Chennai, Sept 1:
The ban on carrying mobile phones has come into effect from September 1 at 52 major temples under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, HR&CE Minister Ramesh said.
The restriction has been implemented based on existing court directions and with the objective of ensuring a peaceful and spiritually conducive atmosphere for devotees to have darshan, the Minister said.
Mobile phones are already prohibited at the temples in Palani, Tiruchendur, Madurai and Rameswaram.
According to the Minister, the restriction follows repeated instances of devotees and visitors taking photographs and recording videos of deities inside temples.
Devotees have been requested to leave camera-enabled mobile phones in their vehicles or accommodation rooms wherever possible. Secure locker facilities have also been arranged at the temples for those who need to deposit their phones.
Temple officials and security personnel have been instructed to assist devotees in case of emergencies.
The restriction, however, will not apply to ordinary mobile phones without camera facilities, the Minister clarified.
Ramesh appealed to devotees to cooperate with the new measure and help maintain the sanctity, serenity and peaceful atmosphere of temples.