Security has been beefed up in and around the Vaishnodevi Devi shrine in Trikuta hills following the recovery of a pen bomb from the premises, police said on Friday.

"Security has been beefed up in and around the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi with all the security posts enroute put on high alert," Udhampur Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar said.

Apart from round the clock patrolling in the holy town of Katra, there would be security deployment along the route of the shrine to foil any militant designs, he said.

Kumar said a pen bomb without explosives was found from a checking point near the 'Bhawan' of the shrine on Thursday.

"When the pen was pressed, it vibrated as it was fitted with a small battery," Kumar said, adding it did not contain explosives or a detonator.

No arrests have been made in this connection, he said. However, as an additional security measure in view of the coming Independence Day celebrations, carrying pens to the shrine have been banned.