Devotee’s iPhone in Temple Donation Box: Deity’s Property?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. A devotee accidentally dropped his iPhone into a temple’s donation box in Tamil Nadu.
2. The temple declared the iPhone as the deity’s property under established rules.
3. Temple administration allowed data retrieval but refused to return the phone.
4. Minister PK Sekar Babu supported the temple’s stance but suggested possible compensation.
5. Similar incidents highlight the complexity of such temple donation rules.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The Incident and Temple’s Stand

At Arulmigu Kandaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu, a devotee named Dinesh accidentally dropped his iPhone into the donation box (hundial). Despite his plea, the temple refused to return the device, asserting that anything placed in the donation box becomes temple property.

Temple Donation Rules Explained

Minister PK Sekar Babu clarified,
“Under temple practices, any item, whether intentionally or accidentally dropped, becomes the deity’s property.”

• According to the Installation, Safeguarding, and Accounting of Hundial Rules, 1975, items in the donation box cannot be reclaimed.
• These rules uphold transparency and trust in temple management.

Precedents and Perspectives

Similar incidents shed light on varying resolutions:

• Kerala Example: A woman’s 1.75 kg gold chain fell into a temple donation box. Verified via CCTV, a new chain was purchased by the temple trustee at personal cost and returned to her.
• Tamil Nadu Case: Minister Babu suggested exploring compensation options for Dinesh while maintaining temple traditions.

Data Retrieval and Administrative Response

The temple allowed Dinesh to retrieve data from the device, maintaining a balance between practical support and adherence to rules. However, the refusal to return the phone highlights the rigidity of traditional practices.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Donation box offerings, intentional or accidental, are considered temple property by law.
• Minister PK Sekar Babu hinted at potential solutions like compensation in specific cases.
• Past incidents show that transparency and flexibility are key for managing such situations.

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