CHENNAI: Devotees visiting major temples across Tamil Nadu will have to deposit their mobile phones at designated counters before entering the premises from September 1. Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has directed temple authorities to ensure their safe custody and return.The move is aimed at protecting the sanctity of temples and preventing photography, videography and social-media reels inside temple premises. Devotees will be charged ₹5 per phone and issued a receipt. Temples have been instructed to deploy employees or volunteers to receive, secure and return the devices, while maintaining records of phones deposited and returned.Temple staff have also been directed to prevent unauthorised recording. Photography and videography involving VIPs and dignitaries will require permission.Meanwhile, during the question hour in the assembly on Monday, HR&CE minister C Ramesh said the govt is studying queue management systems at major temples. He said a revamp of entry and exit routes at major temples is also on the anvil to ease overcrowding and ensure devotees can have darshan without obstruction.He also said the preparations for the 2028 Mahamaham festival in Kumbakonam has begun. A review meeting involving officials of various departments had been held through the district collector.
