In short
Since 7 July 2025, the temple asks devotees to dress modestly in traditional or decent attire; revealing or overly casual Western clothing may be refused. Remove footwear before entering the shrine, keep the queue calm and orderly, take only personal photos (no drones; note that the Karla Caves have their own ASI rules), respect offerings and cleanliness, and keep children close on the steps. Policies can change — verify before visiting.
Dress code in effect since 7 July 2025
The temple asks all devotees to dress modestly in traditional or otherwise decent attire. Shorts, mini skirts, ripped jeans and other revealing or markedly Western clothing may be refused entry. Dressing respectfully applies to visitors of every age and background.
Reported by ThePrint (27 Jun 2025), announced by the temple Trust · in force since 7 Jul 2025 · policies can change — please verify before visiting.
Dress code in detail
This is a living place of worship, and the dress expectation is about respect rather than formality. Traditional Indian wear is always welcome — for example a saree, salwar-kameez or kurta-pyjama — but you do not have to wear traditional clothing to comply. The simple test is modesty: choose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees and is not see-through, torn or provocative. If you are travelling from elsewhere for a day trip, it is worth packing a modest change of clothes or a scarf or stole you can use to cover up. When in doubt, dress as you would for any respected shrine.
Footwear
Remove your footwear before entering the temple, as is customary at Hindu shrines; there is usually a place to leave shoes near the entrance. For the climb itself, comfortable non-slip footwear is important on the stone steps — see The Climb, Parking & Accessibility for more. Keep socks handy if the ground is hot, and carry valuables with you rather than leaving them in your shoes.
Queue etiquette
During darshan, please join the line calmly and keep it moving. Avoid pushing or trying to skip ahead, give space to elderly devotees, families and those who need a little more time, and follow any directions from temple staff or volunteers, especially when it is busy. On festival days the queues can be long — patience and good humour go a long way and make the experience better for everyone.
Photography
Personal photography is generally fine in and around the temple precinct, but please be considerate: do not photograph other devotees without consent, avoid using flash or filming during aarti or prayers, and never let a photo get in the way of someone's worship. Drones are not permitted. Note that the adjoining Karla Caves are an ASI-protected monument with their own photography and conduct rules, which differ from the temple's — check those separately on the Karla Caves visitor information page.
Offerings
Devotees commonly bring simple offerings such as flowers, garlands, coconut or prasad. Please offer respectfully and follow the practice at the shrine on the day. Avoid wastage, do not leave offerings where they will create litter, and be mindful that customs may be managed differently at busy times. For more on traditional worship here, see rituals & offerings.
Waste and cleanliness
Help keep the hill clean for everyone who climbs after you. Carry a small bag for your own waste, use bins where provided, and take any rubbish back down with you if none are available. Avoid single-use plastics where you can, and do not leave food waste that can attract animals on the steps.
Respect for cave conservation
The Karla Caves are an ancient, fragile, centrally protected monument. If you visit them as part of your trip, treat them with care: do not touch, scratch, write on or chip the carvings; do not climb on the sculptures or stupa; and follow all ASI signage and any guidance from monument staff. These rock-cut works are irreplaceable, and small acts of carelessness cause permanent damage. The caves and the temple are separate sites with separate rules — learn more on the Karla Caves page.
Prohibited items and conduct
For everyone's safety and the dignity of the site, please avoid bringing or doing the following:
- Drones or any unauthorised aerial filming.
- Alcohol, intoxicants, or any non-vegetarian food within the temple precinct.
- Loud music, speakers, or disruptive behaviour during worship.
- Littering, defacing surfaces, or damaging plants and structures.
- Anything that endangers others on the steep stone steps.
Some items or activities may be restricted at the caves under ASI rules as well. When unsure, ask staff at the site.
Child safety
The stairway is steep and busy in places, so keep children within reach at all times, hold hands on the steps, and steer them away from edges and crowds. Agree a meeting point in case anyone gets separated, carry water and snacks for them, and build in rest breaks. During festivals, when crowds are largest, extra vigilance with children is especially important.
Emergency conduct
If someone feels unwell, faints, or is injured on the climb, move calmly to a safe spot off the line of foot traffic, give them water and shade, and ask nearby staff or volunteers for help. In a serious situation, alert temple or monument staff immediately and seek medical assistance. Do not assume a manned first-aid point is always available on the route — come prepared with any personal medication and basic supplies, as noted in our climb and accessibility guide. Stay aware of weather, especially in the monsoon, and do not attempt the climb in heavy rain or storms.