On 29 August 1999 Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the inspirer, consecrated the exquisite shikharbaddh Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Nairobi, Kenya. The exclusive and ornate traditional Indian wood carvings that form the interior of the Mandir dome and prayer hall have amazed and captured the hearts and minds of thousands. The beautiful Mandir and impressive exhibition on Hinduism have become a source of inspiration and education.
The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir has been recently honored with the Millennium Award for Excellence in Architecture, in structural innovation category. The award was granted by the Architectural Society of Kenya by a panel of three judges - one each from Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa, all members of their respective architectural associations.
The honor is a matter of great pride for the Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, its inspirer Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the artisans and devotees who had offered their skills and voluntary efforts in creating the Mandir.