Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department will ban mobile phones inside major temples from September 1, 2026, with secure deposit counters to be created for devotees before entry.
Mobile Phone Ban From September 1
The Tamil Nadu government has announced that mobile phones will not be permitted inside major temples across the State from September 1. The move is intended to preserve the sanctity of places of worship and prevent unauthorised photography, videography and social-media reels, particularly near deities and sanctum sanctorums.
The directions were issued by the HR&CE Department following instructions from Minister S. Ramesh. Temple administrations have also been told to display notices about the restriction at entrances and other important points.
Secure Deposit Counters for Devotees
Temple administrations have been given 20 days to establish secure mobile-phone deposit facilities. Devotees will have to leave their devices at designated counters before entering and collect them after darshan. A fee of ₹5 will be charged per phone, with receipts generated through the Integrated Temple Management System (ITMS).
Volunteers or designated personnel will operate the counters, while CCTV cameras will monitor the facilities to improve the security of deposited devices.
Stricter Rules for Photography and VIP Visits
The HR&CE Department has also tightened guidelines for visits by actors, political leaders and other prominent personalities. Temple authorities must ensure that such visits do not inconvenience ordinary devotees or disrupt regular darshan.
The HR&CE Commissioner must be informed at least one day before a scheduled visit, with the date, time and number of accompanying people. For short-notice visits, officials must be informed immediately. Photography and videography will also be prohibited on temple premises during such visits.
Focus on Temple Sanctity and Orderly Darshan
Officials have been directed to act against unauthorised photography and videography and strictly enforce the new rules in major temples. The department said the restrictions are being implemented in line with existing court directions and are aimed at protecting temple sanctity while allowing devotees to worship without disruption.
The deposit-counter system is intended to make compliance practical by providing visitors with a secure place to leave their phones before entering.
