The scene has changed at the Devarajaswamy Athi Varadaraja Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, following the ban on mobile phones. Near the flagstaff, where young people were previously seen taking selfies, mostly elderly devotees can now be seen.
There was a long queue at the mobile deposit counter on the first day, but now middle-aged and elderly people make up the majority there as well. This suggests that many young people are visiting the temple less frequently. This situation is not limited to the Varadaraja Temple.
A similar impact is being seen at several other major temples across the state. According to the temple administration, daily visitor numbers have fallen by up to 20% since the rule was implemented. The decline is most noticeable among young people, who previously came not only for worship but also to take photos, record videos, and create social media content.
In fact, a ban on mobile phones has been imposed at 52 major temples in Tamil Nadu since September 1. Smartphones must be deposited at a counter before entering the temple. A fee of ₹5 will be charged for each phone.
Mobile phones deposited by devotees are being kept in lockers. When returning them, the token number and mobile model are matched before handing back the phones.
Temple administration says-Madras High Court imposed the ban; we are only implementing it
R. Ganesan, executive officer of the Devarajaswamy Temple, acknowledged that footfall had declined but supported the decision. He said that the shortage of devotees in temples is mainly among young people.
We regret it, but the sanctity of the temple cannot be compromised for Instagram. This ban is pursuant to the Madras High Court’s December 2022 order; we are only implementing it.
In December 2022, the Madras High Court directed such a ban following a PIL related to the misuse of smartphones at the Tiruchendur Subramania Swamy Temple.
Youths say the experience feels incomplete without phones
1. Twenty-three-year-old Arun Kumar from Chennai had arrived at the temple parking lot with three friends, but they did not go inside after learning about the rule requiring visitors to deposit their phones.
He said, ‘I respect the temple and its traditions, but the truth is that people like us do not come here only for darshan. We capture the architecture, rituals, and atmosphere and share them on social media. Without a phone, the experience feels incomplete. If I have to pay ₹5 to lock up my phone and then cannot record anything, I would rather go to a local temple where the rules are not so strict.’
2. Nineteen-year-old Priya Rajesh from Vellore had also come with her family, but stopped outside after seeing the counter.
She said that Grandpa had come for Athi Varadar darshan, but since I cannot take my phone inside, I will sit outside. Standing in line, paying money, and leaving my expensive phone with strangers is not right. And honestly, if I cannot take photos after seeing such a beautiful temple, then what is the point of coming? I came here after watching a reel on Instagram, and now I cannot even make one myself. It feels like the government is punishing modern youth.
