Tiruchy, October 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Devotees visiting major temples across Tamil Nadu can now carry their mobile phones inside the premises, provided the devices remain switched off, following a relaxation of restrictions introduced by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department on September 1.
The revised rules were introduced after worshippers raised objections to the earlier restrictions. However, the ban on photography and video recording within temple premises remains in force, and officials have warned that violations will attract fines.
In Tiruchy district, the revised arrangement applies to 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 relaxation allows devotees to keep their phones with them while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere required for worship. Visitors must ensure their devices remain switched off throughout their stay inside the temples.
Phone deposit facilities will continue to operate for devotees who prefer to leave their devices outside. At the Woraiyur and Thiruvanaikoil temples, the charge is Rs 5 per phone, while the service remains free at the Srirangam, Samayapuram and Rockfort temples.
Temple administrations have begun putting up banners at entrances explaining the revised rules. Loudspeaker announcements are also being made to inform visitors about the conditions, particularly the continuing prohibition on taking photographs and recording videos.
Security personnel and temple employees will monitor compliance with the guidelines. Devotees are expected to follow the instructions displayed at entrances and communicated through announcements.
The department had initially imposed the restrictions to prevent mobile phone use from disrupting religious activities and disturbing other worshippers. Officials have clarified that the relaxation does not permit activities that interfere with the sanctity of worship or disturb visitors.
Practical difficulties associated with the earlier arrangement also contributed to concerns. During peak periods, temple staff faced delays while accepting and returning phones to large numbers of devotees. Handling devices belonging to visitors from other states added to the workload at deposit counters.
Devotees had also expressed concerns about being separated from their phones when they might need to contact relatives or respond to emergencies.
The revised arrangement seeks to address these difficulties by allowing devotees to retain their devices while ensuring that the restrictions on photography and videography remain strictly enforced.
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