Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Nakuru, Kenya, in 1999. Murtis that were earlier installed by Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj in Nairobi in the year 1970, were consecrated by Pramukh Swami in Nakuru during this inauguration. As part of the festivities to mark the 15th anniversary of this occasion, new marble murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and the Guru Parampara were installed, in new ornate sinhasans (decorative shrines), with thousands of devotees attending the celebrations.
The Mandir Mahotsav celebrations were spread over three days from 1st December to 3rd December, 2014.
1 December, Monday, Welcome Assembly
In the evening, a commemoration assembly was held to welcome Pujya Swayamprakash Swami (Pujya Doctor Swami), Bhaktavatsal Swami and other sadhus from India. Local Hindu leaders were in attendance amongst the gathering of over 1,000 people. Children performed a colourful, traditional dance.
2 December, Tuesday, Vishwa Shanti Mahayagna and Nagar Yatra
Bhaktavatsal Swami performed a Mahapuja in the morning. Thereafter, Pujya Doctor Swami performed pujan of the murtis. Over three hundred devotees participated in the Vedic Mahayagna for World Peace.
In the afternoon, the murtis to be consecrated were taken in a grand Nagar Yatra, a colorful procession that traveled with the sacred images in beautifully crafted floats through the major streets of Nakuru. Hundreds of devotees in colorful costumes celebrated with folk dances, devotional hymns. Thousands lined the streets throughout the 4 kilometer route to view this traditional and pleasing display of faith and culture.
A Kirtan Aradhana was held in the evening with melodious bhajans being sung by sadhus and devotees.
3 December, Wednesday, Murti Pratishtha and Mahila Samelan
Pramukh Swami Maharaj had previously performed the Vedic murti-pratishtha rituals and arti of the murtis in Sarangpur, India, on 30 June 2014.
A mahapuja was performed in the morning where devotees and well-wishers offered their prayers for peace and well-being to prevail throughout the local community. To the accompaniment of Vedic mantras, Sadguru Pujya Doctor Swami, Bhaktavatsal Swami, Priyavrat Swami and other sadhus consecrated the murtis in the various shrines of the mandir.
The ceremony was followed by a murti-pratishtha assembly. Invited guests included the Governor of Nakuru County, Mr. Kinuthia Mbugua and Secretary Mr. Joseph Motari. Youths performed a colourful, traditional dance. A multimedia presentation recounted the history and activities of the Mandir. Pujya Doctor Swami spoke of the values that a mandir fosters. A video of Swamishri’s blessings during the 1999 Murti Pratishtha ceremony rekindled fond memories for the devotees of Nakuru. More than a thousand devotees and well-wishers attended the celebrations.
In the afternoon, a Mahila sammelan was held on the theme “Chaitanya Mandir Sarjan”. Youths presented colorful dances and skits.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Nakuru, continues to provide spiritual services to devotees and wellwishers and community services to all in the region.