Temples and shrines in South India vary tremendously, ranging from single shrines under the shade of a tree to large temple complexes with hundreds of shrines, an inner temple to the main god and many priests in attendance. There are no set services, although the temple is often busiest at sunrise. Friday is the usual day for visiting the temple and houses are cleaned, hair washed and clothes changed before the visit. Sandals are removed on entering the temple and it is important to be clean, so if you cannot wash in a nearby river there are water pots or a pool just inside the temple. People take offerings of flowers, food or money, over which the priest performs complex rituals. Temples are always busy at Festival times.
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