What to wear and bring for a puja at Trimbakeshwar

Men are commonly asked to wear a dhoti with an upper cloth while sitting for the rite, often in white. Some pujas call for new clothes, so check before you buy [TO VERIFY]. If you rarely wear a dhoti, ask someone to help you tie it, or try it once at home.

Simple, modest traditional clothes are a safe choice for the temple, though the temple administration sets its own rules and these can change [TO VERIFY]. Pack a comfortable change of clothes for after the puja.

Women usually wear a saree. Many families also consider a salwar kameez suitable, although this can differ from rite to rite [TO VERIFY]. Some traditions advise against black and green for certain rituals, so ask about colours before you pack [TO VERIFY].

Choose a fabric that is easy to sit and walk in for some hours. If you are pregnant or expect your monthly cycle around the puja dates, please mention it when booking. Customs differ, and Guruji can advise you.

Keep the bag light and pack these essentials:

• A government photo ID for each person, as it may be asked for at the temple [TO VERIFY]
• Names and family details for the sankalp, such as your gotra if you know it
• For rites for the departed, the names of those relatives, as far as they are known
• A towel, a spare set of clothes and a bag for damp clothes
• Regular medicines, drinking water and a light snack for after the rite
• Some cash for small expenses, and footwear that slips off easily

Whether you need to buy puja materials depends on your booking. Some packages include samagri and others do not, so read the page for your rite, such as Kaal Sarp puja or Narayan Nagbali.

Ask before buying anything extra locally, so you do not end up with the same items twice. Some rites traditionally ask that the clothes worn be left behind or given away, so it is worth checking this as well [TO VERIFY].

Phones and bags may not be allowed in parts of the temple, so carry only what you need and ask about storage [TO VERIFY]. Winter mornings can feel cool and the monsoon brings rain, so a light shawl or an umbrella can be useful.

For elderly relatives who cannot sit on the floor, ask about seating in advance. Once you have a date, send your details through the contact page and ask Guruji's team for the final list.