Hinduism embraces the Vedic concept that the universe is the body of God.  As such there high and low places as well as pure and impure spots.  The feet, as they touch the earth, are considered low points. This and the importance of purity, personification and respect for one’s elders are reflected in much of Hindu life. These beliefs have also shaped the way shoes and feet are viewed and the particular customs regarding them.

Purity is an important part of Hindu culture.  People strive for purity in every aspect of their lives from keeping a clean house to using yoga to purge the body of negative energy.

Hinduism relates things and events to a particular God.  This belief called Personification is embedded in the fabric of Hindu life.  Objects and events are related to the God governing that particular aspect of nature or human existence.  For instance it is considered improper to touch books and papers with one’s feet as this would be disrespectful to the Goddess of learning.

This concept extends to interactions between individuals.  Touching another person with your shoe or foot may be considered an insult. If done accidently an apology should be made by touching one’s right hand to the spot on the individual that was offended and then lightly using the same hand to touch your own left eye and then the right.  Also one should never point their foot at another person nor spread their feet before an altar.

However, touching the feet of an elder, holy man or woman and parents is viewed as a sign of respect. Holy men and Gods are said to have lotus feet.  Children touch the feet of their parents on certain holidays or before an important event. It is a sign of great respect to touch another’s bare feet.

Shoes, since they cover the feet, have become the material symbols for the lowest part of the body. The come in contact with the ground and pick up dirt and debris.  This leads to the Hindu custom that it is a great insult to touch one with the sole of one’s shoe. Thus the throwing of shoes at an individual is the ultimate insult.

In this same spirit shoes should be taken off when entering a temple. The taking off of shoes before entering a temple symbolically represents the removal of one’s feet.  It represents slipping off of the material world when one enters a spiritual realm.

They should be removed without using one’s hands.  If unavoidable hands should be washed before the individual touches anything else within the structure. Temples usually have a place to leave shoes and in certain cold weather ones wooden shoes may be provided.  These will be exchanged for one’s own shoes upon leaving. 

The practice of removing shoes is carried over to most Hindu homes.  If it isn’t obvious where you can leave your shoes one should ask.  It is considered improper to carry them from room to room.

The customs surrounding shoes and feet relate back to the Vedic concept God, personification and purity.  While visiting a Hindu temple, home or mingling with believers it is important to respect their customs and beliefs as we would them to do in ours.

Sources for this article are listed below:

http://www.sanskrit.org/www/Hindu%20Primer/feetsymbolism.html

http://www.himalayanacademy.com/resources/books/hbh/hbh_ch-9.html