Chennai: Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) department has told temple authorities to ensure that visits by VIPs do not disrupt darshans of ordinary devotees or affect the sanctity and traditions of temples.On instructions from HR&CE minister S Ramesh, the department issued a communication on Aug 7, saying temple officials should be informed at least a day in advance about the visit of a VIP so that necessary arrangements can be made. If information is received on short notice, the executive officer should be informed immediately. Only officials and personnel essential for security and protocol should accompany VIPs inside temples. The movement of VIPs should not obstruct devotees in any manner.“As the VIP list grows, so will this menace. Let these rules be put in place soon, “ said Sandhya Vedullapalli, a civic activist.Tamil Nadu Progressive Consumer Centre president T Sadagopan said, “It’s very useful for devotees , especially women, differently abled and senior citizens. This will also help end corruption.”In a separate communication, the department — noting that people have been taking photos and videos, and making reels inside temples, affecting the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of the premises — ordered temple authorities to make arrangements to prevent devotees from carrying mobile phones inside temple premises.This includes installing prominent boards informing devotees that phone use is prohibited, and setting up facilities outside temples or near footwear counters to safely deposit devices at a fee of ₹5 per phone, with employees or volunteers to ensure security and issue receipts issued through the ITMS system.Temple authorities have also been instructed to deploy personnel to monitor unauthorised photography and videography; such activities will not be permitted without authorisation. Media personnel and VIPs too will not be allowed to take photos or videos inside temples without permission.The system should be implemented at all major temples from Sept 1, said the department.
