Topic started by shishya (@ dial11.ion.co.za) on Sun Nov 24 10:25:29 .
All times in EST +10:30 for IST.

can someone pls describe the CORRECT procedure for worshipping at a temple - i was really embarassed recently when i simply marched into the main part of the temple without having prostrated at the flagpost (kodimaram), or walked around the shrine 3 times or having prayed to the minor 'god' after the kodi (in this case maduraiveeran). unfortunately, i'm not very familiar with temple worship but am trying to learn.

- up to what point in a temple is one allowed to wear shoes before being asked to remove them?
- is it necessary to first prostrate to the flagpost and burn a camphor at its base before walking around the temple?
- if one has to then bow to the minor deity outside the main shrine, isnt it rude to do a full prostration, meaning ones feet would be pointing toward the god?
- how long are you supposed to remain inside the shrine and are you supposed to recite out a prayer or just keep quiet and listen to the priest pray?

Responses:

• From: Ramadas (@ dclient80-218-23-230.hispeed.ch) on: Sun Nov 24 13:04:37
  
  The best is always to pray or meditate at home. But if it is nice for you it is better to visit a temple. Shoes have to be left very much outside, outside of the main compound wall (Outer Praakaaram). There are no hard and fast rules on whom to be worshipped first. But it is customary to worship Ganesh if the deity is there in the temple. Most temples have him in one corner. Circumabulation (going around- Pradakshina) should be always in clockwise direction (except for some special Shiva temples of Kerala where half the circumabulation is covered clockwise and the other half in anti-clockwise. You are not supposed to enter the "GarbhaGriha" (main sanctum sanctorum) as only specially deputed people of the temple are allowed there. Same with the temple kitchen. Full prostration (SaAshtaanga Namaskaram - All the eight parts of the body touching the ground) is to be done only by men. Women are supposed to kneel down and bring there foreheads on to the floor. These are general traditions and rules. Different temples have their own set of rules. Better to get yourself informed before going. For example no Kerala temples allow men inside wearing shirts, trousers or headgear. Only dhoti is allowed. There are no rules regarding flagpost. You can stay as much time as you want in the middle and outer praakaarams. But just outside the GarbhaGraham is not allowed at certian times like when they are offering lunch and dinner to the deity. Your prayers can be addressed in any language but in your mind or in whisper. Temple going is not for show-off. It is for your own self. Always take time to enjoy the architecture (in such temples), the music and decorations to the deity.
  
  

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