The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) has implemented a ban on carrying mobile phones inside major temples across the state from Tuesday, September 1.
The restriction
has been introduced in line with earlier directives of the Madras High Court and comes after concerns over devotees using mobile phones to take photographs, record videos and shoot social media reels inside temple premises.
HR&CE Minister Ramesh had announced in the Assembly that the restriction would be implemented in major temples from September 1.
According to the HR&CE department, some devotees, particularly youngsters, were continuing to use mobile phones inside temple premises despite existing guidelines.
Devotees were using their phones to take photographs, record videos, click selfies and shoot short videos or reels for social media.
The department said such activities affected the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of temples and caused inconvenience to other devotees. The new restriction aims to prevent such activities inside temple premises.
Rs 5 Fee For Keeping Mobile Phones
As part of the implementation, dedicated counters have been established at temple entrances where devotees can deposit the mobile phones they have brought with them.
A uniform token fee of Rs 5 per phone will be charged for keeping the devices at these counters.
Temple authorities have also been instructed to make arrangements for the safe storage of the mobile phones deposited by devotees.
The system is intended to allow devotees to comply with the restriction while ensuring that their phones are kept safely during their visit.
How The System Works At Kanchipuram Temple
At the famed Devarajaswamy-Athi Varadar Temple in Kanchipuram, the new system was rolled out from 6 am on Tuesday.
Two computer operators and two assistants have been deployed to manage the collection of mobile phones. Details of the devotee and the device are recorded when a phone is deposited.
The devotee’s photograph, the mobile phone model and the phone number are registered as part of the process. An acknowledgement slip is then issued.
The mobile phone is returned after the devotee presents the acknowledgement slip, with the details verified before the device is handed back.
Notice Boards And Public Announcements
Temple authorities have also been directed to ensure that devotees are clearly informed about the restriction.
Multilingual notice boards informing devotees about the mobile phone ban have been installed at parking areas and other prominent locations around the Kanchipuram temple.
The latest circular directs temple authorities to put up clear boards at temple entrances as well as outside temple premises stating that mobile phone use is prohibited.
The restriction is also required to be announced through public address systems.
Ban Follows 2022 Madras High Court Order
The HR&CE department said the latest directions have been issued in accordance with a December 2, 2022 order of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.
The court had passed the order while hearing a public interest case filed by Seetharaman. The petitioner had sought a ban on the use of cell phones inside the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur.
Earlier circulars had also instructed temples to restrict devotees from carrying mobile phones inside and make arrangements for their safe storage.
