TAMIL NADU, (India): Devotees visiting major temples across Tamil Nadu will now be allowed to take their mobile phones inside, provide the devices remain switched off.
This comes as the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department eased restrictions introduced on Sept 1 following objections from worshippers.
However, the revised arrangement continues to prohibit photography and video recording within temple premises, IANS reported.
According to officials, those found violating the restrictions would face a fine.
After the latest relaxation, devotees will be allowed to retain possession of their phones while preserving the peaceful atmosphere intended under the earlier rules.
In Tiruchy district, the change covers Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Jambukeswar Temple in Thiruvanaikoil, Vekkali Amman Temple in Woraiyur and Arulmigu Thayumanavar Swamy Temple in Rockfort, according to IANS.
The latest changes are expected to ease difficulties experienced by visitors to these prominent places of worship. Phone deposit facilities will remain available for devotees who prefer to leave their devices outside. A charge of Rs 5 per phone applies at the Woraiyur and Thiruvanaikoil temples. The service is provided without charge at the Srirangam, Samayapuram and Rockfort temples.
Notably, the department introduced the restrictions to prevent mobile phone use from disrupting worship and disturbing other visitors.
Under the revised norms, carrying a device is permitted, but devotees need to make sure that it stays switched off throughout their time inside the temple. - The Statesman/ANN
