Question: At our local temple we have been told that while doing any kind of devotional service, we should not apply any lotion, cream or oil on any part of the body. Is this a temple standard or it should be observed at home also?

Jayapataka Swami: Generally, if one uses some oil on the body, before you come for deity worship, you take a bath. And that is considered alright. Sometimes, like Srila Prabhupada would take his massage with mustard oil, but afterwards, he would take a bath. So, any...