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 oil on the body, if you are going to perform deity worship, can be somewhat offensive. But if you take a bath after using oil, it is alright. Also, if the doctor tells you, you have some skin disease or something and you have to put on some ointment, then that is an exception also.
18-MARCH-2020 SRI MAYAPUR DHAM, INDIA