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Swaminarayan temple opened
to public for prayers

The function, presided over by Pramukh Swami Shastrinarayan Swarupdas, was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, his predecessor Keshubhai Patel, assembly Speaker Dhirubai Shah, Industry Minister Suresh Mehta and former minister Haren Pandya.

Hundreds of devotees, including relatives of the victims, sat cross-legged on the sprawling green lawn as security force personnel took positions at strategic locations.

By conviction, followers of Lord Swaminarayan are wedded to the spirit of non-violence and do not allow entry of weapon into the temple complex. Perhaps, for the first time, uniformed gunmen were seen inside the temple complex during a prayer.

"It was only on September 24 that we saw gunfire in a sacred place, which strictly clamours for a weapon-free world," said Sadhu Brahma Prakash, a volunteer.

Modi said the special prayer meeting would give strength to his government to work for peace and communal amity.

"Like everything in life, even this unfortunate incident will teach us many lessons. The new spirit spread this evening would give the Gujarat government and the people the renewed strength to live in peace and brotherhood," Modi said.

PTI

The Temple Attack: Complete Coverage
The Swaminarayan sect

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