Regular satsang began in Thika, a suburb of Nairobi, from September 2000 and has been nurtured by the regular visits of swamis from Nairobi Mandir.
With the blessings and guidance of Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, and the dedicated and generous services of the devotees of Thika and support of the townsfolk a beautiful and artistic mandir has been constructed.
The three-day Mandir Murti-Pratishtha celebrations commenced on 13 May with a kirtan aradhana by swamis and youths. The Indian Ambassador to Kenya, Shri Virander Kumar Paul, also graced this occasion and commended the Sanstha’s contributions in keeping India’s ancient cultural values intact outside India through the building of mandirs.
On the morning of 14 May, 200 yajmans participated in the Shri Swaminarayan Yagna and Vastu Mahapuja. In the afternoon, many devotees from various BAPS centers of East Africa joined the local devotees in a grand nagar yatra of the murtis through the streets, so that the murtis could cast their divine glance and blessings on the town. In the evening, all who had supported the mandir were appreciated and felicitated.
On the morning of Sunday, 15 May 2022, Pujya Viveksagar Swami performed the Vedic installation of the murtis and ritually inaugurated the Thika Mandir. Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj had previously performed the Vedic murti-pratishtha rituals of the murtis in Nairobi on 4 October 2019.
Thereafter, in the inauguration assembly, Pujya Viveksagar Swami discoursed on the necessity and benefits of mandirs in society and the all-round wellbeing of individuals they facilitate.
This three-day celebration was successfully held due to efforts of the resident swamis of Africa, local volunteers and the wholehearted support of the town’s religious and social organizations.