Shoe thieves

hfot2

Please tell us about shoe thieves.
[how much and when to tip a shoe minder? are your shoes there when you return???]

crvlvr

I'd say Rs 5 - Rs10 at the most.. It will probably be determined by what you happen to have in your wallet at that time. But, don't be surprised if your shoes still get "lost".

iyou

Rs 1 or 2 is usually appropriate (and appreciated) at most temples.

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brianct

i had my shoes stolen while sleeping in a sleeping car in a journey in Orissa on my way to Hampi, in 2003. It does happen. Keep your shoes in a safe place, not under a bunk.

vistet

I`ve never felt this as a problem - but obviously some have had bad experiences

Nick-H

Shoes regularly go missing at temples here in London!

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guerik

If you're only wearing thongs (or flip-flops) can you just put them in your bag? Have been wondering if it's a no shoes at all, or no shoes on your feet kind of rule.
Don't want to cause offence at all, just not sure how it goes

India Edge

Never seemed to be a problem, but if you worry about such things take cheap shoes. Don't take them into a temple in your bag. If you've arrived by taxi and he is waiting for you, you might leave them in the car. I usually tipped 5-10 R because it was what I had on hand.

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edwardseco

I have been just plain lucky! I always leave mine down on the floor and take the upper bunk..

yogivivek

just logd in for the same question, lol
so will that be possible? i have 2 pairs of teva and dont want them to get lost somewehere.

cheers

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chappal

In my understanding, this would be looked down upon. You remove your shoes because they are dirty, and will track in dirt, but also because dirty = impure. You are defiling the temple by carrying dirty stuff with you inside. If anyone saw you, they would not think well of your behavior. If in doubt, ask other worshippers.

Baldy

One issue in most temples is the fact of leather (ie. dead cow or pig or whatever). I had a temple minder in near hysterics when I dumbly tied to walk into a mosque in Chandi Chowk without taking off my leather shoes.

So both - shoes are disrespectful and leather is a particular no-no.

Baldy

guerik

My shoes are rubbish anyway, just bringing rubber flip-flops and will trade them in every once in a while (I'm not doing trekking or anything so this should be ok - have warm nice shoes (also non-leather) for when in Dehra Dun but the rest of the time I'll be in warm areas).
It's not that I mind if they get stolen as such, more that I'd have to walk around with no shoes for a while. Yech

Ruprecht

Wait... I was thinking of taking a big old leather suitcase instead of a backpack. What is the reaction in India to wearing leather?

ALSO, all you people going into temples, are you actually Hindus or what?

India Edge

No leather in a Hindu temple. Westerners can generally visit a Hindu temple but often can not enter the inner sanctum. Some temples in the south are off limits entirely to westerners and require traditional dress even of locals.
Carrying a leather suitcase around is ok - just not to a temple.