From camera-free shrines to Rs 5 lockers: Inside Tamil Nadu`s radical crackdown on temple social media reels
· India · Zee News, India Today
The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department has imposed sweeping restrictions on visitors at major state-run temples, banning mobile phones, cameras, and all electronic devices inside sanctum areas. Devotees will now be required to deposit their phones in newly introduced Rs 5 coin-operated lockers installed outside temple premises before entering inner shrines. Temple authorities say the measures are aimed at curbing the growing trend of filming reels, staged shoots, and viral dance videos that have disrupted rituals and drawn controversy. The order applies across the state and also restricts unauthorised professional photography inside temple complexes.
Why it matters
Tens of thousands of daily devotees and content creators visiting marquee temples such as Madurai Meenakshi and Tirupati-run shrines will have to change how they document their visits, and the Rs 5 fee introduces a new practical cost for every pilgrim carrying a phone.
Read the original report — Zee News
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.