7 wrongs to never commit when visiting a temple

For Hindus, going to the temple is a daily or atleast weekly ritual. If there is one thing that the whole family does together, then it will be going to the temple, dressed in beautiful clothes, prasad tray in hand, and positivity in the heart. And overtime, visiting the temples and praying to the Gods just becomes something that comes naturally to people.
And in the process, many people unknowingly make certain mistakes that go against the essence of temple visits. And here we mention some of them that are best avoided.

One of the first rules to remember, not just for the big temples, but also your home temple, is to never set foot inside with footwear. Sandals, slippers, shoes, anything that prevents your feet from touching the ground should be left outside. Temples are considered pure and sacred spaces, and stepping inside with shoes is disrespectful. Plus, as going to the temple is a grounding experience, it is best to touch the sacred ground and be one with God, aligning the energies.

Temples are places of prayer and worship, and most people go there to ask for something or the other, wanting something from their visit to the Gods. And while it is understandable that people have wishes and desires that they want God to fulfil, it is best to never ask for something that is harmful to someone else, or one that will put someone in a rather negative energy. Your asks, wishes, and prayers should always come from a place of kindness and purity, not jealousy, revenge, or personal gain.

Another practice that comes to people naturally is to bow their head down in front of the deity and the idol. Some people join their hands and bow down, others lay down completely in front of the idol, and more. And as bowing is a form of respect and acknowledgment of the deity’s power and energy, make sure to bow down and show your respect.
Even if you do not do any elaborate rituals, just bowing down before the deity will show your gratitude and love for them.

Just before you enter the temple, the complex will have people and small shops selling prasad trays, garlands, coconuts, and much more. And it is best to always take something from them, no matter how small or big the donation you can make is.
And while it is not mandatory to give the Gods something to appease them, it is heartfelt to give something that you can and is in your capability. When you ask God for something, try not to do it empty-handed. Something as simple as a Boondi or as elaborate as garlands of flowers and money can be offered.

One of the worst sins and wrongs you can commit when visiting a temple is to engage in nuisance. This could be gossiping, talking loudly, screaming at someone, or letting the young children run around temple premises.
This behavior by people is not just disrespectful, but also interferes with the devotion and prayers of other devotees.

Prasad is a sacred offering from the Gods and is a symbol of blessing. And while we all know that we need to be thankful to the Gods for everything, it is also nice to take the God’s name before having the Prasad.
Just take the name of Hari or Lord Shiva or Maa Durga before consuming the Prasad, and you are good to go.

No matter how tempting second guessing and questioning every belief and miracle feels, sometimes, it is just not necessary. Whenever you set foot into a temple, make sure you do so with full belief in not just your worship, but also your God and your love. And while it is natural to seek answers and have your own thoughts about Godly acts, the seeds of doubt will prevent you from absorbing and feeling the spiritual and positive energies inside a temple.