Days after a detailed security audit at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, the authorities have sought views from devotees and the general public on its proposed plan to collect ₹ 10 for depositing their mobile phones in safety lockers at the three entry points and to forbid use of mobile phones inside the shrine.
The authorities have sought the views and suggestions of the devotees in writing in 15 days. The move has been proposed keeping in mind the security of the temple and in the interest of the devotees, said the authorities.
The proposed plan comes in the aftermath of a security audit conducted by a senior police officer of the Security Branch CID recently to ascertain the existing arrangements in the shrine.
The ban on use of cellphone would be imposed only after obtaining the concurrence of the Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, the authorities said.
Foremost among the 108 'Divya Desams', the Srirangam Sri Rangathaswammy Temple attracts scores of devotees from various parts of Tamil Nadu and from other States. Arrival of devotees peaks during the annual Vaikunta Ëkadasi festival held in the Tamil month of Margazhi. The police have deployed anti-sabotage teams which work on shifts at the three entry points of the shrine. Door frame metal detectors are already in place at the entrances to prevent unauthorised articles getting inside.