Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Tamil Nadu Temples Ease Phone Rules, Keep Photo Ban
People visiting major temples in Tamil Nadu can now carry their phones inside.
They must keep the phones switched off while they are there.
Taking photos or videos is still not allowed.
Officials say people who break the rules may be fined.
The change followed objections from worshippers who found it difficult to leave their phones outside.
Phone deposit counters will still be available for people who want to use them.
Depositing a phone costs Rs 5 at two temples, while three others offer the service for free.
Temple staff will explain and monitor the rules.
Devotees may now bring mobile phones inside major Tamil Nadu temples if the devices remain switched off.
Photography and video recording remain prohibited, and violators may face a fine.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department eased restrictions introduced on September 1 after worshippers objected.
The revised rules apply at five major temples in Tiruchy district.
Phone deposit counters remain available, with a Rs 5 charge at Woraiyur and Thiruvanaikoil and no charge at three other temples.
- Who
- The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department revised rules for devotees visiting major temples in Tamil Nadu.
- What
- Devotees may carry phones inside if they keep them switched off; photography and video recording remain prohibited.
- When
- The department eased restrictions introduced on September 1; the date of the change is not stated.
- Where
- Major temples in Tamil Nadu, including five in Tiruchy district.
- Why
- The change followed worshippers' objections and practical difficulties at phone deposit counters, while retaining restrictions intended to prevent disruption to worship.
Reasons for easing phone restrictions
Reasons for retaining limits
Carrying phones into temples
Reasons for easing phone restrictions
Worshippers objected to being separated from their phones, citing the need to contact relatives or respond to emergencies, as well as delays and other problems at deposit counters.
Reasons for retaining limits
The department's restrictions were intended to prevent phone use from disrupting worship and disturbing other visitors; under the revised rules, phones must remain switched off.
Photography and recording
Reasons for easing phone restrictions
The revised arrangement lets devotees keep their phones with them, addressing practical difficulties with depositing devices.
Reasons for retaining limits
Photography and video recording remain prohibited to preserve the intended peaceful atmosphere; officials said violations would result in a fine.
- Phone use
- Phones may be carried inside but must remain switched off.
- Photography and video
- Both remain prohibited within temple premises.
- Penalty
- Officials said violations would incur a fine; no amount was specified.
- Tiruchy temples covered
- Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Jambukeswarar Temple, Vekkali Amman Temple and Arulmigu Thayumanavar Swamy Temple.
- Paid phone deposit
- Rs 5 per phone at the Woraiyur and Thiruvanaikoil temples.
- Free phone deposit
- Available at the Srirangam, Samayapuram and Rockfort temples.
- Communication to visitors
- Temple entrances display banners, and loudspeaker announcements explain the rules.