What not to do in a temple or place of worship

Visiting a temple, can be one of the most cultural experiences you’ll get while travelling. Whether it’s a tranquil Buddhist Temple or a grand Hindu Temple. These places are some of the most beautiful landmarks, you’ll discover.

But knowing what not to do in a temple is just as important, as what you can do.

For the last 15 years or more, we have visited Sri Lanka and always made a point of visiting at least 1 temple, from the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, to Gangaramaya Temple and Isipathanaramaya Temple in Colombo.

And over the years, we have seen a few tourists make some innocent mistakes along the way.

Which is why, we have written this guide on temple etiquettes – dos and don’ts to prevent you from making the same mistake.

While different religions have different customs, many rules are universal and apply across most places of worship.

If you do ignore the customs or due to lack of awareness, it could cause offense and in some extreme cases, ban you from entering.

If you are wanting to immerse yourself into the culture and avoid any mishaps in the temple, we’ll break down everything you need to know. So, you can walk into any religious site, with confidence, knowing you’ll be respecting their customs.

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What not to do in a temple

Find out what the biggest mistakes many tourists make and ways to avoid these mishaps.

Dress code: What not to wear in a temple

Ok, so this is one of the number one mistakes many tourists make when visiting a temple.

Let’s start with what not to wear in a temple:

Don’t wear revealing clothing such as shorts, tank tops, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, or short and revealing dresses.

Don’t wear hats, sunglasses or shoes inside the temple or sacred spaces.

And lastly, don’t wear bright colourful clothing, or clothing with offensive symbols/slogans.

The alternative to what not to wear, is actually quite simple.

You could start with wearing modest clothing, such as clothing that covers the shoulders, knees and cleavage.

If you don’t have clothing that covers you, don’t worry, you can either bring a thin but smart scarf or sarong, buy a scarf/sarong from the local market, or borrow one from the temple. The temple often have a small supply of cover ups, for either hire or for free.

You’ll certainly be covered in any event.

Always remove your hat and sunglasses before entering the premises.

There is normally a shoe stand, to leave shoes before entering.

Pro tip: you can wear socks inside many temples, this will help with any uncomfortable surfaces you might encounter, especially the burning hot rocks, stones or sand.

Praying in front of the large seated Buddha Statue, in Annuradhapura Sri Lanka

Footwear rules

We touched on this a little above, but just wanted to emphasis this point.

Shoes are not permitted within the temple; in some temples you may also be asked to remove the socks. If you are asked to remove the sock, be respectful and remove them.

Although in our experience of visiting Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka and the UK, we haven’t been asked to remove the socks before. But do keep in mind, different countries may have slightly different rules.

To be organised and to prevent delays, remove the shoes before entering and place them in the designated shoe rack.

Don’t leave your shoes in the way, for someone to trip over them.

Lighting insense sticks at a temple in Sri Lanka. You'll note I am barefoot, and the clothing I am wearing, which is covering my knees and shoulders. — Lighting insense sticks at a temple in Sri Lanka. You’ll note I am barefoot, and the clothing I am wearing, which is covering my knees and shoulders.

Behaviours and temple etiquette

Your behaviour in a temple is just as important as what is appropriate to wear. And while you might not intentionally disrespect a faith or religion, it does happen.

As you tour a temple or religious building, don’t speak loudly, laugh or play music/videos or games on your phone. If you want to do that, you have come to the wrong place.

Any statues, or religious objects should not be touched, unless permitted to do so.

Any public affection to another, should be kept away from a temple, as it really isn’t the place.

Many countries, especially Sri Lanka are still conservative and any display of public affection, will give you some funny stares.

Keep this for behind closed doors.

Having you’re back towards a statue, while taking a selfie is disrespectful, but happens frequently.

If you do wish to have a photograph taken with a statue, then be sideways to it, that way you’re still in the frame, but without your back to the statue.

Pro tip: Many temples, shrines or religious building allow photography and videography, there will be signs in place if it is not permitted.

Pro tip 2: If you wish to take any photographs of monks or religious people, always ask permission before hand. Some may be happy to have their picture taken. If not, thank them and do not take a picture.

While in Sri Lanka, we visited Polunnaruwa and saw 2 monks. Shams kindly asked if they would be happy for us to take a picture of them, in which they agreed.

Two monks in Polonaruwa. We asked permission before we took this picture.

Supporting temples without being a nuisance

Throughout this guide, we have shared all the common mistakes tourists make, and things they shouldn’t do when visiting a temple.

But let’s look at some tips you can do, to support temples and be a responsible tourist.

You should treat these as sacred places, because let’s face it, that’s what they are. The locals and some tourists attend a temple, for religious reasons. Whether that is to pray, meditate, or to give offerings to their god.

Temples are not only places to pray, but they are great to take in the tranquillity and meditate. We find mediation a real benefit, and what better place than at Temple.

You should approach a temple or any religious site, with the mindset of appreciating the culture, rather than it being a tourist attraction.

You should follow the ethical tourism principles, by supporting them with donations, use ethical local guides, or by making ethical purchases.

Conclusion

Visiting any temple or religious building is more than just sightseeing, it’s stepping into a place that is deep in culture and spiritual significance.

By dressing appropriately, removing your shoes, behaving in a respectful manner and following local customs, will be well appreciated and you won’t be “that tourist” that sticks out from the crowds for doing all the wrong things.

These small gestures of respect, will go a long way, and will show others of your understanding as a traveller for other cultures and religions, while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful experience.

While you can’t go wrong with these tips on what not to do in a temple, just be mindful that not all sacred sites have the same rules. Some may not allow photography, or socks inside the temple, etc.

Make sure you follow the rules and be respectful.

Temple etiquette isn’t about rigid rules to follow, but embracing the different cultures. Your visit can only be one of a deeper appreciation for the traditions and beliefs.

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