The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has now ordered all the major temples in Tamil Nadu to completely ban devotees from carrying mobile phones inside temple premises. The new directive will come into effect from September 1.
No Mobile Phones Inside Major Tamil Nadu Temples
Devotees visiting major temples in Tamil Nadu will now have to leave their mobile phones behind from September 1. The HR&CE Department has taken this decision to preserve the sanctity of the place and prevent unauthorised photography inside. According to The New Indian Express, the department has also instructed temples not to allow photographs or videos of deities, reels or other recordings inside.
Permission will also not be given for photographs or videos involving VIPs, public figures or film personalities inside temples. Devotees visiting temples can deposit their phones at dedicated centres, which will be put up soon. A standard charge of ₹5 will be taken per device and a receipt must also be issued through the Integrated Temple Management System (ITMS).
Also Read: The Story Of Jageshwar Dham, Where 125 Ancient Temples Stand Amid Deodar Forests
No Selfies Or Reels Inside Temples
Many people inside the temples were recorded shooting short videos, taking selfies and making reels for social media. Authorities believed that such activities could affect the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the temples and cause inconvenience to other devotees. According to The Times of India, temple authorities have been asked to put up boards at the entrances and outside temples stating the mobile phone ban. It should also be announced through public address systems.
Moreover, the department has ordered the temples to ensure that the movement and entry of VIPs must be regulated. It should not cause inconvenience to devotees or disrupt regular darshan. All these new rules will be implemented from September 1.
Also Read: Why Do Devotees At THIS Tamil Nadu Temple Eat Sand? A Belief Of Miraculous Healing & History
Do you think the mobile phone ban is necessary at Tamil Nadu temples? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Andrey
FAQs
Why has Tamil Nadu banned mobile phones at major temples?
Tamil Nadu has banned mobile phones in major temples to preserve the sanctity of temples and prevent unauthorised photography and videos.