India is often described as a barefoot country and the best stories of the significance and nuances surrounding Indian footwear and ornamentation might be found in the mythology and lore of the country.

This is where we find the basis of foot symbolism or personification that follows the notion of the universe as the body of God. Just as the human body has high and low places, so does the universe have high and low or pure and impure places. Simply put, up is high and down is low - feet touch the ground, thus they are low. When you enter a sacred place, you leave your impurities (your shoes) at the door. You might extend this to say leave your materialistic self at the door when you enter a spiritual space.

Lotus feet

In Hindu culture, the feet, which are closest to the earth, are both the most venerated and the most humble parts of the body.

* The feet of elders, religious teachers and deities are considered objects of veneration and it is a sign of respect to bend and touch their feet.

* In some temples a small set of shoes belonging to the Diety is touched to the head of worshippers as an act of respect and adoration.

* The shoe has always held a reputation for possessing esoteric powers and in some villages it is the practice for women to drink from a shoe in order to be healed of evil influences) and accepted into society.

Contemporary customs of respect

* A cultured Hindu never wears shoes inside a temple or shrine, his home, or the home of others.

Removing the shoes is a sign of respect, humility, and submission. 

* Shoes are considered impure. Avoid pointing your feet at anyone or touching them with your feet or shoes.

If you touch someone, accidentally or on purpose, with a shoe it is important that you apologize immediately. This is done by touching the right hand to where the foot touched the other person, then touching your right hand lightly to your own left eye and then the right.

* Infection and pollution are easily transmitted through the feet. Additionally, it is believed that dust from the footprints bear characteristics, good or bad, of the owner and can be projected onto another.

* If shoes are worn inside an Indian home, perhaps when going to the bathroom, these shoes are kept  inside for that specific purpose.

* Sometimes, shoes are removed before entering a shop. If you see shoes at the shop entrance, it is a good idea to also remove your shoes.

* Carrying shoes from one part of a shrine or home to another is to be avoided.

* One of the highest insults to anyone is to throw your shoes at them.

This look at shoes in India gives you a sense of the significance of shoes, the feet, and even footprints in this old and rich culture.

Source:

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/lr/2003/01/05/stories/2003010500300500.htm

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