Vihat Tirth

Effective date: 27 April 2026
Last updated: 27 April 2026

This Privacy Policy describes, in plain language, how we handle information when you use our mobile application (the “App”). It supports transparency for our sangat and is written to meet common expectations for Google Play and the Apple App Store. By using the App with faith and goodwill, you agree to this policy.

1. Data controller

Under the grace of the mandir, the organisation responsible for the App and this policy is:

2. Information we collect

Because the App is built for darshan and seva—not for commerce—we collect only what helps us serve devotees faithfully and keep the mandir’s digital doors open safely.

2.1 You provide directly

• Devotees (no login): Ordinary users are not required to sign in, register, or create an account. You may receive Ma’s content as a blessed guest; we do not ask for passwords or social logins for general darshan or listening.
• Temple authorities only: Restricted administrator features (for example, uploading or updating temple content) are available only to persons duly authorised by the temple. For those few accounts, we may process credentials or session data exactly as configured by the mandir’s systems, solely to protect sanctity and accuracy of what is published.
• Communications: If you write to us by email or via details on Google Play, we use your message and contact information only to reply with respect and care.

2.2 Automatically collected

• Device and app data: We may process limited technical information such as device model, OS version, language, app version, and network connectivity status to deliver content, troubleshoot issues, and improve stability.
• Push notification token: If you kindly grant permission, Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) assigns a device token so we may share temple announcements, utsav reminders, or sacred news—never advertisements. This token may be registered with our backend so your device can receive notifications.
• Network requests for content: When you open darshan, gallery, videos, bhajans, miracles, festivals, or other screens, the App fetches mandir-related content and metadata from our servers and content delivery storage (see Section 4).
• Operational logs: Like most apps, errors may appear in device logs and/or in the logs of our infrastructure when requests fail. We use such logs only to maintain service reliability and to prevent abuse.

2.3 Stored on your device

• Local cache and preferences: The App may store cached lists, images, timestamps, and app preferences (for example, language/theme) locally (e.g. via on-device storage) to improve performance.
• Downloads and saved media: If you choose to download darshan images or other media, those files are saved to your device (e.g. Photos/Gallery or device storage) under your control.

2.4 What we do not collect — and what we will never ask of bhaktas here

Aligned with our non-commercial, devotional purpose, this App does not:

• Charge money, process payments, or offer in-app purchases;
• Show third-party advertisements or sell your attention to advertisers;
• Require devotees to sign in, log in, or create a user account for normal use;
• Use your devotion as a product—content is temple-centred and stewarded by temple authorities alone.

We also do not collect precise GPS location as a core feature, and we do not require your contacts or SMS. Optional permissions (Section 6) appear only when a feature you choose truly needs them (for example, saving an image, sharing, or administrator uploads).

3. How we use information

Every use of data is meant to honour Ma’s name and support the sangat:

• Offer darshan, bhajan, katha, gallery, and mandir news that reflects the life of Shree Vihat Meldi Maa Temple alone.
• Send optional push messages about festivals, announcements, or spiritual reminders—only with your permission where the law requires it.
• Let you hear and watch sacred audio and video, including background listening during seva or travel, where your device allows.
• Cache blessings lightly on your phone so darshan loads swiftly and data use stays gentle.
• Empower only designated temple sevaks / authorities to refresh content truthfully and reverently.
• Fulfil dharma under the law: respond to lawful requests and protect devotees and the mandir when needed.

4. Third-party services & processors

Even a humble mandir app needs reliable roads in the digital world. We use a small number of technical partners only to deliver darshan and messages—never to monetise devotees. They may process limited data on our behalf or under their own policies; we invite you to read their terms with the same care you would read any sacred trust.

5. Legal bases (EEA, UK, and similar regions)

For devotees in regions that recognise specific legal grounds, we rely on:

• Consent — when you freely allow notifications or sensitive optional permissions.
• Legitimate interests — running a safe, simple temple app; sharing non-commercial updates; and keeping the sangat connected—without ads or payment walls.
• Contract / steps prior to contract — only where needed for features you explicitly use (chiefly for authorised temple administrators).
• Legal obligation — when the law calls us to respond with honour and truth.

6. App permissions (Android)

The App may request permissions depending on OS version and features. Typical examples include:

• Internet / network state — load content and check connectivity.
• Notifications — send temple updates (optional; you can disable in system settings).
• Storage / media (photos, videos, audio) — save darshan images to your device and/or pick media files for uploads (administrator features); scoped by Android version.
• Foreground service / media playback — stable background audio (bhajans) and system media controls where applicable.
• Vibrate — optional notification feedback.
• Boot completed — used only to support reliable notification delivery on some Android devices/OS versions.

6.1 App permissions (iOS)

On iPhone and iPad, the App may request permissions only when you choose a feature that needs them:

• Notifications: to receive temple announcements and festival reminders (optional; you can disable anytime in iOS Settings).
• Photos: to save darshan images to your device or pick media for uploads (only for authorised admins).
• Camera: to capture and upload media (only for authorised admins).
• Microphone / Music Library: some iOS audio capabilities may cause the system to show these permission prompts. If iOS ever prompts, access is used only for audio-related features you choose. The App does not record audio without your permission.

7. Retention

We keep information only as long as needed for the purposes above. On-device cache can be cleared by uninstalling the App or using device settings where available. Emails you send us are retained for as long as needed to respond, maintain a respectful support record, and meet any legal obligations. Administrator content uploaded to the mandir’s systems may be retained as part of temple records.

8. Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect information. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Important: the App may connect to our services over the internet. We aim to use secure connections where available, but on some networks and for some endpoints the App may allow non-HTTPS traffic. If you are on a public or untrusted network, please use caution.

9. Children and families

Families often bring little ones to Ma’s darbar; likewise, parents may share this App at home for bhajan and darshan. We do not target children for marketing, we show no ads, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or the age required where you live) for profiling or behavioural advertising. If you believe a child has shared personal data with us beyond ordinary devotional use, please email us—we will correct it with promptness and prayerful care.

10. Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to certain processing, or to withdraw consent where processing is consent-based. You may also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. To exercise rights, contact us at the privacy email above. You can disable push notifications in your device settings at any time.

10.1 User Privacy Choices

We respect your choices. You can control privacy-related settings at any time:

• Notifications: turn notifications on/off in your device settings.
• Language and theme: change anytime inside the App Settings.
• Local data: uninstalling the App clears locally stored preferences and cached data on your device. Some screens also provide in-app options to clear local history (where available).
• Data requests: email us to request access, correction, or deletion of information we may hold (see Contact section).

11. International transfers

Our service providers (e.g. Google, AWS) may process data in countries other than India. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses or equivalent mechanisms provided by those vendors.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the new version on this page and update the “Last updated” date. For material changes, we may provide additional notice (e.g. in-app or via Play Store listing). Continued use of the App after changes means you accept the updated policy.

13. Google Play & Data safety

In Google Play Console, the Data safety form should reflect this truth: a free, ad-free, non-payment devotional app with no devotee login, temple-only content, and admin access limited to temple authorities. Declare accurately what is processed (e.g. FCM device token, device/app technical data, downloads you initiate, on-device cache), what is shared with service providers (e.g. Google Firebase, AWS, YouTube), and how deletion requests are honoured. Ma’s name is honoured when our words match our deeds.

13.1 Apple App Store notes

For Apple App Store listings and review, this page serves as both our Privacy Policy and User Privacy Choices. The App is free, ad-free, and does not require devotee accounts. Any optional permissions are requested only when needed for a feature you choose (see Section 6). If Apple’s “App Privacy” questionnaire asks about data linked to you for tracking or advertising, note that this App is not built for advertising and does not use third-party ad SDKs.

14. Contact