Chennai, Sept 3:
Former BJP national women’s wing president Vanathi Srinivasan has urged the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to reconsider its decision to completely prohibit devotees from carrying mobile phones into 52 major Hindu temples.
She suggested that restrictions could instead be imposed in sensitive areas such as the sanctum sanctorum.
In a post on X, Vanathi said the complete ban, which came into effect in the 52 temples from September 1, could cause inconvenience to devotees.
Under the current arrangement, devotees are required to deposit their mobile phones in designated safety lockers. A fee of Rs 5 is reportedly charged for keeping a phone in the facility.
Vanathi agreed that inappropriate use of mobile phones inside temples should be prevented.
She specifically referred to the practice of devotees recording reels to film songs and other entertainment-oriented content inside temples and uploading them on social media.
However, she argued that a blanket prohibition on carrying phones went beyond what was necessary.
According to her, temples are often large complexes with multiple mandapams and other areas where devotees spend time after darshan.
Families and groups travelling together may need mobile phones to remain in contact with one another, particularly when elderly people are part of the group.
She also pointed out that devotees often photograph temple architecture and sculptures as memories of their visit.
Such photographs, she said, can also help showcase the architectural and spiritual significance of temples to a wider audience through social media.
Vanathi therefore proposed a more targeted approach.
She suggested that mobile phones could be prohibited specifically in the sanctum sanctorum or that photography could be prohibited only inside the sanctum, while allowing phones elsewhere within temple premises.
She argued that preventing devotees from carrying phones into temples altogether could create unnecessary mental stress and inconvenience.
The BJP leader urged the HR&CE Department to consider these practical difficulties while implementing its restrictions.
Her comments come amid a wider debate over balancing the sanctity and discipline of temples with the practical needs of devotees and the misuse of mobile phones for social-media content.