Research Report On

Gandhinagar Akshardham Attack: Witness of a Magnanimous Response to Terrorism

Case study on the response of HDH PRAMUKH SWAMI MAHARAJ on terrorist attack on

Gandhinagar Akshardham on September 24, 2002.

By
Piyush Dholariya
Akshaykumar Shah
1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are thankful to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and HDH Mahant Swami Maharaj who has given us

wisdom to do this task. We are thankful to BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, for giving us an

opportunity to research on this case study. We would like to thank Swami Aksharatitdas and

Swami Harichintandas and all saints of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Shahibaug for guiding and

instructing us continuously on this case study.

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2 ABSTRACT

This is a case study on the response of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and his former spiritual

leader HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj on the terrorist attack of Gandhinagar Akshardham on

September 24, 2002. It is the horrible attack by the terrorists on the Hindu Temple in which

many devotees had lost their lives on that day. In this kind of tensed situation, how Pramukh

Swami Maharaj has responded, put a great example in front of the world and it will remain in the

memory of many as “Akshardham Response”. This case study will create a picture of that

incident in front of the reader and it will focus on the divine virtues of HDH Pramukh Swami

Maharaj.

This case study itself is divided in three parts to give clear understanding on the incident. First

part of it will put some light on BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha as well as on Bhagwan

Swaminarayan and his divine successors. This section will also put some light on Gandhinagar

Akshardham as well as Delhi Akshardham as an eternal as well as divine hindu temple. Second

part will focus on the sequence of events which was happened on that horrible day at

Gandhinagar. And at last third part will focus on the divine virtues of HDH Pramukh Swami

Maharaj by observing the reactions of him during and after this horrible event.

The main aim of this case study is to observe and extract divine virtues of HDH Pramukh Swami

Maharaj from this terrorist attack and put it in front of the world as an “ideal anti-terror

response”. [1]

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3 INDEX

1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................................................. 2

2 ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

3 INDEX ........................................................................................................................................................... 4

4 ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 6

5 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................ 7

5.1 SWAMINARAYANA SAMPRADAYA ............................................................................................................................ 7

5.2 BAPS ................................................................................................................................................................ 8

5.3 AKSHARDHAM .................................................................................................................................................9

5.3.1 Gandhinagar Akshardham .....................................................................................................................9

5.3.2 Delhi Akshardham ................................................................................................................................10

6 THE ATTACK AND SEQUENCE OF EVENTS .................................................................................................... 12

6.1 THE INITIAL APPROACH .......................................................................................................................................12

6.2 THE ATTEMPT TO INFILTRATE MAIN AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE ........................................................................................ 12

6.3 SHIFTING TARGETS .............................................................................................................................................13

6.4 AUTHORITIES PURSUE TERRORISTS ......................................................................................................................... 14

6.5 NSG COMMANDOS PURSUE AND KILLED THE TERRORISTS ...........................................................................................15

6.6 AFTERMATH OF THE ATTACK .................................................................................................................................16

6.7 THE INVESTIGATION ............................................................................................................................................18

7 VIRTUES THAT SPEAKS ................................................................................................................................ 20

7.1 STEADY WISDOM ...............................................................................................................................................20

7.2 THE ULTIMATE FAITH IN GOD ................................................................................................................................ 21

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 7.3 THE HUMANITY .................................................................................................................................................22

7.4 TRUE LEADERSHIP...............................................................................................................................................24

7.5 PEACE OF MIND .................................................................................................................................................24

7.6 COMPOSURE AND APPROACH ...............................................................................................................................28

7.7 MAGNANIMITY ..................................................................................................................................................28

7.8 TRUE SAINTLINESS ..............................................................................................................................................28

7.9 COMPASSION ....................................................................................................................................................29

8 THE CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................... 33

9 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................... 35

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4 ABBREVIATIONS

BAPS - Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha

HDH - His Divine Holiness

CE - Common Era

Pramukh Swami Maharaj - Shastri NarayanSwarupDasji

Mahant Swami Maharaj - Shstri Keshav Jeevan Dasji

Yogiji Maharaj - Shastri Gnan Jeevan Dasji

NSG - National Security Guard

BSF - Border Security Force

PM - Prime Minister

CM - Chief Minister

Deputy PM - Deputy Prime Minister

CRPF - Central Reserved Police Force

CCTV - Closed Circuit Tele Vision

POTA - Prohibation of Terrorism Act

TV - Tele Vision

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5 INTRODUCTION

We are living in the world where how we react to the particular situation matters a lot. Our

response to certain things can create/make our life worthy while on the other side it can cause

enormous damage to us and our surroundings. There are many situations in a life in which our

reaction is important. Situational responses teaches us the most successful reactions to the

specific situations. On September 24, 2002, terrorists have attacked on Gandhinagar

Akshardham-A Divine Hindu Temple which was inaugurated on October 30, 1992 by BAPS

Swaminarayan Sanstha inspired by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj [2]. To understand it more

clearly, this section will put some light on Swaminarayan Sampradaya and Bhagwan

Swaminarayan (1781-1830) [2] as well as it will put some informal introduction to the

Gandhinagar Akshardham temple.

5.1 Swaminarayana Sampradaya

Swaminarayan (1781 –1830), also known as Sahajanand Swami, is the central guru in a modern

sect of Hinduism known as the Swaminarayan Bhagwan. Swaminarayan was born as

Ghanshyam Pande in Chhapaiya, Uttar Pradesh, India in 1781. In 1792, he began a seven-year

pilgrimage across India at the age of 11 years, adopting the name Nilkanth Varni. During this

journey, he did welfare activities and after 9 years and 11 months of this journey, he settled in

the state of Gujarat around 1799. In 1800, he was initiated into the Uddhav sampradaya by his

guru, Swami Ramanand, and was given the name Sahajanand Swami. In 1802, his guru handed

7
over the leadership of the Uddhav Sampraday to him before his death. Sahajanand Swami held a

gathering and taught the Swaminarayan Mantra. From that point onwards, he was known as

Swaminarayan. The Uddhav Sampraday became known as the Swaminarayan Sampraday [3].

5.2 BAPS

Bochasanwasi(B) Akshar(A) Purushottam(P) Sanstha(S), often abbreviated as BAPS (formerly

Bochasan Swaminarayan Sanstha or BSS), is a worldwide religious and civic organization within

the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism. BAPS was established as a formal organization on June

5, 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj. It was formed on the founder's doctrinal stand that Swaminarayan

had promised to remain manifest in the person of Akshar, a term used to describe his chief

devotee and Swaminarayan's abode. Due to the organizational emphasis on the doctrine, also

spelled as the "Akshar Purushottam" doctrine, it essentially forms part of the organization's

middle name [4].

The fundamental beliefs of BAPS include the spiritual guidance through Akshar as the Gunatit

Guru who is believed to be in close proximity to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the necessity to

identify with the living Guru as a means to acquire oneness with Akshar and offer pure worship

to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Gunatitanand Swami is recognized in BAPS as the foremost Akshar

in the lineage of Gunatit Gurus. He was succeeded by Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj,

Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. HDH Mahant Swami

Maharaj is the current guru and spiritual leader of BAPS [4] [5].

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5.3 AKSHARDHAM

“Akshar” meaning indestructible, and “Dham” meaning abode or home. Hence whole word

Akshardham is believed to be the divine abode of Swaminarayan. We believe that the jiva or

soul goes to Akshardham after salvation to attain moksha [6].

5.3.1 Gandhinagar Akshardham

Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India is a large Hindu temple complex

inspired by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the former spiritual head of BAPS [7].

The complex was inaugurated on October 30, 1992, and is a tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan

and his life and teachings. It is designed in accordance with the ancient Indian treatises on

architectural science: The Shilpa Shastras. The Shilpa Shastras have guided the mandir’s design

and construction from its distinctive style of carvings to its unique construction without the use

of a ferrous metal. The temple consists of 97 intricately carved pillars, 17 ornate domes, 220

stone beams, 57 stone screens, 3 porticos and 256 statues of spiritual personalities in Hinduism.

The temple reaches 108 feet into the sky, spans 131 feet in width, and is 240 feet long [7].

The Garbhgruh(inner sanctum) of the temple is home to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his divine

successors. The divine lineage includes Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji

Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. As manifestations of Aksharbrahma, they

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are God’s eternal servants and the ideals of saintliness and devotion. They reside in garbhgruh,

eternally offering service and worship to Bhagwan Swaminarayan [8].

The abode of truth, beauty and auspiciousness, Akshardham has molded and remolded millions

of lives. 1st floor of garbhgruh, known as Swaminarayn Darshan [9], took the devotee into the

ancient times to visualize the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, whereas the basement of the

garbhgruh known as Prasadi Mandapam [10], gives devotee a chance to see various sacred things

and relics of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

5.3.2 Delhi Akshardham

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi, India is a large Hindu temple complex inspired by

HDH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE) [11].

The complex was inaugurated on November 6, 2005, by HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This

temple was made from intricately carved sandstone and marble. It is designed in accordance with

the ancient Indian treatises on architectural science: The Shilpa Shastras. The Shilpa Shastras

have guided the mandir’s design and construction from its distinctive style of carvings to its

unique construction without the use of a ferrous metal. The temple consists of 234 intricately

carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle spire and 20,000 statues of spiritual personalities

in Hinduism. The temple reaches 141.3 feet into the sky, spans 316 feet in width, and is 356 feet

long [12].

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The Garbhgruh(inner sanctum) of the temple is home to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his divine

successors. The divine lineage includes Gunatitanand Swami, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji

Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj, Pramukh Swami Maharaj. As manifestations of Aksharbrahma, they

are God’s eternal servants and the ideals of saintliness and devotion. They reside in garbhgruh,

eternally offering service and worship to Bhagwan Swaminarayan [13].

The interior of the temple is divided into nine mandapms or thematic spaces, filled with

intricately carved statues and pillars and capped by unique dome and ceilings [14]. The external

façade of a traditional stone temple is known as mandovar. This mandovar is the largest, most

intricately carved mandovar built in India in the last eight hundred years. A temple stands,

traditionally and symbolically, on the shoulders of the elephants, called “Gajendra Peeth” [15].

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6 THE ATTACK AND SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

6.1 The Initial Approach

At approximately 4:45 pm on September 24, 2002, a white car dropped two terrorists between

the ages of 20 and 25 carrying haversacks and jackets filled with automatic weapons and

grenades at Gate 3 of the Akshardham Temple Complex [16].

When terrorists attempted to enter the Akshardham Temple Complex, the volunteers stopped the

armed terrorists for a security screening. Bypassing the screening, the terrorists jumped over the

7-foot high fence and started firing their guns as they began their rampage through the complex

[16].

6.2 The Attempt to infiltrate main Akshardham Temple

They rushed towards the central walkway of the complex while firing shots at visitors and

pilgrims who were browsing a nearby bookstall and proceeded to the main temple while

throwing hand grenades [16].

As the Akshardham staff, including the temple supervisor, Khodsinh Jadhav witnessed this

shooting spree, they rushed across the 200-foot walkway and shut the 15-foot doors of the main

12
temple. As a result, the terrorists were unable to infiltrate the main temple where 35 people were

offering prayers [16].

At 4:48 p.m., three minutes after the attack began, Vishwavihari Swami, at the Akshardham

Temple Complex, made an SOS call to Chief Minister Narendra Modi's office and informed

them about the attack. Within minutes, Gandhinagar's district police chief R.R.Brahmbhatt was

on his way. Additionally, the State Commando force was instructed to also arrive at the

Akshardham Temple Complex [16].

Meanwhile, outside of the Akshardham Temple Complex, local individuals mobilised into

volunteers. Chirag Patel helped bring out the injured individuals, while Pravin Shah supplied free

water to worried relatives [16].

6.3 Shifting Targets

Thereafter, the terrorists, unable to infiltrate the main monument, moved towards the exhibition

halls. The volunteers had locked all the doors of the exhibition halls; however, the terrorists

entered Exhibition Hall-1, which contained the multimedia show [16].

Upon entering the hall, they fired shots at the audience, killing and wounding men, women and

children. Mihir (age 7), Moulik (age 4) and Mrunal (age 5) had gone to watch the multimedia

show at Akshardham with their grandparents, Pundrikbhai and Harshidaben Hathi. As the

terrorists fired shots, Mihir and Mrunal lost their brother Moulik and their grandparents [16].

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By 5:15 p.m., Narendra Modi called the Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani in Delhi and asked

for the National Security Guards (NSG), commonly referred to as Black Cat Commandos. The

terrorists left Exhibition Hall-1, as they entered, through the exit door, and climbed onto and hid

in the parikrama, the outer perimeter of the temple [16].

6.4 Authorities pursue Terrorists

Within 10-15 minutes of the terror attack, police security guards and commandos had reached

the premises. The police and commandos escorted the visitors from around the complex to

safety, while volunteers helped transport the injured victims to nearby hospitals [16].

The police and commandos searched for the two terrorists, who were focused on retreating to an

alternative hiding spot. During this temporary halt, the police and commandos also guided the

remaining 100 visitors in Exhibition Hall-1 to a safe location outside of the complex [16].

At 7:30 pm, as the security guards guided 30 visitors from inside the main monument to safe

place, the terrorists, who had climbed atop the parikrama, the outer perimeter of the temple,

opened fire at the commandos. During this attack, no one was hurt. Since the commandos had

surrounded the area and continued the crossfire, the terrorist found it difficult to escape [16].

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6.5 NSG Commandos pursue and killed the terrorists

At 10:10 p.m., two buses of NSG commandos and one bus filled with NSG equipment arrived at

Akshardham. By approximately 11:30pm, after reviewing multiple strategies, 35 Black Cat

commandos positioned themselves throughout the Akshardham Temple Complex in an effort to

find the terrorists [16].

The search for the terrorists continued throughout the night. In the middle of the night, the

terrorists jumped down from the parikrama and entered a nearby bathroom. The National

Security Guards planned to pass the night until daybreak before attempted to flush out the

terrorists [16].

During this time period, they fired to draw fire from the terrorists and consequently exhaust their

ammunition supply. The officers tightly situated themselves around the Akshardham Temple

Complex. The National Security Guards were first in line, followed by men from the Rapid

Action Force, Border Security Force, State Reserve Police and the Anti-Terrorist Squad [16].

As the night progressed, the terrorists moved into another area, a grove of trees near exhibition

Hall-3. By daybreak, the terrorists became desperate and the firing continued. At approximately

6:45 am, the 14 hour-long ordeal ended with the Black Cat Commandos shooting the two

terrorists hiding in the bushes. During this overnight search for the attackers, one state police

officer and one commando lost their lives. Another commando, Surjan Singh Bhandari, was

seriously injured and died in May 2004, after being comatose for two years [16].

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The two militants who conducted the attack, namely, Murtuza Hafiz Yasin and Ashraf Ali

Mohammed Farooq were killed by National Security Guard commandos during the Akshardham

Temple Attack on 24 September 2002 [16].

6.6 Aftermath of the attack

On 25 September 2002, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said that the attack on the

Akshardham Temple Complex in Gandhinagar, Gujarat was a well thought out conspiracy and

that the federal government will launch a thorough investigation and get to the bottom of it [16].

The head of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, appealed to

maintain peace. The Gujarat government took the stance to maintain peace within the region and

a resolve to promote solidarity [16].

Including The Prime Minister of India Mr. Vajpayee, the Deputy PM Mr. Advani, Governor of

Gujarat Mr. Sundersinh Bhandari and Chief Minister of Gujarat Mr. Narendra Modi, Heads of

the Muslim community in Ahmedabad also came to meet Pramukh Swami Maharaj to offer their

condolences and condemned the terrorist attack in Akshardham. BAPS also organized a

condolence meeting after the attack. The prayer assembly commenced with devotional prayers

sung by sadhus for the peace of the departed souls, grieving relatives and all sympathizers.Then

the entire gathering observed a 2-minute silent prayer for the deceased and injured, and for

harmony [16].

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Though nobody can compensate the family of the dead for their great loss, but as a token of

condolences and appreciation, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha donated to the families of the killed

people [16].

The Akshardham attack and its response became a case-study in the NSG.Brigadier Raj

Seetapathy, the NSG commando in-charge of the rescue mission “Operation Thunderbolt”,

asserted that the Akshardham response had become a benchmark of clock-work achievement.

The brigadier presented this case study, “Akshardham Response: How to challenge an attack

with calm and peace”, at various centers, including the Sardar Patel Police Academy in

Hyderabad and various Army training sessions. The Brigadier said "What Pramukh Swami

Maharaj did was unbelievable. He pieced society back together. The Akshardham tragedy

instilled a sense of confidence that Gujarat need not burn at every spark that is ignited. What I

observed after the operation was the calm and serenity that was quickly restored. I have faced

many violent encounters in my professional life but Akshardham response was a great learning

both from operational and philosophical points of view." [16]

The brigadier said once the spiritual head decided to even purify the souls of the two terrorists,

volunteers and devotees immediately fell silent. There was no slogan shouting, no anger being

expressed for any community. It was one of the most magnanimous and exemplary acts of

restraint and responsibility that foiled the design of terrorists to spark more violence," the

brigadier said [16].

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Reopening of the Temple Fourteen days after the terrorist attack, the Akshardham complex in

Gandhinagar was reopened to the public on October 7, 2002. As advised by government

officials, increased security measures were taken to ensure the safety of the volunteers and

visitors, including stationing the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) of Gujarat at the complex,

requiring visitors have to pass through a metal detector, increasing the height of the boundary

wall, and installing CCTV's around the campus [16] [17] [18].

6.7 The Investigation

The intense investigation began soon after terrorists attacked Akshardham on 24 September

2002. A short summary of the Akshardham Attack Case Verdict is provided below:

In July 2006, the POTA court awarded death sentence to Adam Ajmeri, Shan Miya alias Chand

Khan, who hails from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, and Mufti Abdul Qyyum Mansuri. While

Mohammed Salim Shaikh from Ahmedabad, was sentenced to life imprisonment, Abdulmiyan

Qadri got a 10-year term and Altaf Hussain five years [16].

In 2008, some of the convicts went on appeal in the High Court. On May 30, 2010, the Gujarat

High Court confirmed the death sentence awarded to three persons and prison terms to three.

Later in May 2014, a Supreme Court bench composed of Justices A K Patnaik and Venkate

Gopala Gowda acquitted all six persons, including those awarded the death penalty. The

Supreme Court slammed the Gujarat Police for the incompetence with which it investigated the

18
case. The bench gave the decision holding that the prosecution failed to establish the guilt of the

accused [16] [17].

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7 VIRTUES THAT SPEAKS

From the response of Akshardham attack, at every step of action/words of HDH Pramukh Swami

Maharaj, we can find a virtue. Some of the noted virtues are as below:

7.1 Steady Wisdom

Most often called “Sthitpragnata”.

When the terrorists struck Akshardham, Pramukh Swami Maharaj's “sthitpragnata” (balance of

mind) was amazing. When the whole world was stunned and shocked with disbelief, disgust and

hatred at the cowardly act, Swamishri calmly prayed and set about reinstating things to normal.

He appealed to the devotees and citizens of Gujarat to remain calm and peaceful. He attended to

those who came to offer their condolences and to those who came to seek solace. Such resource

of equanimity is not found in ordinary human beings, but in people who are divine. The spiritual

virtues in a physically diminutive 82-year-old Pramukh Swami Maharaj amazed all [19].

Pramukh Swami Maharaj's unwavering steadiness and calmness in the midst of the carnage at

Akshardham and his appeal for peace thereafter is a living proof in our contemporary times of

the highest Hindu wisdom prescribed in our scriptures and of the great souls that lived in the

past. As long as we have sthitpragna souls like Pramukh Swami Maharaj there will be sanity,

peace and redemption in our world [19].

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7.2 The ultimate faith in God

Most often called “Shraddha”.

When the terrorists entered the Akshardham precincts at 4.45 p.m. and went on the rampage,

Vishwavihari Swami, the administrator of Akshardham, was informed of the attack on the

intercom telephone system. The District Superintendent of Police, Collector of Gandhinagar and

other officials were called for help. Thereafter, Vishwavihari Swami rang up Pramukh Swami

Maharaj in Sarangpur. At that time, Swamishri was engaged in a meeting regarding the BAPS

relief and rehabilitation projects in Kachchh. On hearing of the tragedy, Swamishri calmly

informed those before him, "Terrorists have entered Akshardham and they have killed many

people. Let us pray to God that no further killing takes place. May the terrorists be caught." And

Swamishri became absorbed in prayer. Then he instructed Ishwarcharan Swami, Anandswarup

Swami, Brahmavihari Swami and Nikhilesh Swami who had come for the meeting to rush back

to Gandhinagar. Swamishri told the 250 sadhus and 2000 devotees who had gathered for the

festival of Shastriji Maharaj's shraddh to join in the prayers [19].

In a brave encounter with the terrorists, Surjan Singh was shot in the head. All his friends of the

National Security Guard were worried because of his critical state. Expert doctors at the Civil

Hospital were striving day and night to save him; but the case was difficult. The only additional

ingredient required to medical treatment was divine blessings. When Pramukh Swami Maharaj

learnt of the tragedy and the injured victims in Sarangpur, he began praying for their recovery.

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On Sunday September 29, 2002, Swamishri travelled from Sarangpur and arrived at 10.45 a.m.

at the renowned Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. He first met and blessed Surjan Singh who was in

the Neuro-ICU ward. When Swamishri arrived and blessed Surjan Singh; his response inspired

hope and optimism in all. While chanting the Swaminarayan mahamantra, Swamishri showered

sacred petals on Surjan Singh Bhandari. Then Swamishri started talking to him, "Look, Thakorji

(murti of Shri Harikrishna Maharaj) is here. You will get better. We are all praying for you."

Then Swamishri devotionally resumed the mantra-chanting, "Swaminarayan... Swaminarayan...

Swaminarayan..." And the divine touch of Swamishri and the resonance of his prayers charged

Surjan Singh Bhandari. Then Swamishri appreciatively addressed the doctors, "Doctor Saheb!

Congratulations for taking great care of him. You will be blessed with immense merits and God

will profusely shower his grace upon you. Your services are really amazing..." [20].

7.3 The Humanity

Most often called “Manavta”.

Swamishri told the 250 sadhus and 2000 devotees who had gathered for the festival of Shastriji

Maharaj's shraddh to join in the prayers at Sarangpur after listening about this incident at

Akshardham. After the prayers, Swamishri became engaged, without a hint of the disturbance, in

a meeting with sadhus and devotees of Surat regarding the ongoing local construction of a BAPS

hospital. At 7.30 p.m., Swamishri went to the Yagnapurush Smruti Mandir and prayed by

22
chanting the Swaminarayan dhun while performing circumambulation. He prayed, “May there be

no further loss of lives and the operation be resolved peacefully...” [19].

Swamishri remained in Sarangpur for another four days after the tragedy due to ill health and

instructions from the state police. To look after the situation in Akshardham, Swamishri had sent

Dr. Swami and Ishwarcharan Swami. Under their guidance, Anandswarup Swami, Vishwavihari

Swami and other sadhus handled the post-attack responsibilities. On Swamishri's instruction, the

hospitalized victims at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad and their relatives were provided with

meals and fruits from the BAPS Mandir in Shahibaug. Dedicated doctors of BAPS, Dr. Bajadia,

Dr. Harshad Joshi, Dr. Bharat Panchal and others offered their services with the doctors of the

Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. At the Civil Hospital in Gandhinagar the patients were under the

care of Dr. Mangalbhai Patel (a devotee) and other doctors [19].

On Sunday September 29, 2002, Swamishri travelled from Sarangpur to the Civil Hospital in

Ahmedabad and personally blessed and consoled more than 24 injured commandos, policemen

and visitors being treated in different wards. The victims and their relatives were moved by the

compassion and strain taken by Swamishri [20].

Despite his ailing health, Swamishri began the rounds to console the victims. Before arriving in

Ahmedabad, Swamishri had instructed the volunteers, “Be mindful that not a single victim is left

out. I want to meet each one of them, no matter how much time it takes...” After a while, at the

request of his attendant sadhu, Swamishri sat in a wheelchair and went from ward to ward

23
blessing and sympathizing with the victims. At every bed he enquired, “What is your name?...

What is the name of your native village?... How were you hurt?... How do you feel now?... I am

praying for you, and you will get well... Swaminarayan...Swaminarayan... Be strong and

hopeful... Remember God and He will grace you... God (Thakorji) is here, so you will get well...

God bless you...” [20].

7.4 True Leadership

Swamishri then held a meeting with Dr Swami, Tyagvallabh Swami, Viveksagar Swami,

Narendraprasad Swami, Gnaneshwar Swami, Narayanmuni Swami and others to announce the

cancellation of Shastriji Maharaj's shraddh assembly the following day and transform it into a

memorial meeting. Swamishri then advised that the prasad of dudhpak that had already been

prepared be distributed to orphans and school children in the surrounding villages. He also

instructed that all BAPS centres in India and abroad should join in prayers on the day of shraddh

the following day. All the while, Swamishri's constant communication and suggestions provided

guidance and moral and emotional support to the sadhus in Akshardham [19].

7.5 Peace of mind

Swamishri was, at the same time, concerned that the attack could spark off a communal

backlash. At 12.35 a.m. he got news by phone that Parameshwar Swami had become a fatal

victim of a terrorist's bullet. Swamishri grieved for his loss and to prevent any eruption of

24
communal violence he urgently sent an appeal for peace and prayer to the print and electronic

media. The appeal played a major role for peace in the days to come [19].

For the next two days, Wednesday September 25 and Thursday September 26, the people of

India observed a strike to mourn and pay respects to the dead. All public services, offices and

businesses were closed in Gujarat, Mumbai and many other parts of India. The national strike

was a cause for concern for many leaders, for it could spark off violence on a national scale. But

Swamishri's appeal for peace had an overwhelming impact. The two-day strike was observed

peacefully and even in Ahmedabad, a communally sensitive city, there was no incident of

agitation or violence [19].

Tim Sullivan, the South Asia head for Associated Press, during his visit to Akshardham on

October 1, 2002 asked a Mandir official, “Whenever something of this sort happens in Gujarat

there is violence. Why has Gujarat remained peaceful this time?” The official replied, “Due to

Pramukh Swami's appeal the people of Gujarat have remained calm. For the last three decades

people have been witnessing the socio-spiritual services that Pramukh Swami Maharaj has been

performing in Gujarat. This includes the relief and rehabilitation services after the Kachchh

earthquake and the Orissa Cyclone, and services in the field of health, education, etc. People

know that he has been contributing for peace and betterment of society, and that is why people

have observed his appeal for restraint and peace.” “Is it only because of Swami's appeal that

there has been peace?” Tim asked. The official replied, “Other religious and political leaders

have appealed for peace but Pramukh Swami Maharaj's appeal has carried more weight because

25
the incident took place on our own premises.” The leader of a popular Hindu organization told

Swamishri, “Swami if you had only signaled otherwise, then things would have been different.

There is peace in Gujarat and India because of your appeal. Through your powers of austerity

and goodness there has been peace.” [19]

A social thinker lauded Swami's peace appeal, “Swamiji, you have saved Gujarat from another

chapter of violence.” [19]

The attack on an exquisite religious place like Akshardham and the killing of innocent men,

women and children was unbearable and intolerable for all. For those deeply dedicated to

Hinduism and all apostles of humanitarism it was a heart-wrenching incident. In such

circumstances how could one bear and tolerate such pain and injustice! But Swamishri's voice

resonated with words of peace, “It is a time to maintain peace and unity and offer sympathy.

Pray that such violence never occurs to anyone, in any part of the world.” [19]

The kshatriyas of a village in Saurashtra came to Swamishri in Sarangpur and told him about a

condolence meeting arranged by them. Swamishri advised, “Talk about peace and make sure

there are no angry words/speeches. . . " [19]

Nine years after the gruesome terrorist attack on Akshardham temple on September 24, 2002, the

rapid response of the National Security Group (NSG) in neutralizing the two terrorists in a matter

of a few hours and that of the Swaminarayan sect, which preaches peace in that tense situation, is

being cited as a case study to tackle such exigencies. Brigadier Raj Seetapathy, the NSG

26
commando in-charge of the rescue mission “Operation Thunderbolt”, asserts that the

Akshardham response has become a benchmark of clock-work achievement. The brigadier has

presented this case study, “Akshardham Response: How to challenge an attack with calm and

peace”, at various centres, including the Sardar Patel Police Academy in Hyderabad and various

Army training sessions. Today, after nine years when I think in retrospect, I feel things could

have got worse,” says the brigadier whose men landed at the temple four and half hours after the

attack and killed the two attackers in nine hours. But, more than the counter terror operation, the

brigadier is impressed by the manner in which the Pramukh Swami of BAPS, the Swaminarayan

sect which was targeted, reacted to a violent situation. What he did was unbelievable. He pieced

society backed together. The Akshardham tragedy instilled a sense of confidence that Gujarat

need not burn at every spark that is ignited. What I observed after the operation was the calm and

serenity that was quickly restored. I have faced many violent encounters in my professional life

but Akshardham response was a great learning both from operational and philosophical points of

view.” The brigadier says once the spiritual head decided to even purify the souls of the two

terrorists, volunteers and devotees immediately fell silent. There was no slogan shouting, no

anger being expressed for any community. It was one of the most magnanimous and exemplary

acts of restraint and responsibility that foiled the design of terrorists to spark more violence,” the

brigadier said [1].

27
7.6 Composure and Approach

Swamishri's composure was appreciated by all. A TV channel anchorman-cum-educationist said,

“Leading members of the intelligentsia are impressed by Pramukh Swami's call for peace. If

something like this had happened in one's own place, then the person concerned would have

given statement after statement to become popular. However, Pramukh Swami and his sadhus,

rather than issuing statements or reacting with anger, have remained silent and engaged in the

service of the victims. And to add more, instead of becoming emotionally paralyzed, the entire

Sanstha was actively engaged in service. This is a congratulatory approach.” [19]

7.7 Magnanimity

In a letter to the editor's section of The Times of India on October 8, 2002, Kaushik Joshi wrote,

“In the wake of the attack on Akshardham, Pramukh Swami has shown magnanimity by not

indulging in any blame game and imputing motives. Akshardham is his most priceless, splendid

and wonderful creation. Yet, he has been calm. His saintliness is very touching. His heart bleeds

for the helpless victims of the barbaric act. . .” [19]

7.8 True Saintliness

A renowned Jain acharya, Pujya Shri Chandrashekharvijayji, wrote a letter to Swamishri, “An

idol of patronage, gem among saints and the highest devotee of God Swamishri Pramukh

Swamiji, “My heart is intensely shocked at the terrible turmoil that broke out on Akshardham.

28
To ask you what pain must have afflicted you is improper because you are a saint who lives on a

sthitpragna level. You console devotees who come in tears to offer their condolences. This is the

high level of saintliness you have.” [19]

7.9 Compassion

“Surjan Singh Bhandari! Look, Pramukh Swami Maharaj has come to see you. Your left leg is

now a lot better, so raise it...” instructed Dr Mahendra Parikh, a neurosurgeon, treating Surjan

Singh Bhandari. Surjan Singh Bhandari was lying in his bed with a vacant gaze. And then to

everyone's amazement and joy he raised his right and left legs. Swamishri happily blessed Surjan

Singh by touching his head, heart and feet. “Surjan, how many fingers do you have?” And Surjan

responded by raising his hand and moving his fingers [20].

Pareshkumar of village Jithudi said, “My two friends and I visit Akshardham every 20-22 days.

We love going there. This time we were there by the games, sitting on a bench. The terrorists

were only five feet away from us. First we thought it was firecrackers. But then we realized the

fact. When we tried to face them, they threw a grenade and aimed their guns on us. We quickly

ran behind a wall to save ourselves and during that time I got shot in the leg. Still we were all

saved...” Swamishri replied, “Forgive us for the pain you are going through... God has saved

you... Here, have darshan of God. (Swamishri told the attendant sadhu to bring Thakorji nearer to

the patient so that he could touch His feet.) You will get well... and there will be peace in your

life... Do not lose hope, you have been saved...” [20]

29
Swamishri also met each and every injured policeman and commando who had bravely fought

the terrorists. After patiently hearing their accounts, he appreciated their services and blessed

them. When Swamishri came by the bed of State Reserve Police Commando Yogendrasinh

Rajput the doctor explained, “He was hit by a bullet that snapped the main artery supplying

blood to the brain. The bullet came out from the other side. Till yesterday he was on a ventilator.

Now he is able to breathe naturally.” The accompanying State Minister for Health, Ashokbhai

Bhatt, explained about the commando's progress in health, “Swamishri, the orange colour code

attached to this commando will be removed and he will be given a green one. Every victim has

been categorized with a colour code displayed on his bed. Black means the person is dead, red

denotes a case of emergency, then we have yellow; orange means the patient is still under

treatment and green means that he is well.” Swamishri was pleased to know that commando

Yogendrasinh was now well. Swamishri blessed him once again by placing his hand on him [20].

Thereafter, Swamishri came to Dashrathsinh Satpute, a hit commander of the NSG or Black Cat

Commandos, and blessed him by gently touching his bandaged arm. “How were you hit here?”

Swamishri enquired. Dashrathsinh explained, “I am a hit commander and my unit was slowly

advancing towards the terrorists. We were going by the wall till we reached its corner. I stood

there because after the corner was a dark open basement area. Behind me were my other hit

commando companions. Then I informed my commander, Brigadier Seetapathy, that there was a

dark basement area. He told me to go into the basement area with my unit and search it

thoroughly. So I raised this hand to signal to my companions to come with me. Instantly there

was a volley of fire from the terrorists and I got hit in my arm.” At this point of Dashrathsinh's

30
narration, Ashokbhai Bhatt (Health Minister of Gujarat) said, “Swamiji, this commando and

another two injured were brought to the Civil Hospital in Gandhinagar. At that time I saw their

spirit. They told the doctors to tie a bandage immediately because they wished to return. We

allowed the other two to return, but we couldn't let him go back.” Swamishri appreciated the

spirit of Dashrathsinh by blessing him with the touch of his hand on his head [20].

Just as the spirit of the commandos can never be forgotten, similarly we can-not fail to omit the

fortitude of 65-year-old Satubha Jhala - a security volunteer at Akshardham. Satubha challenged

one of the terrorists as they were ambling their way on the main pathway to the monument.

Before Swamishri came to him, Satubha, with a heavily bandaged arm, raised himself

enthusiastically to a sitting posture. When Swamishri arrived he narrated how he had responded.

Bapa! I did not retreat till I was shot by them. When I saw one of them, I got hold of him and

shouted, “Where are you going?” Bapa, you saved me. I have been serving in Akshardham for

many years. And once I get well, I'm coming back to serve in Akshardham...” Swamishri saluted

his audacity, saying, “After all, he is a kshatriya.” [20]

Swamishri's sympathy for the parents and relatives of the deceased state commando, Arjunsinh

Gameti, revived their spirits. The father of Arjunsinh, was quiet and still stunned by what had

happened. He spoke in a frenzied tone, “I have lost my son!” Swamishri was moved by the old

man's grief and sympathized, “Do not think otherwise. God will judge everyone. Your other son

will look after you and God will also help you. There is no cause to worry anymore. Your son

was in the service of our country and in serving God he is now in God's abode. Engage yourself

31
in bhajan, worship and prayers to God. I shall pray that God grants you strength.” And with these

soothing words the old man was blessed with the divine touch of Swamishri's hand [20].

32
8 THE CONCLUSION

Currently terrorism has raised a major question for entire globe, all nations and territories have

at-least once experienced terrorist event or attack. Same incident was happened at Gandhinagar

akshardham. Dead bodies and injured people were sporadically lied on the floor of holy

akshardham. When it comes to normal people, first reaction would be same revenge, but this

organization is something different, devotees and saints of BAPS are something different,

especially former president of BAPS, HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj is marvelously different.

First reaction of the Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the peace and remembrance of god.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj has put an example of steady wisdom in front of the world in such

terrific incident. To prevent the rioting or any other unwanted events he had suggested chanting

the name of god, Almighty God is there, he will protect the pious and will do good for all.

Reaction came apparently from the entire world from many people, precidents/prime ministers of

many nations. All have heartily appreciated the decision of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and

BAPS for keeping peace and endurance. That has proved that HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

was living with all those qualities which was spoken in Shreemad Bhagvat. Those terrorists who

had killed and injured many innocent people, even for them HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj had

convey compassion and did pray for their salvation. It is the culmination of compassion and

kindness of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj who has shown towards them.

33
Temple is a place where people came for a peace of mind and to purify their soul. The terrorists

has chosen the divine temple for such terrible inhuman act. They entered the campus of the

temple with worst thought in their mind to burn a spark that could destroy the communal unity of

Gujarat as well as of entire India. At the present time also we are witnessing lots of riots in

several parts of our country which are originating from a small spark and taking a huge form by

response and as a result these riots are destroying unity and sovereignty of our country by killing

and injuring so many innocent people of various communities. In this kind of situation response

to a situation matters a lot. Brigadier Raj Seetapathy has also mentioned in his interview and he

was greatly impressed by the response that HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj has given after the

attack, everyone was surprised by seeing that HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj was praying for

those two terrorists where they were killed [21], by sprinkling the flowers and holy water to

purify the souls. If you look back and think quietly then you can figure it out that situation could

go worse, but by this magnanimous response, peace was maintained in Gujarat as well as in

India.

The response is being remembered till many years to save many lives during that time, as well as

a new approach to tackle the worst situation with endurance and peace.

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