Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department has allowed devotees to carry mobile phones into temples again, but they must switch the devices off while inside. Photography, video recording, selfies and social media posts from temple premises remain prohibited.
The revised rule follows the lifting of a complete mobile phone ban introduced at 52 major temples across Tamil Nadu from September 1, 2026. The ban had prevented devotees from carrying their phones inside temple premises, according to a report by Dinamalar – Tamil Nadu.
The department’s latest decision allows devotees to take their phones with them, provided the devices remain switched off during their temple visit. The relaxation is limited to carrying the phones and does not permit their use inside the temples.
The earlier restriction had led to concerns among devotees and members of the public, particularly those required to wait in long queues. The report said visitors had faced difficulties contacting others during immediate or emergency situations because they could not keep their mobile phones with them.
The change comes after continued requests from devotees and the public to withdraw the complete ban. The department has now eased the restriction while retaining controls intended to prevent photography, recording and social media activity inside temple premises.
Under the continuing restrictions, devotees cannot photograph or record idols and religious ceremonies. Selfies and social media posts from temple premises are also prohibited. The department has warned that strict action will be taken against those who violate these rules.
The revised arrangement creates a distinction between carrying a mobile phone for emergency access and using it inside a place of worship. Devotees may retain the device but must keep it switched off while they remain within the temple. The report does not provide further details on how the rule will be enforced or whether temple authorities will introduce additional storage or screening arrangements.
The policy change also places responsibility on temple administrations to communicate the restrictions clearly to visitors. The continuing prohibition on photography and recording means that carrying a phone does not amount to permission to use its camera or publish content from the premises.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department’s warning of strict action remains applicable to violations of the photography, recording, selfie and social media restrictions. The revised mobile phone rule applies to the temples covered by the department’s earlier ban, as reported.
