BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Paris: PM Modi Calls Consecration a New Era for India-France Cultural Relations
New Delhi/Paris: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 6 congratulated the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on the pran pratishtha of the grand BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges near Paris, calling the landmark temple a significant milestone in India-France cultural relations.
Addressing the gathering virtually, PM Modi described the inauguration as the beginning of a “new era” in cultural ties between India and France and said the temple would become a symbol of India’s ancient spiritual traditions and the universal message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
“Today, in the capital of France, Paris, a magnificent Swaminarayan temple is being inaugurated. This inauguration is a new era of cultural relations between India and France,” Modi said in his video message.
Although he was not physically present at the ceremony, the Prime Minister said he felt deeply connected to the auspicious occasion and considered it his good fortune to participate in such events associated with India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, located in Bussy-Saint-Georges in the Seine-et-Marne region, is France’s first traditionally designed stone Hindu temple. It is also regarded as the largest traditionally constructed Hindu temple of its kind in mainland Europe.
The magnificent structure combines intricately carved stones brought from India with French engineering and construction expertise. The temple was consecrated by BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj during a 13-day Festival of Culture, marking a major moment for the Indian diaspora and Hindu community in France.
PM Modi recalled the vision of late Pramukh Swami Maharaj, who spearheaded a global movement to preserve and promote India’s spiritual, cultural and humanitarian traditions.
“Today its light is spreading across the world, including Europe,” the Prime Minister said, pointing to the growing presence of BAPS temples and institutions internationally.
He also recalled the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi in 2024, noting that thousands of people now visit the temple. According to Modi, such temples serve a purpose beyond religious worship by carrying India’s ancient philosophy, human values and traditions to different parts of the world.
“When such a magnificent temple has been built in France, this will enhance the diversity of France. This will also give energy to the cultural relations between India and France,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the broader India-France partnership and his close friendship with French President Emmanuel Macron. He noted that the two countries have elevated their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership encompassing defence, technology, space and climate action.
Referring to historical and cultural links, Modi recalled the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in France, French thinker Romain Rolland’s writings on Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, and the influence of the Mother at Sri Aurobindo Ashram. He also pointed to the popularity of yoga in France, including public celebrations near the Eiffel Tower.
Modi expressed confidence that the new BAPS temple would become a centre not only for devotion but also for community service and humanitarian activities. He said the voice of Indian culture emerging from the temple would resonate across Europe.
Congratulating BAPS, Swaminarayan institutions and devotees, the Prime Minister said the temple represents the spirit of devotion, service and cultural exchange.
He concluded by expressing his desire to visit the newly consecrated BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris whenever his schedule permits, while extending his greetings to all devotees, families and guests who attended the historic ceremony.
