Tamil Nadu temple smartphone ban takes effect at 52 shrines

A ban on carrying smartphones inside 52 major temples across Tamil Nadu came into effect on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The restriction, implemented by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, is aimed at preserving a peaceful and serene atmosphere for worship, following existing court directions.

HR&CE Minister Ramesh clarified that ordinary mobile phones without cameras will still be allowed inside temple premises. The ban specifically targets camera-equipped smartphones, which devotees have increasingly used to photograph and record videos of deities and idols.

The minister noted that similar prohibitions were already in place at prominent shrines including Palani, Tiruchendur, Madurai, and Rameswaram. The new order extends the restriction to a wider set of temples across the state.

To facilitate the ban, the HR&CE department has set up locker facilities at temple entrances. Devotees can deposit their smartphones by paying a fee of ₹5 and receiving a plastic token. Phones are returned when the token is presented and staff verify the mobile number.

At the Arunachaleshwarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, devotees were seen queuing at deposit counters on the first day of the rule. While some welcomed the move for reducing distractions, others found it inconvenient. A devotee at the Vadapalani Andavar temple in Chennai said the daily fee would be cumbersome for regular visitors, suggesting that switching off phones and carrying them in bags might be a better alternative.

Temple staff expressed concerns about the responsibility of safeguarding costly devices. One staffer noted that unlike footwear, which can occasionally get mixed up during festivals, a mistake with mobile phones could cause significant problems for both devotees and the temple administration.