New Delhi: Hundreds of Hindu religious leaders today (Nov 21, 2004) staged a march through the capital's walled city protesting the arrest of Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi and demanding his immediate release.

Accompanied by scores of VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) and RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) volunteers, the saffron clad saints from across the country took out a procession from Ramlila grounds to the historic Gaurishankar Temple in Chandni Chowk.

Spotlight: Kanchi Jayendra Saraswathi's Arrest

The congregation was addressed by several religious leaders and VHP chief Ashok Singhal who demanded the immediate release of the Seer.

Accepting "the challenge" thrown by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Singhal said the Hindu society will oppose "tooth and nail" any attempt by the State Government to take control of the Kanchi mutt.

He charged the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister with "conspiracy and vendetta" in executing the Seer's arrest in a murder case.

Spiritual Guru Asaram Bapu, who had joined BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) president L K Advani at the party's sit-in in New Delhi yesterday protesting the Seer's arrest, also addressed the gathering.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Mahant Gyandas, head of the influential Akhara Parishad, Parmanand Saraswati of Juna Akhara, Avdhesh Anand Giri, Ram Vilas Das Vedanti and Achutanand Tirtha.