MOMBASA: ISKCON Africa is currently in the final phase of construction of its new temple complex on Beach Road, Mombasa. The expansive project sits on a two-acre plot in the affluent Nyali area, opposite the local golf club.

With an official opening set for the Ram Navami festival in April 2010, the main temple building has three altars housing Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram-Lakshman, and Gaura-Nitai. The dome-shaped hall can accommodate up to 400 devotees, while an adjoining open terrace will boost the capacity to 1,000 during popular functions.

The complex also includes a guest-house with twenty-six luxury rooms, the world-renowned Govinda’s Restaurant, a Vedic library, a large community hall, an auditorium, a food hall and a host of kitchens. There is also a small sweet stall and a clinic for Ayurvedic healing and physiotherapy.

All these facilities are built around a magnificently landscaped garden, home to a musical fountain and special play-area for children.

“The icing on the cake will be the special pathway designed specially for patrons who want to walk or jog in a completely secure environment within the Temple Complex,” says Chairman Ananda Dasa. “This should be music to the ears of the health conscious who do not have a secure facility for their early morning and late evening walks.”

Srila Prabhupada, who liked Mombasa and visited twice in 1972 and 1974, would have been proud to see the new temple. During his long stay while recuperating from bad health, he called the city “Heaven on earth” in one of his talks.

Until now, local devotees have served at their old temple in the Ganjoni area of Mombasa town. In operation for the past twenty-three years, it was inaugurated by Srila Prabhupada’s disciple Navayogendra Swami in 1986.

Devotees are looking forward to the new complex, which is expected to be a truly unique landmark of Mombasa City.

To donate to the project or raise any queries, please contact the Temple Chairman at 073 346 6577, or email pmail@mitsuminet.com.