Photography and Videography Policy

1. Purpose and Objective

Shri Kashtbhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple, Salangpur, is a sacred place of worship and devotion. The Temple Authority is committed to maintaining the sanctity, spiritual atmosphere, discipline, dignity and peaceful environment of the Temple premises, particularly in the main Darshan area.

With a view to preserving the sanctity of the Darshan experience, protecting the religious environment and ensuring the convenience and privacy of devotees, the Temple Authority has implemented this Photography and Videography Policy.

2. Strict Prohibition in the Main Darshan Area

Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in the main Darshan area of the Temple, including the area directly in front of the main deity (Dada), the Garbh Gruh and all other areas specifically designated as restricted by the Temple Authority.

The prohibition applies to all devotees, visitors, pilgrims, content creators, influencers, photographers and other persons visiting the Temple.

Without limitation, the following activities are strictly prohibited:

1. Taking photographs or recording videos of the main deity from the main Darshan area.
2. Taking personal photographs, selfies or videos with Shri Kashtbhanjan Dev Hanumanji (Dada).
3. Taking photographs or videos while standing in front of Dada or within the designated Darshan area.
4. Creating, recording or shooting Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, social media videos, vlogs, promotional videos or any other digital content.
5. Recording videos of oneself, including personal appearance videos, devotional expressions, introductions, greetings or other content in front of Dada.
6. Using mobile phones, cameras, action cameras, professional cameras, selfie sticks or any other recording equipment for photography or videography in restricted areas.
7. Live streaming, broadcasting or transmitting any visual recording from the restricted areas of the Temple.

The prohibition applies irrespective of the purpose of recording, including personal, devotional, non-commercial, commercial, promotional or social media purposes.

3. No Personal Photography or Reel Shooting with Dada

The Temple Authority specifically clarifies that the main Darshan area is exclusively meant for Darshan, prayer and worship.

Devotees are expected to maintain the sanctity of the Darshan area and refrain from treating the area as a location for personal photography or social media content creation.

Accordingly, taking one’s own photographs or videos with Dada, recording personal reels in front of Dada, posing for photographs, making short-form videos or creating any similar content is strictly prohibited.

No exception shall be presumed merely because the recording is intended for personal use or is not intended for commercial publication.

4. Photography and Videography in Other Areas

Photography and videography in areas other than the specifically restricted zones shall be subject to the rules, instructions and permissions issued by the Temple Authority from time to time.

The Temple Authority reserves the exclusive right to designate additional restricted areas and impose further restrictions whenever considered necessary for maintaining discipline, security, privacy and religious sanctity.

5. Official Photography and Videography

Photography and videography undertaken by the Temple Authority or its duly authorised representatives for official documentation, religious events, publicity, archival records or other authorised purposes shall be governed by separate permissions and internal guidelines.

No person shall claim any right to undertake photography or videography merely by referring to the activities of authorised Temple representatives.

6. Consequences of Violation

Any person found violating this policy shall be required to immediately stop the photography or videography activity and comply with the directions of the authorised Temple representatives.

The Temple Authority reserves the right to:

1. Direct the person to stop the prohibited activity immediately.
2. Require the person to leave the restricted area or Temple premises, as appropriate.
3. Take appropriate administrative or legal action in accordance with applicable laws.
4. Report serious or repeated violations to the appropriate authorities.
5. Initiate appropriate proceedings in cases involving unauthorised commercial exploitation, infringement of intellectual property rights, misuse of Temple-related content or violation of applicable laws.

7. Intellectual Property and Unauthorised Commercial Use

Any photography, videography or other content created in violation of this policy shall not be treated as authorised by the Temple Authority.

Unauthorised use, reproduction, publication, distribution, commercial exploitation or communication of Temple-owned intellectual property, official photographs, videos, logos, artistic works or other protected content may attract appropriate action under applicable intellectual property laws.

8. Authority to Amend the Policy

The Temple Authority reserves the right to amend, modify, update or implement additional restrictions under this policy from time to time, as may be considered necessary for maintaining the sanctity, security and proper administration of the Temple.

All devotees and visitors are requested to cooperate with the Temple administration and strictly follow the instructions displayed within the Temple premises.

9. Acceptance and Compliance

Entry into and presence within the Temple premises shall be subject to compliance with the applicable Temple rules, directions and restrictions, including this Photography and Videography Policy.

The cooperation of every devotee and visitor is sincerely appreciated.