What are the “rules” when going to a Hindu temple as a non practicing visitor/observer?
Hinduism is a very open and forgiving religion. Some even call it a philosophy. There are few different rules that certain sub-religious groups enforce, but even most Hindu may not follow all the rules except for a few. If you feel intimidated, feel free to sit around and observe as different people practice different things including circling the statues, offerings to god etc. Few important things to remember are: 1. Shoes: Outside every temple, there is a place for you take off your shoes. In most cases, there is also a tap for you to rinse your hands after you take off your shoes (not so strict about rinsing, but something one should anyway) 2. When you pray or are in front of a statue, bow with your hands together in front (kinda like the one you see in yoga when they say namaste) And that is pretty much it. Photography restrictions, cell phone etc., are basically the same as in any public place. If however you wanted to get a little more temple experience – then there are few addi
