Gandhinagar: For the first time, since the infamous September 24 attack on Akshardham, the Swaminaryan temple gates were thrown open for devotees on September 29 for a special prayer session to pay homage to those who fell to terrorist bullets.

The function, presided over by Pramukh Swami Shastrinarayan Swarupdas, was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, former CM Keshubhai Patel, Assembly Speaker Dirubai Shah, Industry Minsiter Suresh Mehta and former minister Haren Pandya.

Hundreds of devotees, including women and relatives of the victims, sat cross-legged on the sprawling green lawn as the state police and SRP commandos took position at strategic locations.

By conviction, Lord Swaminarayan disciples 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 overseeing volunteer work.

The prayer session began with the opening hymn Ramakrishn Govinda Jai Jai and Vaishnava Janako.

PTI