Friday, July 15 2005 12:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Rameshwaram: Priests and some officials of the Lord Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameshwaram have apologised to the Kanchi Seer Jayendra Saraswathi for denying him entry into the sanctum sanctorum yesterday (July 14, 2005) , but told him it would not be possible to grant permission today (July 15, 2005) also.

The group, which called on the Seer at the Mutt premises here yesterday night, tendered an apology, but told the Seer he could not be allowed inside without the permission of the Commissioner or the Joint Commissioner, though he was entitled to perform poojas, as per temple manuals, temple sources said.

They said the Seer also declined a request from the priests to visit the temple today, saying he would not do so unless official clearance was given.

Meanwhile, the Seer, who was expected to visit the temple at around 8.00 am today, left for an undisclosed place, after having a bath in the tank and performing pooja to the 'Samudhra Raja' (King of Ocean).

The temple Executive officer, who had yesterday told reporters that permission could not be granted as the Seer had arrived there 'suddenly', told members of Hindu organisations today he was unable to get clearance from higher authorities today also, despite faxing a letter to them.

The Seer, who entered the temple yesterday after a bath at the 'Agni Theertham' (Holy tank) was stopped in front of the sanctum sanctorum in the presence of media persons and others accompanying him by temple Joint Commissioner, Subramanian.

The official told the Seer the Commissioner of Human Relations (HR) and CE (Hindu charitable and religious endowments), which administers temples, had given instructions not to allow him inside.