Mobile phones have become an essential part of everyday life, but devotees visiting some of India’s most famous temples may have to leave their phones behind.
Several major temples have restricted mobile phones and cameras. The rules are generally for the protection of the temple’s security, avoiding distractions and not to take pictures and video of the sacred places.
The restrictions can vary from one temple to another. In some places, phones must be deposited at the designated counters before entering, while in others visitors can carry them up to a certain point but cannot use them inside the temple premises.
Here are 10 famous temples in which devotees should check the mobile phone rules before visiting.
1. Ram Mandir, Ayodhya.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya has a strict restriction on mobile phones inside the temple premises.
The decision was made because it was for security and to make devotees’ darshan process easier, and visitors can use designated cloakroom space to store their phones and other belongings before entering the door.
2. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand.
Kedarnath Temple is one of the major pilgrimage places where mobile phones and cameras have been restricted.
The temple authorities imposed restrictions because visitors were concerned that they were recording videos and reels around the shrine. The rules are to respect the temple’s sacredness and security of the shrine and maintain peace of mind.
3. Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand.
Badrinath is another important pilgrimage place with devotees having to abide by restrictions on mobile phones and cameras.
The temple is an integral part of Uttarakhand's Char Dham pilgrimage. In 2026, the state decided to completely prohibit mobile phones and cameras in the Char Dham temple complexes, including Badrinath.
4. Gangotri Temple, Uttarakhand.
Gangotri Temple is also covered under the mobile phone and camera restrictions introduced across Uttarakhand's Char Dham temples.
Devotees are supposed to deposit their phones and cameras before entering the temple complex. This is for the ease of pilgrimage and in order to avoid distractions during darshan.
5. Yamunotri Temple, Uttarakhand.
Yamunotri, another important Char Dham destination, also comes under the no-mobile rule.
The Uttarakhand administration said mobile phones and cameras would not be allowed in the temple complex. Devotees can collect their belongings after their visit.
6. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai.
The famous Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai also has restrictions on mobile phones.
Visitors are required to follow the temple’s rules for electronic devices and photography. The restrictions are meant to maintain the atmosphere of the historic religious site and eliminate photography inside the temple.
7. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain.
Mahakaleshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh is one of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas and attracts a large number of devotees.
Mobile phone restrictions are in place in the temple and around the sanctum and during darshan. Visitors must follow the instructions given by temple authorities rather than assume phones can be used throughout the complex.
8. Somnath Temple, Gujarat.
Somnath Temple is another major pilgrimage place, and devotees have to follow the restrictions on electronic devices.
The temple authorities prohibit mobile phones and cameras in certain areas. Visitors should use the designated storage facilities and follow the security precautions while entering the temple.
9. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh.
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is one of India’s most visited religious places and has strict rules on mobile phones and photography.
Devotees should deposit prohibited electronic devices and other belongings at designated locations before entering restricted areas. The rules are important because of the huge number of pilgrims visiting the temple.
10. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra.
The Shri Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi also has restrictions on mobile phones and photography in parts of the temple premises.
The rules are to minimize distractions and keep the shrine peaceful. At the entrance, visitors should read the latest instructions before going for darshan.
Before visiting, check Temple Rules.
Mobile phone restrictions are becoming more common at big pilgrimage sites in India. Uttarakhand banned mobile phones and cameras in the temple complexes in Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri in January 2026. This was because phones and cameras were causing problems during darshan.
Similar restrictions exist at temples in other parts of the country. Tamil Nadu, for instance, has introduced a mobile phone ban in more than 50 major temples from September 1, 2026, so that people deposit their smartphones at the counters.
As rules can change with security arrangements, festivals, and crowd conditions, visitors should check the latest instructions before traveling. A phone at the temple entrance does not mean that it will be allowed in, so the visitor is not allowed to carry it to the temple entrance. The use of official cloakrooms or storage counters, when available, can help avoid problems during the visit.
