Things to be remembered while visiting temples in NEPAL

Nepal is a multi cultural, multi lingual and religious diverse nation. Nepal is also a secular state according to the constitution of Nepal. Hinduism is the largest religion of Nepal. According to the 2011 census, 81.3% of the Nepalese population was Hindu, 9% was Buddhist, 4.4% was Muslim, 3% was kiratist (indigenous ethnic religion), 1.4% was christian, 0.2% was sikhs, 0.1 was jains and 0.6% follow other religions or religion. 

Kathmandu is the city of temples. In ancient times there was a saying, "There are more temples than house and the number of statue of gods are more than the human population in Kathmandu."  Pashupatinath, Manakamana, Changunarayan, Dakshinkali, Budhanilkantha, Muktinath, Janakpur dham etc are some popular Hindu temples of Nepal. So, as a Hindu dominated country,there are few rules that you should keep in mind while you visit temples of Nepal. 

• Before you plan to go to temple, you should take a shower or bath.  It's not that those who don't bath can't go to the temple, but since temples are spiritual places, it’s traditional to bathe before attending a temple.
• Remove your shoes outside before entering the temple. It is ok to ear shoes outside or around the temple.
• Smoking and drinking inside the temple is prohibited.
• Leather items are not allowed inside the temple. (Like leather jacket, purse, belt.etc.)
• Accept "prasad", "flower", or "Jal"(water) that priest gives.
• Upon entering a Hindu temple, you’ll see an array of deities and statues arranged around the temple walls. Begin with the deity on your left. From there, continue to walk through the temple in a clockwise direction, pausing before each deity you come across.
• Many temples have separate queues for men and women, and you will have to follow it accordingly.
• When you finally get to see the statue closely, you may join the palms of your hands near the heart into a “namaskara” (a traditional pose) and bow.
• A single temple consists of hundreds of statues & touching the statue of god will be seen as an inappropriate and disrespectful act. In Hindu faith, only priests are permitted to touch the statues.
• Loud conversation, laughter, or crying should be avoided in temple.
• At most of the Hindu temple people are not allowed to take photographs inside the temple. It's ok to take photographs within the temple’s  compound, but never try to take snaps inside the temple.
• In most of the temples, number of statue of gods are less than the number of beggars.So, keep eye on them and provide some money or food if u want to give.