FAQ

Do and Don'ts in Temples in Kerala

Most of the temples in Kerala follow rituals and prayers based on tantric system and customs rooted in Vedic texts. Priests follow a strict code of conduct in daily rituals as well as during ceremonies and offerings on special occasions. 

Dress Code: Most of the temples allow women to enter the premises in traditional attire like saree, churidar, long skirt-and-blouse and also in modest modern outfits. In most temples, men are expected to come bare-bodied, with a dhoti covering their shoulders. 

Circumambulation: Devotees circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum in a manner that is prescribed at the particular temple. In most temples, one may circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum in clock-wise direction. But there are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva where one should not complete the pradhakshinam (circumambulation) in full but rather stop at a particular point and retrace ones’s steps. One can also offer prayers from the outer perimeter of the sanctum sanctorum and circumambulate the temple. 

Food and Hygiene: Those wishing to visit temples should abstain from non-vegetarian food, and take bath and wear fresh, clean clothes on the day of visit.