Off Wangari Maathai Road, formerly known as Forest Road, whose section runs parallel to the iconic Thika Superhighway, an architectural and artistic masterpiece, offers an enchanting view.
For thousands of locals plying the route and people visiting Nairobi, the Hindu temple is worth the focus of interest.
While visitors may call it a Hindu temple, this magnificent infrastructure has a name: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Complex.
"Mandir simply means a spiritual place; it is a temple," Vrunda Patel, a volunteer at the temple, told the Star.
“BAPS, on the other hand, is a denomination within the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. It stands for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.
"Shri is a title of respect used before the name of a man, a God, or a sacred book. Lord Swaminarayan is a manifestation of the supreme God."
The Mandir's stunning architecture and breathtaking artistry have attracted people from all walks of life.
From visiting school groups, architects to theology students, the Mandir offers a perfect place for a comprehensive study of the Hindu religion.
INSIDE THE MANDIR
It was half past 3pm when I walked into this complex on an adventurous journey after years of yearning to know more than just its attractive view.
As I took one step after the other, a sense of paramount silence and peace engulfed me, a stark reminder that this was, indeed, an unexplored path for me.
I was expected. My contact person swiftly ushered me to Patel, who was ready to take me on a tour of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Complex.
For an ordinary Kenyan, stepping into the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is an experience like no other.
The Mandir captivates with its intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
Within the sanctum, beautifully adorned Murtis (sacred idols) meant to radiate a spiritual presence.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Mandir offers an atmosphere of peace and calm, providing a refuge from the bustle of everyday life.
"It is a place where anyone, regardless of faith, can find solace, learn about Hinduism and experience the joy of community," Patel said.
Before you walk in, it is mandatory to remove your shoes or sandals.
"The reason we do this is because this is a holy place. You understand that the shoes have stepped on so many dirty things. So by removing your shoes, it means you have left the impurities behind and walked into a holy place," Patel said.
The Mandir consists of two shrines: one on the ground floor and another on the first floor.
The ground floor is rich with snippets of information that describe the origin, history, foundation, contribution, values, beliefs and code of conduct, among many others of BAPS.
Patel says the Mandir was built not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for education, empowerment and community service.
It also provides a platform for women and youth to lead and organise various initiatives that empower them to make meaningful contributions to society.
"It fulfils the spiritual needs of Hindus while welcoming people of all backgrounds interested in learning about Hindu culture," Patel said.
"It is open to all, irrespective of age, gender, or nationality. The Mandir serves as a space where everyone can experience peace, engage in self-reflection and connect with the values of spirituality and harmony."
On the first floor of the Mandir, another magnificent scene unfolds. The main dome area, pillars and walls are adorned with carvings made from elgon, teak, mvuli, mahogany and white oak.
"The continent of Africa is renowned for the quality and variety of its wood, and it was Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s wish that this Mandir showcase intricate woodwork using African timber," Patel said.
THE SAINTS
The worship area is divided into two; women sit on the left side while facing the altar, and men on the other side.
Men and women cannot sit in one area in the Mandir, to preserve the sanctity of the Mandir.
The front end is a reserve for saints referred to as Sadhus. Sadhus in BAPS are celibate monks who dedicate their lives to spirituality, selfless service and spreading the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the guru.
One of the Sadhus is chosen to be the leader of Mandir. Sadhus are a unique class of people in the Hindu religion.
"For us BAPS, they are not allowed to marry, they commit to eightfold celibacy, detachment, humility and aversion to wealth and taste," Patel said.
“Once one chooses to be a Sadhu and he is consecrated, their life changes completely and you cannot make a U-turn.
"They leave their families and are never allowed to interact with them again in their lifetime. Whether it is the father, mother, sister, brother or any other relative, you can’t mingle again. This is meant to allow them to focus on religious matters."
Sadhus live a life of abstinence, non-violence and simplicity. It is taboo for them to commit suicide, engage in theft, slander, vilification, impurities and atheistic association.
"They live their lives in the temple, cook their food and wash their pieces of cloth themselves. They actually have only two pieces of cloth, which are renewed periodically. They don't have bank accounts because they are not supposed to own anything," Patel said.
THE CONSTRUCTION
BAPS Mandir complex was completed in 1999 after four years of continuous construction.
"Craftsmen from 32 locations across Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan worked tirelessly to sculpt these intricate designs," Patel said.
"After months of artistry, the carvings were shipped from India to Kenya, where experienced artisans assembled and refined them."
The Mandir Complex is 140ft long, 99ft wide and 69ft high. Its total area is estimated to be 10,200 square feet.
The Mandir was constructed with 16,500 square feet (350 tonnes) of Jesaler yellow stone, 13,200 square feet of Carrara marble from Italy and 10,000 sq ft of kota stone from India.
"During the peak of the construction, 235 craftsmen were involved in the construction. More than 1 million man-hours had been invested in its construction since inception,” Patel said.
The Mandir has five pinnacles, seven domes, 66 pillars, 440 windows, 23 arches, four balconies, 80 different designs, 30 different ceiling designs, five staircases and 6,000 different ceiling designs.
Two decades and half a half later, the Mandir has stood the test of time to remain a masterpiece that continues to mesmerise generations.
With each passing day, the masterpiece continues to remind the BAPS Community of the rich legacy of its brainchild: Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Guru in the Hindu tradition is the top-ranking spiritual leader of a sect and is believed to be the gateway to moksha. Moksha means freedom from the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth.
Moksha is the ultimate goal of every individual who practises Hinduism. Guru is the guiding light in the lives of his followers.
Members of his sect come to him for everything: spiritual enlightenment, moral development and even worldly advice. He can be compared to the Pope in the Catholic church.
Born on December 7, 1921, in Chansad, India, Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj left for his divine abode in August 2016 aged 94 years.
MAHARAJ VISIT
Maharaj was succeeded by Guru Mahant Swami Maharaj, who is set to visit Kenya on December 31 for a month-long session with members of his sect.
His last visit was in 2019. It is during the visit that the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Mandir will be held.
For thousands of devotees across Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa where he will be visiting, his coming is an eagerly awaited moment.
His presence is a rare blessing that enriches devotees’ spiritual journeys, creating an atmosphere of divinity that will resonate long after his visit.
"Mahant Swami Maharaj, revered for his humility and wisdom, is more than a spiritual leader," Patel said.
“He is a source of profound guidance. His teachings have inspired thousands here to embrace virtues such as selflessness, discipline and service to humanity.”
His visit is threefold in purpose. First, to lead the silver jubilee celebrations of the Nairobi Mandir; second, to preside over the grand opening of a new traditional Mandir in Johannesburg, South Africa; and third, and to inaugurate another new Mandir in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.
Mahant Swami Maharaj’s visit will be marked by a series of vibrant events and cultural programmes, each designed to uplift and inspire.
"The centrepiece will undoubtedly be the 25-year celebration of the Nairobi Mandir, where traditional dances, melodious bhajans and inspiring discourses will bring the community together," Patel said.
In addition to this, there will be events focused on nurturing values in children, inspiring the youth and fostering unity among communities.
Each gathering will reflect the essence of the BAPS philosophy: to live with purpose, harmony and service.
"These celebrations are not for the BAPS community only. We believe in harmony. No Kenyan needs an invitation for this. One can just walk in and be part of it," Patel said.
