We asked a gentleman, who looked like a devotee, if we could meet the shankaracharya. "Of course, you can," he said with a smile. We were overwhelmed because we never expected that a meeting with the seer would happen so easily

Then the gentlemen asked us, "Are you not devotees?"

"No, we are from the press," we replied.

His countenance changed the moment he heard our answer. The friendliness on his face disappeared, and what we could see was distrust.

"Sorry, the press is not allowed. The acharya is performing Dhanur Masya trikala puja of Lord Chandramouleswarar. After the afternoon puja, we will talk to you."

We moved away and stood under a tree, terribly disappointed.

Complete Coverage: Jayendra Saraswathi