The patron passes from the front desk through an interior lobby or waiting room and goes to the appropriate locker room. Suitably attired, the patron is now able to choose what rituals he will undergo during that visit. Most Mormons who attend temples do so on behalf of someone who is dead. Only at his first visit does a Mormon undertake the various ceremonies in his own name, for his own sake. All subsequent trips to the temple are taken for the purpose of performing the same rituals, but on behalf of the deceased, by proxy.
Heavy emphasis is placed on the symbolism of the place, the clothing, the actions, and the words.
Mormons are encouraged to attend the temple often, both for their own spiritual growth and to help further the salvation of the dead. It is by constant participation in the temple rituals that the Mormon is expected to come to understand and appreciate them better. There is no worship as such in a Mormon temple. No public prayer is offered. In place of the large sanctuary common to Christian churches and chapels, there are small auditoriums with theater seats, several smaller, mirrored sealing rooms, a baptismal room, offices, kitchen, cafeteria, laundry rooms, clothes rental areas, and a chapel.