Subscribe
Follow TNM’s WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
The Tamil Nadu government has banned devotees from carrying smartphones inside 52 temples across the state, with the restriction coming into effect on Tuesday, September 1.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department issued the order as part of measures to prevent devotees from taking photographs and videos inside temple premises.
HR&CE Minister Ramesh announced the restriction on Tuesday, saying devotees who need to carry their smartphones inside the temples will have to pay a fee of Rs 5 per phone. Lockers will be provided at the temples for devotees who choose to deposit their phones.
Phones without cameras will be allowed inside the temples without any restrictions.
According to the minister, the measure has been introduced to ensure a peaceful environment for devotees while they pray. The HR&CE department clarified that the Rs 5 fee is not intended to generate revenue and will instead be used to manage the lockers and related infrastructure.
However, the restrictions have raised concerns among temple staff about the responsibility of safeguarding the phones deposited by devotees.
Several major temples in Tamil Nadu, including temples in Tiruchendur and Madurai, already have restrictions on carrying smartphones inside their premises.
This story was written by a student interning with TNM.
