Devotees visiting major temples in Tamil Nadu can now carry their mobile phones inside, but only if the devices remain switched off. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has relaxed the blanket phone restrictions imposed from September 1 after worshippers raised concerns over deposit counters, delays and being cut off during emergencies.

Photography and video recording, however, remain strictly prohibited.

Officials said violators of the photography and videography ban would face fines. The revised arrangement seeks to strike a balance: devotees may retain possession of their phones, but cannot use them for calls, messages, photography or social-media content inside the temple.

Which temples are covered

In Tiruchy district, the relaxation applies to five major shrines: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Jambukeswarar Temple in Thiruvanaikoil, Vekkali Amman Temple in Woraiyur and Arulmigu Thayumanavar Swamy Temple at Rockfort.

The change is expected to reduce inconvenience for pilgrims and tourists visiting these high-footfall temples. Those who still prefer not to carry a device can use the existing phone-deposit facilities.

Deposit rules remain

Phone-deposit counters will continue to operate for devotees who wish to leave their devices outside. A fee of Rs 5 per phone applies at the Woraiyur and Thiruvanaikoil temples, while the facility is free at Srirangam, Samayapuram and Rockfort.

The earlier system had required smartphone users to deposit devices at designated counters, creating long queues during peak hours and adding to the workload of temple staff.

Managing phones belonging to visitors from other states further complicated operations.

Why the rules changed

The HR&CE Department had introduced the September 1 restrictions to prevent phone use from disrupting worship and disturbing other devotees. The move was also aimed at curbing photography, video recording, selfies and reels inside temple premises.

But the practical difficulties proved significant. Devotees complained about being separated from their phones at a time when the devices are essential for communication, digital payments and emergency contact. Temple staff also faced pressure in safeguarding large volumes of valuable handsets.

Temple administrations have begun displaying banners at entrances explaining the modified rules. Loudspeaker announcements are also being used to remind devotees that phones must remain switched off and that photography and video recording are not allowed.

Security personnel and temple employees will monitor compliance. Officials indicated that the relaxation does not dilute restrictions on any activity that disturbs worshippers or affects the spiritual atmosphere inside the temples.

The revised norms effectively replace a compulsory deposit system with a “carry but keep switched off” rule. For devotees, it restores access to their phones; for temple authorities, it retains the core objective of ensuring quiet, uninterrupted darshan.