In yet another milestone chapter reflecting strong India-France relations, Paris is set to have its maiden traditionally designed BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir. In this direction, recently, sandstones sourced from India and curated or carved using ancient architectural techniques of the country have landed in France to aid the temple construction process. When the sandstones echoing the age-old tradition and incredible craftsmanship of India landed in Paris, it was ceremonially welcomed. The BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir is said to be the first-of-its-kind in Paris.
The temple to be built in Bussy-Saint-Georges, in the outskirts of Paris reflects the stronger, multi-faceted and growing relations between India and France, where people-to-people ties or cultural cooperation is emerging as a key facet. The temple also mirrors the soft power potential of India as the ancient architectural knowledge, incredible craftsmanship of the Indian artisans and civilisational heritage of India resonates overseas. The elements inscribed in the sandstone used for the construction of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple are intricately carved by the skilled artisans of India using traditional methods, which is indeed the most preserved and cherished architectural knowledge of India, since ages that has been passed down the generations.
BAPS Swaminarayan temple: Depicts Indo-French architectural collaboration
For the construction of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Paris, Indian artisans will work with the French stone masons including members of the team involved in the restoration of the renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral. This reflects the deep cultural ties and collaboration between New Delhi and Paris and how both countries harness their shared knowledge and expertise to benefit both the countries and rich cultural landscape. The new BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir will not just be a place of worship but a space to cherish and propagate the rich Indian culture and traditions and also a space for education and community engagement. The Mandir will also act as a space to understand, harness and spread the ancient Indian philosophy for the global good and well-being of mankind.
The Hindu Mandir will also stand as a symbol of enduring and growing relations between India and France. Sanjay Kara, CEO of the Paris Mandir construction project and a trustee of BAPS UK & Europe, said, “The arrival of the first stones from India marks a historic milestone. Each one carries heritage, care and intention, symbolising Indian tradition meeting French engineering through shared respect and collaboration. Guided by the values and vision of Mahant Swami Maharaj, whose teachings emphasise service, humility and harmony, it is an honour to be part of a project that brings Indian and French expertise side by side and that will grow into a mandir serving not only worshippers, but the wider community as a place of culture, learning, and harmony”.
Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to France, Sanjeev Kumar Singla asserted, “this Mandir represents a unique collaboration. The stones were sculpted in India by master artisans and will be assembled here, in France, by French stonemasons—some of whom also contributed to the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral. This is the meeting of two great traditions of sacred architecture, united by excellence and a shared pride in craftsmanship. The meeting of Indian and French artisans, symbolised today by the exchange of friendship bracelets, reflects the cooperation, respect and friendship between our peoples. This moment is a celebration of culture, heritage, and universal human values”.
