A major operational update has taken effect across key religious shrines in Tamil Nadu. The state government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, has implemented a strict ban on carrying smartphones inside 52 major temples across the state. The new regulation came into force on Tuesday. However, the authorities have exempted basic feature phones that do not contain camera technology, allowing devotees to bring non-camera handsets into the temple premises.
Deposit Mechanism and Nominal Service Charge
Under the updated guidelines issued through the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, visitors carrying smartphones must deposit their devices at designated counters set up at temple entrance gates. A mandatory fee of ₹5 per smartphone is charged for the deposit service. Upon submitting the phone, devotees receive an official token or receipt, which must be presented when collecting the device after completing their visit. Deposit staff will verify the token alongside contact details and phone specifications prior to handing back the handset.
Specific management procedures are being followed at various locations to ensure security and prevent mix-ups. At the renowned Devarajaswamy Athi Varadar temple in Kanchipuram, counter personnel are recording the devotee photo, phone model, and mobile number before storing the device. Similar infrastructure and dedicated deposit desks have been operationalised at the historic Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai and across the remaining designated temples.
Reasons Behind the Smartphone Prohibition
The core objective of prohibiting smartphones is to preserve the spiritual sanctity and peaceful ambience of sacred spaces. HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh had previously informed the state assembly that the ban would be enforced across major temples starting September 1. According to the department, an increasing number of visitors and worshippers had been using smartphones to photograph deities and temple idols, snap selfies, and film short social media videos or reels inside temple complexes.
The authorities noted that such activities disrupt the solemn atmosphere of worship and cause disturbance to fellow devotees performing prayers. Prior to this statewide rollout, smartphone restrictions were already active at prominent pilgrimage sites including Palani, Tiruchendur, Madurai, and Rameswaram.
Purpose of the Five Rupee Fee
Addressing questions regarding the collection of money, the HR&CE department emphasized that the ₹5 charge is not intended as a revenue generator for the state. Minister S. Ramesh clarified that the nominal fee will be utilized solely to cover operational costs associated with running the locker system across all 52 temples. This includes expenses for deploying dedicated staffing, acquiring secure storage lockers, and installing necessary counter infrastructure.
