At the Hindu Temple, our mission is to promote the traditional culture of Sanatana Dharma, to enable all devotees to come closer to divine gods, and to encourage spiritual values like modesty and respect. Recognizing that the way we dress and the way we act has a huge impact on ourselves as well as others around us, we ask that you follow our dress code and etiquette guidelines. These guidelines have been created to help you have the best possible experience and also to help everyone enjoy their experience at the Temple.
Temple Dress Code:
When entering the Temple, please observe the following dress code:
- No loose hair; all long hair must be tied securely.
- No shorts or short skirts.
- No leggings.
- No tank tops or tube tops.
Please be aware that this dress code applies equally to both men and women. Men are required to wear either veshti, kurta pajamas, or long pants (extending below the calf muscle). Ladies are required to wear either pants or a long skirt (extending below the calf muscle), sari or salwar kameez.
Temple Guidelines:
At the Hindu Temple, many of our customs are different from those at other Temples, so we understand that some visitors might not know what to expect. Please review our etiquette guidelines, so that we can help everyone enjoy their experience at our Temple.
- Please keep noise/talking to a minimum when pujas or homas are in progress. Excessive talking is distracting to the volunteers as well as for the devotees. Please help us to maintain an atmosphere of devotion and respect.
- Please do not allow your children to run or play unattended. In particular, children must not run anywhere inside the Temple. Not only is this distracting for the volunteers, it could also be dangerous for the children. Not only are there many exposed lamps in the Temple, there are many sacred murtis that could be damaged or knocked over. To ensure a sacred atmosphere as well as everyone’s safety, please do not allow your children to run in the Temple or play unattended.
- Please silence your cellphones while in the Temple. Cellphones often interfere with our sound system, so please try to limit their use.
Custom, Do and Don’ts:
- Please remember the Temple is the holiest place.
- Respect the traditions and customs of the Temple.
- Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the Temple.
- Leave your shoes in the shoe racks only.
- Apply Tilak on your forehead while entering the Temple.
- Silence is Divine. Observe silence in the temple.
- Leave Sthotra and Bhajan books in the temple. Do not take them home.
- Turn off cell phones and pagers during Poojas and Discourses.
- Use of Cameras (including mobile cameras) and Video recorders are prohibited except by authorized personnel.
- Alcohol, Illicit drugs, Tobacco products and non-vegetarian food are prohibited throughout HTCSCI grounds.
- Deposit disposable plates, cups, cutlery and napkins in the trash bins only and not on the temple grounds.
- Do not waste Prasadam. Take only what you can eat.
- Any property damage caused by the children is parent’s responsibility.
- Keep the bathrooms clean and dry.
- No soliciting on the HTCSCI grounds.
- Do not commit any activities of violence or quarrel inside the Temple.
Once again thank you for your continued support!
If you have any questions or concerns about our dress code or other policies, please feel free to contact us.