Security forces were put on high alert across the country with strict vigil being maintained around religious places and communally sensitive areas in the wake of the terrorist attack in Ayodhya on Tuesday morning.

The Centre has sent advisories to state chief secretaries to keep a close watch on "non-political and mischievous elements" who could use this incident to create communal disharmony.

The Jagannath temple in Puri in Orissa, the Char Dham shrines in Dehradun and the Vaishnodevi shrine were among places of worship where security was beefed up.

Security forces have also been asked to be on alert in view of the agitation planned by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

In Delhi, security was beefed up near temples and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sanch headquarters in Jhandewalan. Additional police personnel and paramilitary forces have been mobilised and patrolling has been intensified.

In Mumbai, temples and other religious places were given special security, police commissioner A N Roy said.

Security had also been beefed up at the atomic energy installations across the country, Department of Atomic Energy chief security officer N C Gop said.