INTRO
Tamil Nadu has restricted smartphones at 52 major temples from September 1, requiring devotees to deposit camera phones for ₹5 amid concerns over reels and photography.
CHENNAI
The Tamil Nadu government has introduced a smartphone restriction at 52 major temples across the state from September 1, following concerns over devotees taking photographs, recording videos, selfies and reels inside temple premises.
Under the new system, devotees carrying smartphones must deposit them at designated counters near temple entrances and pay ₹5 per phone. They receive a token or receipt to collect the device later. Phones without cameras are allowed inside the temples.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department said the restriction aims to maintain a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere and reduce inconvenience to other devotees. The measure follows earlier directions from the Madras High Court.
The ₹5 charge is not intended to generate revenue, officials said. It will help cover expenses for staff, storage lockers and other facilities required to operate the phone-deposit system.
The system has been introduced at several major temples, including the Devarajaswamy-Athi Varadar Temple in Kanchipuram and Arunachaleshwarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. At some locations, staff are recording details such as the devotee’s photograph, phone model and number.
Temple employees have raised concerns about the responsibility of safely storing large numbers of expensive smartphones, particularly during busy festivals. Some devotees also initially objected to the restriction.
Temple authorities are explaining the rules to visitors and asking them to follow the new system. The government expects the measure to help preserve the calm atmosphere of the temples while allowing basic mobile phones without cameras to remain permitted inside.
