In a surprising incident in India, a man who accidentally dropped his iPhone into the donation box at a Hindu temple was informed that the device was now the property of the temple’s deity and could not be returned.

The man, identified as Dinesh, was visiting the Arulmigu Kandaswamy Temple in Thiruporur last month with his family to offer prayers. While making his donation, his iPhone slipped out of his pocket and fell into the hundial—a metal box used to collect offerings. Dinesh immediately approached temple authorities to explain what had happened and requested the return of his phone. However, officials refused, citing temple rules that forbid returning anything deposited into the hundial, whether intentionally or accidentally, as it is considered the deity’s property.

Determined to retrieve his device, Dinesh filed a complaint with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, requesting to be informed when the hundial would next be opened. This month, when the donation box was unlocked, Dinesh was present, hoping to recover his phone. Despite his efforts, temple authorities upheld their stance.

“Anything placed into the offering box, even by mistake, becomes part of God’s account,” explained Sekar Babu, Minister of the HR&CE Department. “According to temple tradition, offerings made into the hundial are considered contributions to the deity, and rules prevent returning them to devotees.”

Dinesh was given the option to retrieve the data from his phone but was not allowed to take the device itself. Minister Babu also mentioned that he would consult with temple officials to explore possible ways to compensate Dinesh.

The incident has gone viral on Indian social media, sparking widespread debate. While some defended the temple’s adherence to tradition, many criticized the decision as unjust and inflexible.