A recently enforced ban on carrying mobile phones inside major temples is facing growing criticism from devotees, who say the measure is causing avoidable hardship instead of improving the spiritual atmosphere.
The restriction, in force since September 1, has led to practical problems at phone deposit counters. Devotees report arguments over the Rs 5 fee due to lack of change, and long waits when computer systems run slowly or stop working.
Many visitors rely primarily on digital payments, and the absence of phones has made it difficult for them to buy items such as archana materials and prasad within temple premises. Some also fear future disputes over phones allegedly going missing or being damaged while kept in storage.
Devotees and spiritual well-wishers have suggested an alternative approach: form a monitoring team inside temples and penalise only those who take photos or videos by confiscating their phones and returning them the next day. They say this would meet the objective while reducing inconvenience for the majority.
Amid the backlash, it has been reported that the HR&CE Minister Ramesh sought feedback from department officials via WhatsApp. Several suggestions reportedly favour allowing phones with restrictions in outer corridors, excluding the sanctum, and an announcement on possible relaxations is expected soon.
