Customs In Temples

Customs In Temples
In majority of the temples in Kerala non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the area of sanctum sanctorum. However, in many temples there is no objection for non-Hindus entering inside the outer-walls of the temple. Once inside the outer-walls, standing in the Nadapura (sheltered front path) on can see the deity in the sanctum sanctorum.
Ladies during menstruation period are strictly prohibited entering even the premises of the temples. Likewise, if a death is occurred in the family, the blood relatives of the deceased are forbidden visiting temples during the mourning period of 14 days.
Male devotees entering the sanctum sanctorum are required to be bare-bodied. They can fling their shirt on the shoulder or hand. There is no objection in wearing pants or shorts. Wearing caps is disallowed. Smoking is also there in the prohibited list.
No footwear is allowed even inside the outer walls. However, socks have no bar.

In most of the temples the circumambulating path of the sanctum sanctorum and the outer temple are granite-laid.