Thursday, March 9 2006 12:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Guruvayur (Ker): Security has been stepped around the Sri Krishna temple here as part of the nation wide alert as big turn out of devotees is expected during the 10-day annual festival beginning tomorrow with the famed elephant race.

Authorities had instructed police and the temple guards to keep a close watch at the main portals of the shrine and if necessary, check the bags and pouches carried by the devotees, Devaswom sources said.

Metal detectors would also be installed at the main entrance at the eastern side if the rush increased, the sources said.