Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Ramesh said, on Wednesday, that a technical feasibility study to manage the surging flow of devotees at Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai town is underway.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the review meeting with the district administration here, Mr. Ramesh said that the flow of devotees in the temple town has been increasing manifold over the years. This also resulted in a longer waiting time in the queue inside the temple. “The study is aimed at introducing measures that will help regulate flow of devotees. We have also directed the district administration to provide civic amenities like additional water taps and shelters in the temple,” Mr. Ramesh said.

Defending the ban on use of mobile phones at the temple from September 1, the Minister said that the ban is aimed at encouraging devotees to spend more time in spiritual activities rather than taking selfies with visiting dignitaries and shooting reels. “Ban on the use of mobile phones in all major temples in the State from September 1 was aimed at allowing devotees to spend time in the temple peacefully. Fiddling with electronic gadgets could also disturb other devotees,” he said.

As per plan, HR&CE officials said that mobile phones were banned inside major temples, including Arunachaleshwarar temple and Sri Lakshminarasimhar temple in Sholinghur town from September 1. Devotees can deposit their mobile phones at the help desk of the temple for which a nominal fee will be charged.  

Earlier, Mr. Ramesh chaired a review meeting at the Collectorate in the presence of District Collector Vandana Garg, Superintendent of Police (SP) R. Uthayakumar, and Bharanidaran, Joint Commissioner (JC), HR&CE (Tiruvannamalai).

During the review meeting, the Minister emphasised the provision of adequate basic facilities such as additional fans and shelters for devotees, who were waiting in the queue, inside Arunachaleshwarar temple. Due to hot weather, he also suggested laying a carpet on the floor of the temple. Adequate name boards and signages in Tamil and English should be installed at identified spots in the temple and town to help outstation devotees. Community kitchens should be maintained in a hygienic way, he said.