Code of Conduct
Rules for staying in the ashram
- No smoking within the temple precincts. We strongly encourage no smoking within the ashram however if it is absolutely necessary the lower car park is the only permitted area.
- When staying in the ashram, please limit the use of your phone to essential communication only.
- It is not allowed to invite anyone into your room unless they are direct family members.
- Pilgrims must not offer healing, therapies, counselling or medical treatment (except emergency first aid), unless authorised by the Swamis Council.
- Please ensure your clothing is modest, particularly in the temple and dining rooms.
- You must be vegetarian during your stay in the ashram.
- Please be back in your room by 10pm (excluding special late night pujas).
- Please be respectful of other residents and keep the noise to a minimum.
- Please ensure you shower at least once a day and that you are wearing clean clothes before entering the temple.
- Please remember you are expected to attend the 5am, 1.30pm and 9pm pujas in the Lord Murugan Temple, and the 6pm puja in the Maha Shakti Temple on Saturday nights.
- You are expected to perform a minimum of four hours seva (selfless service) per day (health permitting). If you attend 9.30 Sri Ranganatha puja, seva starts directly afterwards. If you do not attend the Sri Ranganatha puja you are expected to start your seva at 9.30am.
- Please be aware during busy times you may be asked to help with tasks such as cleaning toilets and serving in our cafe. You may also need to help with meal serves, in addition to your daily seva.
- Seva allocations will be posted on the seva screen in the seva hub foyer by 9am. Please look for your name and next to it your allocated task for the day.
- During your stay we encourage you to spend time enjoying the silence, peace and tranquillity which is present in the ashram.
- Gossip or negative criticism will not be tolerated. Feedback is welcomed through our suggestion box located in reception.
- Please respect the privacy of the resident Community.
These rules are in addition to those in the Pilgrim’s Guide, which apply to everyone who visits Skanda Vale.
‘Be where you are, work when you work, play when you play, eat when you eat and when you worship, worship God with all your heart, with all your mind and with all your strength.’
Please enjoy your time in Skanda Vale. If you have any questions or concerns please ask a member of the Community, and we will do our best to help.
Last updated: 16 September 2026.