Smartphone Ban Comes Into Effect Across 52 Major Tamil Nadu Temples Under C. Joseph Vijay Government The C. Joseph Vijay led government in Tamil Nadu has enforced a ban on smartphones across 52 major temples in the state. Devotees must now deposit their smartphones at designated entrance counters for a ₹5 fee. 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. What this means for you Devotees visiting major temples in Tamil Nadu must now deposit their smartphones at designated entrance counters before entering the premises. • Across India: Pilgrims traveling from anywhere in India to these 52 major temples must either carry basic non-camera feature phones or deposit smartphones at the entrance. A nominal fee of ₹5 per handset will be charged, and visitors must preserve the token issued to retrieve their phone after worship. • In Tamil Nadu: Local residents visiting these shrines can no longer take selfies, record reels, or photograph deities inside temple grounds. At deposit desks in sites like Kanchipuram, devotees may need to register their photo, phone model, and contact details before stepping inside. • Time Planning: Long queues are expected at phone deposit counters during weekends and festival days. Visitors should allocate an extra 15 to 20 minutes to complete the deposit and retrieval verification process. • Security and Digital Payments: Devotees relying on UPI apps for purchasing offerings or souvenirs inside temple premises should carry cash instead. Since smartphones will not be allowed inside, digital scanning and app payments will be unavailable. Questions & Answers 1. How many temples in Tamil Nadu are covered under the smartphone ban? The smartphone prohibition has been enforced across 52 major temples in Tamil Nadu. 2. Are feature phones without cameras allowed inside temple premises? Yes, basic feature phones that do not have camera capabilities are permitted inside the temple complexes. 3. What is the fee charged for depositing a smartphone at the counter? A nominal service fee of ₹5 per smartphone is charged at the designated deposit counters. 4. How can devotees collect their smartphones after completing their visit? Devotees will receive a token or receipt upon deposit, which must be presented at the counter alongside identity verification to collect the phone. 5. Were smartphones already restricted in any Tamil Nadu temples prior to this order? Yes, mobile phone bans were already in place at prominent sites like Palani, Tiruchendur, Madurai, and Rameswaram before being expanded to 52 more temples. 6. What will the ₹5 deposit fee be used for? The ₹5 fee is collected solely to cover operational costs, including dedicated staff deployment, locker maintenance, and infrastructure across the 52 temples. https://trendkia.com/en/politics/tamil-nadu-ke-52-pramukha-dharmasthalon-men-smartphone-le-jane-para-lagi-roka-c-joseph-vijay-sarakara-ne-lagu-kie-nae-niyama-26562 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.