Nakuru is about 140kms north of Nairobi in the Rift Valley province.
It is believed Jains started settling in Nakuru since the early 1940s. A ghar derasar was built and between 16th – 17th May 1976, three pratimas were placed: Munisuvratswami Bhagwan as Mulnayak (main idol), Mahaveerswami Bhagwan and Adinath Bhagwan.
In 2011 it was decided to convert the ghar derasar into a shikharbandhi derasar. Invaluable guidance was provided by Pujya Hemprabhasuriswarji Maharaj and Guruji Narendra Koradia. The derasar has been built in a traditional manner without using any reinforced steel or iron bar. The stone carvings were prepared in India and shipped to Kenya. The uttapan ceremony and bhumi pujan was performed on 26 August 2013. Baleshar stone was used for the exterior whilst Ambaji white marble was used for the interior. The anjana shalaka ceremony was performed in Ahemdabad between 13 – 19 November 2016. The consecration ceremony (prathistha mahotsav) was between 2 February – 7 February 2017.
Interesting facts about the derasar:
– Area: 2845 square feet
– Foundation: 9 feet below ground level
– Garbhagruh: 125 square feet
– Mandap: 275 square feet
The murtis are Munisuvratswami, Parswanath Bhagwan, Neminath Bhagwan and Simmandharswami. There are also idols of Gautum Swami, Pundarik Swami, Manibhadra Veer, Nakoda Bhairav Dev, Padmavati Devi, Chakeshwari Devi & Prasad Devi.
References:
1. Internet
2. Jain Digest
3. Rise and Glory History of Halari Visa Oshwals by Rati Dodhia
4. Grand Opening of Jain Temple – Shree Munisuvrat Jinalay
