Sri Ayyappa Temple
Sri Ayyappa Temple
PRP7+7P2, Bhanderi Road, Nairobi, Kenya
History of Sri Ayyappa Temple
The Sri Ayyappa Temple of Nairobi was constructed in such a way that it resembles the Sabarimala Sri Dhrama Shashta temple in every aspect with the dazzling Brass work used to conceal the sanctum sanctorum that evokes the mystical beauty of Sabarimala Temple, the adobe of Lord Ayyappa. The Temple is constructed and managed by Sri Ayyappa Seva Samaj, a non-profit organization that was officially registered on 15th April 1997. The temple was consecrated on 26th May 2002 (Golden Temple of Nairobi) has become an iconic structure among all the Hindu temples in Nairobi. The temple is located within SHREE RAM MANDIR COMPLEX, Bhanderi Road, Parklands, Nairobi.
The idea of Makara Vailakku Pooja was originated by Mr. C. R.Sathish, a veteran residing in Kenya for more than three decades. It was on 14th January 1989 the first Makara Vilakku Pooja of its kind in Kenya celebrated at Sree Lohana Mahjan MandaI premises in Nairobi. There was overwhelming response from Lord Ayyappa devotees on that day. This inspired Mr Sathish and few other ardent devotees of Lord Ayyappa to evolve the idea of continuing with the Makara Vilakku pooja in coming years. To manage the pooja on a broad base, it was decided to form Sri Ayyappa Seva Samaj in Nairobi at an informal meeting held at Mr.K.V.Krishnan’s residence. In attendance were Mr&Mrs K.V.Krishnan, Mr&Mrs C.R.Sathish, Mr&Mrs T.R.S.Menon, Mr.Somasundaram, Mr.Rajan Valiathan, Mr.K.O.S.Nambiar, Mr.P.R.R.Rao, Mr.V.K.P.Nair, Mr.Umesh Iyer. Subsequently, the Makara Vilaku Pooja was being celebrated every year in a grand manner. A constitution was written and after continued efforts, the Samaj was officially registered on 15th April 1997.
It was the dream of the Managing Committee and the members of the Samaj to build an Ayyappa Temple in Nairobi. Everybody was exploring the possibilities to make this dream a reality. On Saturday 9th of June 2001, while at the Parklands Shree Ram Mandir after the Hanuman Chaalisa program, The Samaj Team requested the Shree Ram Mandir authorities if they can allow us to build the Ayyappa Temple within their premise and they Immediately given the go ahead. The wheels were in motion and plans underway in a fast pace. The foundation stone of Sri Ayyappa Temple was laid on 9th December, 2001. With the blessings of Sri Ayyappa and the overwhelming support of devotees, the Temple has taken its shape and ready for installation and opening on 26th May 2002.
