Temple authorities have also been instructed to make arrangements for the safe storage of the mobile phones deposited by devotees.
Smartphones banned in major temples across Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu government has banned the carrying of smartphones in major temples across the state. The restriction has been implemented from September 1, 2026.
The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department(HR&CE) Minister Ramesh has implemented a ban on carrying smart phones inside 52 major temples across the state. Devotees bringing smartphones will have to deposit them at designated counters and pay a fee of Rs 5 per phone. While, mobile phones without cameras will be allowed inside. Devotees will be given an acknowledgment slip or a plastic token, which they will have to keep with them while retrieving the phone.
Temple authorities have also been instructed to make arrangements for the safe storage of the mobile phones deposited by devotees. The decision was taken after concerns were raised about taking pictures, making reels and recording videos of devotees, especially the youth, in violation of the guidelines inside the temple premises. This system was implemented from 6 am on Tuesday in the famous Devarajaswamy-Athi Varadar temple of Kanchipuram.
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.
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