Hindu Puja Rules
Temple Etiquette
Shiva Lingam Restrictions
Tulsi Leaves Rules
Ganesha Worship
Vedic Rituals
Women in Hinduism
Charanamrit Vidhi
Religious Taboos
Idol Worship
37 Golden Rules of Hindu Worship: Temple Etiquette & Puja Mistakes to Avoid
AstroAnanta Team
February 17, 2026
4 Min Read
365
Key Takeaway
What are the major prohibitions in Hindu Puja?
• Ganesha: Never offer Tulsi leaves.
• Shiva: Never offer Ketaki flowers or perform full Parikrama.
• Vishnu: Do not use Akshat (Rice) in Tilak.
• Women: Prohibited from breaking coconuts or touching Hanuman/Shani idols.
• General: Do not enter a temple without washing hands/feet, and never ring the bell while exiting.
🌺 Specific Deity Prohibitions
Ganesha & Devi
- Ganesha: Never offer Tulsi leaves to Lord Ganesha.
- Devi (Goddess): Never offer Durva grass to the Goddess.
- Multiple Idols: Do not keep 3 idols of Ganesha in the home temple.
Shiva & Vishnu
- Shiva: Never offer Ketaki flowers.
- Shiva: Do not perform full Parikrama (circumambulation); never cross the Jaldhari.
- Vishnu: Do not use Akshat (Rice) in Tilak for Lord Vishnu.
Hanuman & Shani
- Touch Forbidden: Women should strictly avoid touching the idols of Hanuman Ji and Shani Dev.
- Bhairav: Entry to Bhairav temple is prohibited for alcoholics (except specific rituals).
imples Temple Etiquette
Entry Rules
- Feet: Enter with the Right Foot first; Exit with the Left Foot.
- Footwear: Do not keep shoes/slippers upside down at the door.
- Walk: If possible, walk barefoot to the temple if it's nearby.
- Dress: Keep a separate set of fresh clothes for temple visits.
Conduct Inside
- Darshan: View the deity with open eyes; do not close them immediately.
- Sit: Do not leave immediately. Sit for 2 minutes to absorb the divine energy.
- Queue: Maintain discipline in lines; chant God's name instead of gossiping.
- Cleanliness: Help maintain hygiene in the temple premises.
Exit Rules
- The Bell: Do not ring the bell while returning/exiting the temple.
- Sound: Do not ring the bell so hard that it creates a jarring/harsh sound.
🕯️ Rituals & Offerings (Puja Vidhi)
Lamps & Incense
- Deepak: Never light your lamp using another person's burning lamp.
- Incense: Do not use Lobhan (Benzoin) incense for Deities (It is mostly for negative energy removal).
- Hand Wash: Always wash hands after taking Aarti or touching a lamp.
Pranam & Charanamrit
- One Hand: Never offer Pranam or take Aarti with one hand.
- Charanamrit: Keep a napkin under the right hand while taking it; not a drop should fall.
- Wiping: Do not wipe Charanamrit hands on your head/Shikha. Apply it to your eyes instead.
Tulsi & Conch
- Chewing: Never chew Tulsi leaves; swallow them.
- Shankh: Do not keep two conch shells (Shankh) in the same puja room.
- Placement: Never place a Shivling in a Tulsi pot.
👩 Women & Social Conduct
Women Specific
- Coconut: Women should not break coconuts in the temple.
- Prostration: 'Dandvat Pranam' (lying flat) is forbidden for women.
- Shivling: Pregnant women should not touch the Shivling.
- Menstruation: Entry during menstruation is strictly prohibited.
Social & General
- Respect: Making unmarried girls touch your feet is a sin.
- Astrologer: Never ask a question to an astrologer without offering Dakshina.
- Brahmin: Never let a Brahmin sit without an Asan (seat).
- Sutak: Do not touch idols if there is Sutak (death/birth impurity) in the family.
Shivling at Home
- Size: Do not keep a Shivling larger than the size of your thumb at home.
- Flow: Never cross the water flowing from the Shivling (Jaldhari).
⚠️ Important: Why not wipe hands on the head?
"Gayatri resides in the Shikha (Crown of the head). Wiping sticky/wet hands on it makes it impure."
"Gayatri resides in the Shikha (Crown of the head). Wiping sticky/wet hands on it makes it impure."
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we not chew Tulsi leaves?
Scientifically, Tulsi leaves contain mercury and iron, which can damage teeth if chewed. Spiritually, Tulsi is considered a Goddess (Vrinda), and chewing her leaves is seen as disrespectful. They should be swallowed with water.
Why are women not allowed to break coconuts?
In Hindu tradition, a coconut is symbolic of a "seed" or life (Beej). Since women are the creators of life (Prakriti), breaking a "seed" is symbolically considered inauspicious for them.
Why is Dandvat Pranam forbidden for women?
According to scriptures, the womb and breasts of a woman are sacred as they nurture life. Touching them to the ground in a prostrate position (Dandvat) is not recommended to protect their sanctity. Women should perform 'Panchanga Pranam' (kneeling).
Why should we not ring the bell while leaving the temple?
Ringing the bell while entering announces your arrival and wakes up your spiritual consciousness. Ringing it while leaving implies you are "breaking the connection" or disturbing the peace you just attained.
Can we use any incense stick for God?
Most incense is fine, but Lobhan (Benzoin) is generally used for exorcism or removing negative energies/spirits. It is typically not used for the peaceful worship of Satvik deities like Vishnu or Ganesha.