Tamil NaduThursday, 10 September 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
HR&CE removes ₹5 mobile deposit fee at Tiruvannamalai and Sholinghur temples
Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department withdrew the ₹5 mobile phone deposit fee at two major temples after public opposition.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On September 9, 2026, the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department allowed free mobile phone deposit at Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai and Sri Lakshminarasimhar Temple in Sholinghur, after first imposing a ₹5 fee and a smartphone ban from September 1, 2026.
Key specifics
- The smartphone ban covered 52 major temples in Tamil Nadu from September 1, 2026.
- Devotees can deposit phones at Arunachaleswarar Temple between 8 a.m. and 8.30 p.m.
- At Sri Lakshminarasimhar Temple in Sholinghur, mobile phones can be deposited only up to 5 p.m.
- Five mobile phone deposit centres were set up in each of the two temples.
- Persons with disabilities, expectant mothers and senior citizens are allowed to carry phones after switching them off and verification.
Exam lens
TNPSC governance and temple administration question type: temple ban, fee, exemption and timing; remember 52 temples, September 1, 2026, ₹5 fee, 8 a.m. to 8.30 p.m., and the special exemption for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.