Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Visiting Hours:
8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon & 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Mandir Darshan & Nilkanthvarni Darshan Timings:
7:30 AM to 10:15 AM
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Daily Arti Ritual:
Arti is the ritual of waving lighted wicks in reverence of the sacred images.
Performed in a spirit of humility and gratitude, faithful followers become immersed in God’s divine form. It is the innermost calling of the soul and symbolizes the five elements: space (akash), wind (vayu), light (tej), water (jal), and earth (pruthvi).
Nilkanth Varni Mangla Arti 6:30 AM
Thakorji Shangar Arti 6:45 AM
Nilkanth Varni Sandhya Art 6:30 PM
Thakorji Sandhya Arti 6:45 PM
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir History:
The foundations of BAPS satsang in Africa began in 1927 with the inspiration of Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj and the sincere efforts of many dedicated devotees. Swaminarayan Satsang Mandir was the first mandir built outside of India in 1945 and represented the growth of satsang in Africa. The painted murtis of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Aksharbrahman Gunatitan and Swami and Gopalanand Swami were sanctified in India by Pujya Shastriji Maharaj and settled with great fanfare in Nairobi.
In 1970, Yogiji Maharaj inaugurated the Hari Mandir on the tributary of the Ngara Road. At that time, he prophesied that a magnificent and larger temple would be built in Nairobi. But for 24 years, the political and social instability of the country has led many to think that the prophecy was still a distant dream. On the one hand, many Indian families migrated to other countries and, on the other hand, the financial situation was deteriorating. Combined, these factors brought Yogiji Maharaj’s words to the back of the devotee’s memory.
Then, on 23-09-1994, during Swamishri’s stay in Nairobi, some of the young devotees approached Swamishri and asked him to give the green light to build a new, larger mandir. Instantly, Swamishri accepted the proposal. The next day, on 24-9-94, Swamishri visited the country to find the mandir and placed there petals of sanctified flowers. He prayed for a magnificent mandir to be built there.
As a result, the project was launched. A variety of opinions were formulated and presented to Swamishri. Swamishri suggested that the mandir should incorporate the traditional features of the Hindu mandir such as shikhars, sthambhs and ghummats. At the same time, on behalf of Swamishri, Param Pujya Mahant Swami traveled to Nairobi to celebrate the ground-breaking ceremony. At this ceremony, Param Pujya Mahant Swami placed the bricks, which Swamishri in India had ceremonially sanctified, at the foundation, as well as the consecrated waters of the Ganges, Narmada, Sabarmati, Gondali, Ghela, Nile, Lake Victoria and the Indian Ocean. . . Circulating currencies from 151 countries were also placed in the foundations, as well as sanctified lands from the sacred birthplace of Shriji Maharaj in Chhapaiya.
After a million hours of work, Swamishri dedicated the mandir on August 29, 1999. Mandir Mahotsav was in fact a celebration of joy and divinity. Yagna, historical procession and Murti Pratishtha mahotsav were celebrated.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Entrance:
Entrance to the Mandir and Haveli is free.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Dress Code:
All clothing should cover the shoulders and knees. (Wraps provided) Leave all belongings / backpacks in your vehicle.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Shoes:
Please remove all footwear before entering Mandir’s compound. (Shelves of shoes provided inside the complex).
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Photography & Videography:
The photograph or video for personal use may be taken from the ground outside the Mandir only. We ask visitors to help us preserve the sanctity of the Mandir by not taking any picture or video in the Mandir. Please note that photography or video shooting inside the mandir is strictly forbidden. No photography or professional photo shoot is allowed with photographic equipment.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Food & Drink:
Please refrain from eating, drinking, chewing gum or feeding the baby in the Mandir. Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the complex.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Mobile Phones:
Cell phones must be switched off before entering the Mandir compound.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Smoking:
Smoking, alcohol, drugs and tobacco products are banned throughout the complex.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Pets:
Pets are not allowed inside the complex. (Authorized service dogs in most areas, except sacred spaces used for prayer and meditation).
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Conduct:
Please refrain from touching or leaning against the delicate carvings. Please, observe the silence in the Mandir.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Wheelchair Access:
The facilities are wheelchair accessible. Please park the strollers in front of the reception center (Haveli). Bathrooms are available at the visitor center.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Security:
For your safety, there are several security measures. Please leave all bags and cameras inside your vehicle. Please do not touch the delicate sculptures in Mandir and Haveli premises. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere, please observe silence inside Mandir and Haveli. Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any site visit or closure, in whole or in part, without notice. Every effort will be made to avoid any inconvenience.
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Murtis:
Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj
Shri Radha-Krishna Dev
Shri Lakshmi-Narayan Dev
Brahmaswarup Bhagatji Maharaj and Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj
Brahmaswarup Shastriji Maharaj and Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Shri Ganeshji
Shri Hanumanji
Satsang Activities:
Friday
Yuvak Mandal (ages 22-35) 7:30 PM To 9:00 PM
Yuvati Mandal (ages 22-35) 7:30 PM To 9:00 PM
Mahila Mandal 7:30 PM To 9:00 PM
Gujarati Language Classes 7:30 PM To 9:00 PM
Saturday
Kishore Mandal (ages 14-24) 7:30 PM To 9:00 PM
Kishore Mandal (Ages 14-24) 7:30 PM To 9:00 PM
Sunday
Shishu Mandal (Children KG-Gr. 3) 5:00 PM To 7:00 PM
Bal Mandal (Children Gr. 4-8) 5:00 PM To 7:00 PM
Vadil Mandal (Sanyukta sabha) 5:00 PM To 7:00 PM
Nairobi BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Address:
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
P. O. Box 40570-00100
Forest Road
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 735 999 009
E-mail: info@africa.baps.org
