The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur, a world heritage monument controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has been brought under enhanced surveillance with the installation of advanced cameras.
The wireless cameras have been installed at strategic points on the temple premises to cover the whole complex.
The ASI has installed 31 network cameras at a cost of Rs. 1.3 crore at the temple, also known as the Big Temple, a shining example of Chola architecture.
A monitor has been set up in a small room at the main entrance to view the movement of people on the complex.
The movement of people could soon be viewed simultaneously by the ASI offices in Delhi and Chennai, besides the office of the Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur, through a remote view option, technical officials say.
The superior cameras of ‘pan tilt zoom’ (PTZ), fixed and panorama types, generate crystal-clear and sharp footage.
The PTZ cameras could zoom up to 1,500 metres from the place where they have been installed, say officials.
Maratha periodConstructed by Chola King Raja Raja-I, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has two ‘gopurams’ — Rajarajan Tiruvasal and Keralantaka. The arch at the entrance is of the Maratha period.
5 sub-shrinesThe complex has the main temple with five sub-shrines for Amman, Subramanya, Ganesa, Chandikeswara and Karuvur Devar, the royal priest. The cameras have been installed atop the two gopurams, besides on top of the main shrine and the Amman sannidhi and on the corridor areas, among others. The cameras have a 45-day footage backup facility.
A Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad of the Thanjavur police has been deployed at the main entrance to frisk visitors. A door frame metal detector has been installed at the entry point.
