Visitor Information

The Mandir encompasses: The Wooden Mandir and the Heritage Exhibition.
Open to visitors from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon & 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm daily throughout the year .

Mandir:
The Mandir is a place of worship and prayer for followers of Hinduism. The structure itself is built according to the Shilpa Shastra, a collection of architectural treatises that have been an integral part of Indian architecture and engineering for thousands of years. The sacred images and ceremonies of worship in the Mandir form the very core in elevating the soul to the pinnacle of God-realization according to Hindu philosophy. Swaminarayan Mandirs, worldwide, fulfill the ancient and lofty concept of the Hindu tradition of Mandirs.

Abhishek
Abhishek is the ancient Hindu practice of pouring water over the sacred image of God to honor him and to attain his blessings. It is also an opportunity for devotees to pray to God, asking him to cleanse one’s soul.
On special occasions, panchamrut – a holy mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, sugar and ghee – is used instead of water.
In the Abhishek Mandap on the lower floor of the Mandir, a gilded brass image of Shri Nilkanth Varni (Bhagwan Swaminarayan) has been enshrined to commemorate and pay tribute to his epic journey as a teenager.
Abhishek of this small sacred image is performed daily to the chanting of Vedic verses, including the ancient peace-prayer called the Shanti-Paath, and the recital of the 108 auspicious and liberating names of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, called the Janmangal Namavali. In all, the complete ceremony takes around 15 minutes, and is performed daily.
Devotees often offer an abhishek – or arrange for one to be performed on their behalf – on days of special significance to them, such as a birthday, wedding anniversary or in remembrance of a loved one, or sometimes to seek blessings for a personal reason.   
 
Understanding Hinduism - A Unique Exhibition:
Walk through the beginning of civilization; learn about the history and beauty of Hinduism. 'Understanding Hinduism' is a well-researched multimedia presentation of facts, figures and information. For the novice or the scholar, the exhibition is inspiring and enlightening .
 
Souvenir Shop:
The Souvenir Shop is located near the Mandir, it is filled with a wide selection of books, CDs, DVDs, herbal products.

GROUP & SCHOOL VISIT

A group visit to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Nairobi is an ideal way to learn about Hinduism and enjoy Indian art and architecture. Whether it is learning about the world’s oldest living faith, or seeing a traditional Hindu temple and witnessing the Arti ceremony, visitors of all ages (young and senior) find their trips to the Mandir to be educational, inspiring and memorable.
Many groups choose to visit the Mandir. Some of group visitors include schools, community groups, boy scouts and girl scouts, youth groups, senior citizens, interfaith groups, art and architecture aficionados and international tour operators.
Please contact us via email to arrange the guided tours or call Nimesh Wadhiya on +254 735703303.
We request that all groups arrive at the Mandir about 15 minutes prior to their allotted time slot.
 

The Mandir encompasses: The Wooden Mandir and the Heritage Exhibition.
Open to visitors from 8:00 am - 12:00 noon & 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm daily throughout the year :

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).

Satsang Activities:

The Mandir is a house of God, open to all. In order to maintain the sanctity, visitors are requested to abide by the following rules and regulations applicable in all areas including the Mandir, Haveli and the exhibition.

	Dress Code: Casual attire. Please note: No sleeveless tops. No shorts. No skirts shorter than knee length. Visitors who do not have the appropriate dress code would be requested to wear wraps which are provided in the Haveli.
	Shoes: Please remove all footwear before entering any of the Mandir buildings. Shoe racks are provided in the Haveli area.
	Photography and Videography: May be taken from ground level outside the Mandir and Haveli . Photography & Videography is strictly prohibited inside the building. Commercial use or publication of images of the site is strictly prohibited. Cameras may be left in the car or can be deposited at the reception desk before entering inside the Mandir.
	Mobile Phones: Visitors are requested to turn off their Cell phones during their visit inside the Mandir. Mobile phones with cameras must not be used to take photo or video inside the Mandir or the Haveli.
	Parking : Free. There are ample parking spaces for cars in the rear of Haveli. Coach passengers are requested to get off and board at the main entrance in the front.
	Smoking / Intoxicants: Smoking, Alcohol or Intoxicants are not permitted on entire premises, including parking lot.
	Food and Drink: No outside food or drinks (except water and soft drinks) are allowed on the premises. Please discard chewing gum in the trash cans before entering the building.
	Pets: No pets allowed within complex. (Service dogs allowed in most areas except sacred spaces used for prayer and meditation.)
	Conduct: Please refrain from touching the delicate carvings. To maintain the spiritual atmosphere observe silence inside the Mandir.
	Children: Children of all ages are welcome. However, visitors of age 16 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
	Special Needs: Elevator access is available. Wheelchairs are provided upon request, subject to their availability. Please contact our information desk for assistance.
	Group & School Visits: Guided tours are available with advance booking. Please Book your visit online.
	Entry: Entry is free .Donations are welcome. Donations are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to BAPS.
	Guns & Firearms are not allowed on premises

Please Note: The Management reserves the right to refuse admission to those who do not follow the above listed requirements. The Management also reserves the right to cancel or alter any visit or close the complex or part of the premises without prior notice. Every effort will be made to avoid any inconvenience. The Management is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage to any personal belongings of the visitors, during their visit to Mandir.
Please abide by the requirements.