Security and the easy way up

When we hiked up the 620 stairs to the top of the mountain to see the "Gomateswara Monolith" we were surprised to find the scene in the picture. It is a metal detector. You can just imagine those dedicated terrorists climbing all the way up this mountain only to be disappointed that they have to turn back because they don't want to be found out by going through this metal detector! Of course, and don't tell anyone this secret(!), there was no one watching the detector when we were there! We also saw several people who took the easy way up the mountain. There are a number of relatively young men who spend time carrying these lawn chairs that are lashed to poles up and down the mountain for the little money they earn. I think I read that it comes to about $2 each. The guys do a real service to the older people who feel they must get to the temple at the top, but like many jobs in India, it is very hard work.