In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda shares seven and a half traditional guidelines to help make a temple visit more meaningful and respectful.

The first thing is to learn as much as you can about that particular temple and the temple traditions related to the devata before you go. For example, in Maharashtra, in a Shiva temple, there is a place where the liquid from the Shiva linga flows out during abhisheka. That is called the Soma Sutra. In Maharashtra, if you perform pradakshina, you walk only as far as the Soma Sutra, then return, go around the other way to the Soma Sutra, and return again. It is a small detail, but it is meaningful.

The second thing is that before you go to the temple, either the night before or early that morning, bow down to the devata of the temple and respectfully ask permission to have darshana there.

The third thing is to bring offerings that are appropriate for that devata. Usually, the people around the temple will know what is traditionally offered there, but it is also good to know beforehand and decide what you would like to offer, something you feel the devata would especially appreciate.

Next, when you enter the temple, be prepared to offer your name and your gotra. If you do not know your gotra, you can use Kashyapa Gotra, because Kashyapa is regarded as the father of many beings. Especially in South India, you may also be asked for your nakshatra. Today, this can easily be found online. Here, nakshatra means the lunar mansion in which your Moon is placed.

Once you enter the temple, and until you have completed your worship, keep your phone put away. Thankfully, many temples now require visitors to leave their phones outside. I have recently seen people paying more attention to taking selfies than to having darshana. Do not let that be you.

After your darshana is complete, find a place, preferably within the temple precincts, where you can sit quietly for a few minutes. Take time to absorb the experience and observe whether any sign or omen nearby may offer insight into your interaction with the devata.

When you are ready to leave the temple, first thank the devata. Then thank your Ishta Devata, if that is different. After that, thank your guru. If you do not have an embodied guru, thank Lord Shiva, the Guru of the world.

Once you have offered your gratitude, and if you wish to return, say the words, Punar Darshanam Astu, “May I have your darshana again.” Only then should you leave the temple.

I have now covered my seven points. The half point is to remember the point about keeping your phone in your pocket until you have completed your worship.