Religion is a true soul of India. Religious observances and practices are a daily affair for many Indians. The religious fervor resides in every nook and corner of the land, and gives her a sense of uniqueness. The principal religion here is Hinduism, however other religions like Islam, Jainism, Buddhism, Judaism and Zoroastrianism also enjoy great prominence.
Religion is a very sensitive issue in India and hurting someone's religious sentiments is considered to be no less than a crime here. So, it would be better if all those visiting the land for the first time get themselves acquainted with certain etiquettes before planning a trip to any religious spot in India.
Temple Rules
Temples are the worship places of the Hindus and are open for devotees of all religion. However before 1870 in Tirupati, the richest temple of the world, the entrance of non-Hindus were strictly prohibited. Certain things must be remembered before entering a temple complex.
- Get dressed up in descent and sober clothes.
- Open your shoes, slippers before entering the temple.
- It is advisable to take bath before visiting the temple for worship.
- One is advised to wash one's feet and hands before going inside the temple premises.
- One should not use abusive words nor should indulge in any sort of gossips inside the temple.
- One should not eat anything except 'Prashad' in the temple.
- Water of the Ganges is considered extremely holy in India, therefore one should respect it.
- Idols worship is dominant in these temples. Therefore a visitor should pay respect to these idols.
- Offerings and contributions are given importance in temples.
- No leather items are allowed in the temples.
Etiquettes of visiting a Mosque
A mosque, which is generally in the shape of a minaret, is a place of worship for the Muslims. Muslims are very particular and staunch when it comes to religion.
- Head should be properly covered before entering a mosque.
- One should be fully dressed when in a mosque.
- No images of living creatures should be found in the clothes worn by you when visiting a mosque. However, images of plants on clothes are considered positive.
- Before makes an entrance in the mosque one should perform 'Wazu' - a way of washing one's hands and feet.
- There are separate prayer rooms for women inside the mosque.
- One should avoid worldly talks inside the mosque.
- The Muslims however have a specific way of offering prayers.
- One should not drink or eat anything with alcoholic content inside the mosque.
Etiquettes of visiting a Gurdwara
Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship for the Sikhs and is also referred to as Sikh Temple by many.
- Devotees in Gurdwara are supposed to sit cross-legged on the carpeted floor.
- People entering the Darbar Sahib should remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering a Gurdwara.
- The devotees should walk slowly and respectfully while crossing the holy throne on which is kept the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
- Sikhs are only allowed to worship the One Creator (One God), for which the word 'Waheguru' is used.
- Visitors are forbidden to enter the temple complex while they are drunk or have had any intoxicating substances including cigarettes.
- Dress properly and decently before entering the Gurdwara.
- Every visitor in a Gurdwara is offered Langar (vegetarian food). If one is not feeling like consuming this food one can ask for an excuse. One should not waste the food of Langar.
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