggage counter for a small fee.
Don’t wear skimpy clothes
In India, the rules are a little relaxed for men who can wear knee length shorts and sleeveless t-shirts inside a Hindu temple. However, women have to wear tops that cover their shoulders and do not reveal too much of their cleavage. The hem of women’s bottom wear should also not be higher than mid calf.
Don’t use your left hand
Hindus consider the left hand “unclean” and thus one should avoid using this hand for offering flowers, ringing the temple, touching the holy water or receiving the “prasad”.
Don’t visit a temple if you are menstruating
Hindus consider a menstruating woman to be unclean. Hence, you should not visit a Hindu temple if you are on the rag.