Nobody tells a first-time visitor how many times a day he will take off his shoes in Braj. At every gate, at every courtyard step, at the river, the footwear comes off and goes somewhere, and the worry about getting it back is a small cloud over many a darshan.
It is said that a pilgrim's feet teach him humility. They can also teach him organisation. Here is how it all works, and how to keep it simple.
The short answer first
Wherever you go, you leave your shoes outside the sanctum. Most have a stand at the gate, either free or for a small fee, that gives you a token. Others expect you to leave them on the steps or with your driver. Our guide notes stands at the gate of Dwarkadhish, at the lane head near Vishram Ghat, near the entrance of Radha Raman, at the Banke Bihari approach and at the base of the hill at Barsana. ISKCON has free or low-cost shoe counters at the gate, and Prem Mandir has free token stands.
Whatever the system, wear footwear that is easy to take off and easy to find again.
In practice you will take shoes off perhaps five or six times in a full day, so a pair that goes on with one hand, while you hold a child or a bag, is a small mercy. Many regular pilgrims in Braj wear plain rubber chappals for exactly this reason.
How it works on the ground
A stand attendant takes your shoes, gives you a numbered token, and returns them when you show it. Keep the token in a zipped pocket and note the number on your phone. Some stands take a coin or two, and some ask for a donation. Keep small change.
At the busiest temples, the stands are crowded at exit time, since everyone leaves together after the aarti. Allow ten minutes to collect your shoes, and stay patient. If the stand is far from the exit, the attendants may hold shoes for groups.
Leaving shoes with the driver
A calm option is to hand the shoes to the driver and walk barefoot from the car park to the temple, or to wear thin socks. This works well in winter and in clean areas, and is less easy on hot summer tar. At Krishna Janmabhoomi, where phones are left outside as well, the driver can hold both.
At places where the car cannot get near, such as the old town lanes of Vrindavan, a stand is simpler.
Hot stone, cold marble and monkeys
In May and June, marble and tar can burn bare feet. Carry cotton socks, and walk on cloth mats where they are laid. In winter, marble is cold at dawn, and socks help too. Some pilgrims walk the Govardhan parikrama barefoot, and others carry slippers and socks for the tar sections.
Monkeys sometimes snatch loose shoes and bags, so never leave a pair on a step unattended. The hot stone, wet steps in the monsoon and broken glass in village lanes are all good reasons to bring a pair that can take some wear.
After the rains, the lanes hold puddles of every kind. Washing your feet at a tap before entering a temple is common courtesy, and a small towel in the bag helps. Dry feet inside a shoe are healthier than damp ones, so carry a spare pair of socks.
What to wear
Slip-on sandals or rubber slippers are best. Avoid laced boots and anything with buckles. Leather is discouraged inside some temples, such as Dwarkadhish, where leather items, belts and shoes are not taken in, and Radha Raman, where leather is discouraged. Cheap rubber slippers are the safest choice if you worry about loss.
Do not wear expensive shoes. A pair that you would not miss makes the whole matter simple.
Common mistakes and the calm fix
The first mistake is to leave shoes on a step with no token. The fix is to use a stand. The second is to forget which stand you used, especially in lanes where several temples are close. Note the name of the stand. The third is to pay more than the posted rate. Learn the usual rate before you pay, and carry small coins.
A stand attendant who demands a large sum is out of line. You may politely decline and take your shoes.
If a stand is full, ask the attendant for another or try the one at the next gate. Never leave shoes beside a wall just outside the stand, since they may be taken for lost property and swept up.
A short checklist
Keep these points in mind.
- Wear slip-on footwear you do not mind losing.
- Carry a pair of thin cotton socks.
- Carry a small cloth bag for shoes where there is no stand.
- Keep small change for stands.
- Save a photo of your token.
- Never leave shoes unattended on steps.
Related guides and a lala:Cab helper
Read our dress code guide and the Banke Bihari parking post. lala:Cab drivers can hold your shoes in the car where it suits, and a guide can point you to the reliable stands.
Questions, answered
Do I have to leave my shoes outside Braj temples?
Yes, at nearly every temple, outside the sanctum.
Are shoe stands free?
Some are free, and some take a few coins. Agree the rate before you hand over the pair.
Can I leave shoes with my driver?
Yes, where the car can wait close by. Winter suits it best.
What if my shoes get lost?
Use a token stand, photograph the token and wear cheap slippers.
Timings, entry rules and fees change. Please confirm on the day with the temple or your driver.
- Current stand fees at each temple
- Rules on leather items
- Whether stands are free at ISKCON and Prem Mandir today
- lala:Cab guide pages: Dwarkadhish, Banke Bihari, Radha Raman, Prem Mandir, ISKCON Vrindavan, Radha Rani Barsana
Walking this path soon?
If you would like a driver who knows the lanes and the timings, the lala:Cab app is there when you are ready. No advance, no pressure.