Why Hindus Remove Footwear Before Entering Religious Places?
In Sanatan Dharma, Puja-Paath is considered to be the most sacred and emotional act. Puja is not just a religious act, but a medium to purify the soul and connect with God. For this reason, purity of body, mind, and behavior is considered extremely important during worship. In this context, the question is often asked whether it is appropriate to worship wearing slippers or shoes.
What does religion say from the perspective of scriptures?
In the major texts of Hinduism such as Manusmriti, Narada Smriti, and Garuda Purana, special mention has been made about cleanliness and discipline during worship. It is clearly stated in these texts that before worship, purify the body by taking a bath, wear clean clothes, and enter the place of worship only after removing shoes and slippers. Worshipping while wearing slippers is considered a symbol of physical impurity, which shows a lack of respect for God.
1. Entering Sacred Places Barefoot – A Symbol of Devotion
In Indian tradition, it is customary to remove footwear before entering temples, ashrams, or home altars. This act reflects reverence, humility, and spiritual surrender.
2. Spiritual Meaning Behind Removing Shoes
Taking off shoes symbolizes leaving behind ego, pride, materialism, and worldly distractions before standing in front of the divine.
3. Is Wearing Footwear During Worship a Sin?
Though not explicitly labeled as a “sin” in scriptures, wearing footwear during worship is seen as disrespectful and inappropriate in the context of traditional Hindu decorum.
4. Impact on Purity and Faith
Footwear carries dust and impurities from the outside world. Bringing it into sacred spaces affects the spiritual purity and sanctity of worship.
5. Upholding the Dignity of Sanatan Dharma
Wearing slippers or shoes during worship goes against the values and essence of Sanatan Dharma, which emphasizes inner and outer purity.
6. Worship with Humility and Cleanliness
Before approaching God, one should cleanse both body and mind, and go barefoot as a mark of true faith, humility, and devotion.
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