If you’re planning a temple visit in Tamil Nadu after September 1, leave the selfie habit at home. The state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has announced a complete ban on mobile phones inside all major temples, aiming to protect the sanctity of these sacred spaces and put a stop to unauthorized photography and viral reels.
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Why The Ban Is Happening
The decision follows a wave of videos showing temple sanctum sanctorums being filmed and shared online — footage many devotees found disrespectful to the sacredness of these spaces. HR&CE Minister Ramesh confirmed the move while speaking to reporters at Srirangam in Tiruchi, stating that dedicated phone-deposit counters will be set up at all major temples to make the rule easy to follow.
Tamil Nadu: The New Temple Rule
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Issued By | HR&CE Department, Tamil Nadu |
| Announced By | Minister Ramesh |
| Applies To | All major temples in Tamil Nadu |
| Deposit Fee | Rs 5 per phone |
| Deposit System | Integrated Temple Management System (ITMS) |
| Setup Deadline | 20 days for temples to prepare facilities |
| Monitoring | CCTV-secured deposit counters |
How The New System Will Work
Temples have been given 20 days to set up secure cloak-room-style facilities where devotees can deposit their phones before entering. Here’s what to expect:
- Devotees hand over phones at designated counters near the entrance
- A nominal Rs 5 fee is charged per phone, with receipts generated through the ITMS
- Phones are returned once darshan is complete
- Volunteers or designated staff will operate the counters, while CCTV cameras monitor the facility for device security
Notices explaining the restriction will be prominently displayed at temple entrances and other key locations, so visitors know what to expect before they arrive.
Stricter Rules For VIP Visits Too
The ban isn’t limited to regular devotees. The HR&CE department has also tightened protocols for visits by actors, political leaders, and other prominent personalities. Temple authorities must now notify the HR&CE Commissioner at least a day in advance before any VIP visit, including details like the date, time, and number of accompanying people — all aimed at ensuring such visits don’t disrupt regular darshan for everyday worshippers.
A Move Backed By The Courts
This isn’t a sudden decision. The restriction aligns with earlier directions from the Madras High Court, which had previously instructed the Tamil Nadu government to implement phone restrictions in temples to preserve their purity and sanctity. The HR&CE department confirmed the new measures are being rolled out in line with those existing court directives.
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FAQs
Q1. When does the mobile phone ban start in Tamil Nadu temples?
The ban takes effect from September 1, 2026, across all major temples in the state.
Q2. Will devotees be charged for depositing their phones?
Yes, a nominal fee of Rs 5 will be charged per phone deposited at temple counters.
