Ban on cellphones in Tamil Nadu temples comes into impact; telephones with out cameras to be allowed

The ban on the usage of cellphones contained in the premises of 52 main temples throughout Tamil Nadu got here into impact on Tuesday (September 1, 2026). Minister for Hindu Non secular and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Ramesh, in an announcement, clarified that unusual cellphones with out cameras could be allowed contained in the temples.�

Restrictions have been imposed on devotees carrying and utilizing smartphones inside these 52 temples from September 1 primarily based on the prevailing courtroom instructions and with the target of guaranteeing a peaceable and serene ambiance for devotees to worship, Mr. Ramesh stated in an announcement on Tuesday. Cellphones are already prohibited in Palani, Tiruchendur, Madurai and Rameswaram temples, he famous.

Mr. Ramesh said that this restriction has been launched as incidents of devotees and guests taking images and recording movies of the deities and idols contained in the temples have been on the rise.

₹5 charged at telephone deposit counters

Making preparations to implement the ban, the HR&CE division has arrange locker services on the entrance of those temples for the secure preserving of mobiles. Devotees must deposit the cellphones by paying ₹5 as charge and accumulate a plastic token issued by the employees. The telephones might be returned upon manufacturing of the token and after the staff verify the cell numbers.�

A devotee, who visits the Vadapalani Andavar temple within the metropolis, stated that the rule was cumbersome particularly for people who find themselves native residents. “If I’m going each day, I can not pay ₹5 each day to maintain my telephone safely. I believe devotees ought to be instructed to change off telephones and carry them of their baggage. Nowadays, telephones are way more than units to make calls,” she stated.�

A temple staffer stated that this was an enormous accountability as cellphones are expensive and one mistake would trigger lot of issues to folks. “We must carry the accountability and the resultant stress. Mobiles are usually not like footwear. Generally, even footwear will get blended up, particularly throughout festivals,” he stated.