Today’s blog post is a detailed list of do’s and don’ts regarding the Tirupati Balaji temple dress code.

I recently travelled to Balaji temple (Venkateswara Swamy temple) in Tirupati.

The temple is one of the renowned pilgrims in India. Devotees from all around the world travel to Tirupati.

From my previous visit to Padmanabhswamy temple, I knew some temples follow a strict dress code. Therefore, I immediately researched the Tirupati Balaji temple dress code.

In the “Tirupati Balaji temple dress code” blog post, I have listed the attire guidelines for both men and women.

NOTE:- For those planning a trip to Balaji temple (Venkateswara Swamy temple) in Tirupati. Here’s my Tirupati Balaji temple guide.

TIRUPATI BALAJI TEMPLE DRESS CODE FOR MEN

When entering the temple, men should cover their shoulders and knees. Men should adorn traditional attire when visiting the temple.

Traditional attire refers to dhotis, lungis, or pyjamas with a kurta and shirt. Shirts can be full sleeves or half sleeves. T-shirts are allowed. I saw a few people wearing them.

Loose trousers and shirts aren’t traditional, but they are acceptable.

Jeans, shorts, joggers, ripped jeans or shirts are a big no-no. However, a lot of men wear jeans or shorts under their lungis.

I know I said jeans and shorts are a no-go, but they are acceptable as long as they are covered.

TRAVEL TIP:- Jeans under your lungis are acceptable, but I don’t recommend that. That’s because it gets extremely hot while waiting in line for darshan for a few hours.

Shirts are optional, but men should cover their shoulders. I saw a couple of men wearing dhotis sans the shirt or kurta. But they covered their torsos with an angavastra.

NOTE:- Angavastra is a large rectangular cloth with a border often paired with lungis or dhotis.

WHERE TO BUY TRADITIONAL ATTIRE IN TIRUPATI?

Now you know what to wear to Tirupati Balaji temple.

But what if you forgot to bring traditional clothes with you? Don’t worry. You’re not the only one. Many visitors don’t have traditional attire when they come to Tirupati.

The best solution is to buy a lungi and a shirt. There are several vendors selling lungis and white shirts near the temples.

During my recent trip, my cousin bought a stitched lungi that had velcro at the waist and pockets. If you opt for the traditional lungi, the vendors will happily tie it for you (if you don’t know how).

TIRUPATI BALAJI TEMPLE DRESS CODE FOR WOMEN

Women, similar to men, should cover their shoulders and knees when entering the temple.

Traditional clothing like saris, half-saris, salwar and kurta with a dupatta are ideal for visiting Balaji temple.

Half-saris comprise a skirt and blouse complete with a dupatta and are more traditional-looking.

However, you can wear a long skirt and blouse paired with a dupatta. Half-saris are the southern version of a lehenga (only less festive).

Shorts, mini skirts, knee-length skirts, crop tops, tank tops and sleeveless shirts are a big no-no.

Traditional attire is preferred, but you can bend the rules a bit.

If you’re uncomfortable walking in a sari, wear a long dress paired with a dupatta or scarf. Or, you can buy a lungi. I saw a couple of younger girls wearing a lungi over their jeans.

Lungis are the best option if you aren’t carrying traditional clothes.

When I visited Padmanabhswamy temple, I wasn’t wearing traditional clothes. So, I bought a lungi and wore it to the temple.

Now you know the Tirupati Balaji temple dress code for women.

If you’re travelling with children, you can find beautiful half-saris for sale at various shops near the temple. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any for older girls.

If you want to buy the typical white saree with a golden border or a half-sari, ensure you have a few days before visiting the temple. That will give you time to go shopping and alter clothes if needed.

My sister and I planned to purchase a sari in Tirupati. But we didn’t have time to go shopping. Fortunately, we brought saris from home in case it didn’t go according to plan.

CONCLUSION

That brings us to the end of the “Tirupati Balaji temple dress code” guide.

To summarise the article, men and women must cover their shoulders and knees when entering the temple. Traditional attire is preferable, but you can bend the rules a bit.

Wear comfortable clothing because darshan takes a couple of hours.

If it’s you’re first visit to Tirupati Balaji temple, don’t forget to refer to my Tirupati Balaji temple guide and Travel tips for Balaji temple.

I hope this guide was helpful. If I missed something or you have queries, let me know in the comments.