Tourist Guide to Kerala Temples: Rules, Dress Code, and Traditions

Kerala is home to many beautiful temples. Each of these temples has its own rich history and spiritual significance. In addition to their amazing architecture, they are active centers of worship and community life, following traditions that go back to centuries. When you are planning to visit, it’s important to know and respect the customs and traditions followed in these sacred places. This tourist guide to Kerala Temples will help you understand the common rules, dress code, and etiquette so you can enjoy a fulfilling temple visit.

Preparation for visit: Cleanliness and right attitude.

Be respectful: Remember that temples in Kerala are not just tourist spots but active places of worship. So, adopt a calm and respectful attitude.

Cleanliness: It is customary for devotees to bathe before visiting a temple. Traditionally, women avoid entering temples during their periods. You are expected to wear clean clothes while visiting the temple.

What to Wear When Visiting Kerala Temples: Dress Code and Modesty Tips

Dressing properly is important while visiting Kerala temples. Light and loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics is ideal, especially considering the climate of Kerala. For ladies, it would be best to wear clothes covering their shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing like shorts, sleeveless tops, or very short skirts.

For Men:

Normally, the Keralites wear a white, saffron, or cream Mundu (dhoti) , while visiting the temples. (Devotees of Lord Ayyappa are allowed to wear a black mundu). Many prominent temples strictly prohibit Western wear like trousers, jeans, or shorts inside the main temple complex. However, some may allow wearing a mundu over shorts/trousers.

In most temples, men are required to enter the inner areas bare-chested or wear only a thin cloth (angavastram) over their shoulders. Shirts, vests, or t-shirts must often be removed.

For visitors’ convenience, Mundus are often available for rent outside major temples

For Women

Sarees, set-mundu (two-piece Kerala saree), salwar kameez, or long skirts with blouses (pavada and blouse) are considered appropriate for ladies while visiting the temple. Avoid jeans, leggings, shorts, sleeveless tops, or low necklines.

Some temples, like the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Guruvayur temple adopt stricter rules (e.g., saree only), though some now permit salwar kameez or churidars. In some temples, women might be asked to wrap a mundu over their trousers/leggings before entering.

For small girls, there are no restrictions, though modest dressing, such as traditional skirts, long frocks, and blouses or salwar kameez is more acceptable.

How to Enter and Behave Inside Kerala Temples

Always remove footwear before entering the temple premises (including the outer courtyard). Designated areas are usually provided outside the main gate of the temple to keep footwear and mobiles. Wearing socks is usually allowed.

You are expected to maintain the cleanliness of the temple grounds. Refrain from spitting or littering inside the temple. Parents should take precautions to prevent infants from urinating or soiling the premises, as this could necessitate expensive purification rituals.

Be careful to maintain the peaceful and respectful atmosphere inside the temple by avoiding loud conversations, laughter, or public displays of affection.

Switch off mobile phones or put them on silent mode. Many temples prohibit carrying phones inside the inner sanctum (Nalambalam) or even the entire premises.

Follow the queues and designated pathways for entry (darshan) and exit. Avoid pushing or rushing.

Pradakshinam: Normally, in all temples, the devotees walk around the central shrine clockwise. However, in temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, devotees usually turn back without completing the walk around. If you are not sure, observe others or ask.

In most of the Kerala temples devotees are not allowed to touch the priest while interacting with them. Use your right hand for giving or receiving items prasadam or offerings from the priests.

Also, it is important not to touch idols, ritual objects, or sacred symbols unless explicitly permitted.

Photography Rules in Kerala Temples

Many temples in Kerala strictly prohibit photography and videography, especially inside the inner sanctum. Always look for signs or ask temple staff before using a camera or phone. Normally, photographing the main idol is not allowed.

Mobile Phones/Cameras: Carrying mobile phones and cameras are not allowed in many Kerala temples. You can keep them in the designated counters outside the temple entrance.

Kerala Temple Timings and Darshan

Most temples in Kerala generally open before sunrise and close the morning darshan by 11 AM. In the evening, they open around 5:00 PM and close later at night 8:00-9:00 PM. However, timings for Darshan and rituals of temples in Kerala vary significantly, and it is always advisable to confirm this from temple authorities or the website.

Be prepared for large crowds and long queues, especially during festival times. Follow any queue management systems in place. You can avail avail the separate queue for senior citizens, if available. Some of the temples have special Darshan facilities for those who book for specific pujas or rituals.

How to Make Offerings and Donations at Kerala Temples

The majority of the temples in Kerala are under government supervision and insist that offerings (Vazhipaadu) should be booked through official temple counters only. Please obtain receipts for all transactions.

Monetary offerings for temple can be put inside the donation boxes (Hundi/Bandaram) kept inside the temple. An increasing number of temples also accept donations through official online portals/UPI. You need to be wary of unauthorized persons who offer darshan and vazhipadu facilities for money.

Important Rules and Restrictions in Kerala Temples

Entry restrictions: It is crucial to be aware that some major temples in Kerala, traditionally restrict entry to Hindus only. Though it may not be strictly enforced, it would be better to check beforehand the specific policy of the temple you are planning to visit.

Food and drink: Devotees in Kerala usually take only vegetarian food on the day of their temple visit. Avoid consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian food before entering the temple.

You may not be allowed to carry mobiles, electronic gadgets, and bags in some of the major temples. As mentioned earlier, you may need to deposit these in counters opened for this purpose. Small purses and money bags are allowed.

Conclusion

Visiting temples in Kerala offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual and cultural traditions of the region. You would help to maintain the sacred and holy atmosphere of these temples by following the local customs in your dress and behavior. Please keep in mind that each temple might have its own rules, so it would be better to check in advance with the temple authorities or on their official websites. Wishing you a wonderful and spiritually rewarding journey to the temples in Kerala.