Karnataka Temple New Rules: Government Enforces Strict Rules and Mandatory Fees for Filming Video Reels at Muzrai Temples

Bengaluru, February 21: To preserve the religious sanctity and discipline of sacred sites, the Karnataka government has tightened regulations on filming social media reels, movies, and documentaries within temple premises. On Friday, February 20, the Muzrai Department issued a fresh directive making it mandatory to obtain prior permission and pay a prescribed fee for any professional filming in "A" and "B" category temples.

Authorities have warned that any unauthorised recording will result in the immediate seizure of equipment and the deletion of the captured video. The move comes in response to a surge in unregulated content creation, where devotees and influencers have been observed filming during worship rituals and within sensitive areas of the temples. ‘I and CM Siddaramaiah Know What We Spoke’: DK Shivakumar on Karnataka Congress ‘Crisis’.

While guidelines for filming were originally introduced in 2003 and 2012, compliance had weakened with the rise of platforms like Instagram and YouTube. The new circular directs temple administrators to strictly enforce these existing rules to prevent the disruption of the religious atmosphere and protect the privacy of worshippers.

New Fee Structure and Classifications

The Muzrai Department has established a clear fee structure based on the location and nature of the filming. For movie shoots within temple premises in Bengaluru city, the fee is set at INR 15,000 per day, while temples in other areas will charge INR 10,000. For television serials, documentaries, and other commercial recordings, a flat rate of INR 5,000 per day has been implemented across the state.

News channels filming special reports that exceed five minutes are also subject to hourly charges, while short segments under five minutes will incur a nominal fee of INR 250. These regulations apply primarily to the state's 205 "A" grade temples (those with an annual income over INR 25 lakh) and 193 "B" grade temples (income between INR 5 lakh and INR 25 lakh). Bengaluru Shocker: 4-Year-Old Boy Left Asleep in Cab, Rescued by Karnataka Police in Under an Hour.

Strict Prohibitions and Guidelines

Under the 15-point guideline issued by the department, certain areas remain entirely off-limits for cameras regardless of payment. Filming inside the Garbhagudi (sanctum sanctorum) or capturing images of the moola vigraha (main deity) is strictly prohibited. Those granted permission must also adhere to traditional dress codes and ensure their conduct respects local customs and temple traditions.

Muzrai Commissioner B. Sharath emphasised that the primary goal is to ensure that "reel madness" does not infringe upon the spiritual experience of genuine devotees. The department has also empowered executive officers to act swiftly against violators, ensuring that temples remain "soul zones" rather than just backdrops for digital content.

The Muzrai Department (officially the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department) manages over 34,500 temples across Karnataka. This latest crackdown follows a series of previous reforms, including a plastic ban implemented in August 2025 and the formation of a "vision group" to improve temple infrastructure. By re-enforcing filming rules, the state aims to balance the modernisation of temple management with the preservation of ancient heritage and decorum.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 21, 2026 09:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).