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BAPS Hindu temple consecrated near Paris

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2026-09-07 05:46 UTC → 2026-09-12 14:19 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, located in Bussy-Saint-Georges near Paris, was inaugurated in early September 2026. The project, described as the largest traditional-style Hindu temple in continental Europe, involved importing approximately 10,000 carved stone blocks from India to be assembled by French engineers and Indian artisans. On September 6, 2026, the temple was officially consecrated in a ceremony led by the 93-year-old spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj. The ceremony drew thousands of devotees from over 40 countries. While the initial ritual was restricted to monks and men, the proceedings were broadcast on large screens to a crowd of approximately 7,000 people gathered in a nearby marquee. The structure features stone domes and spires reaching 24 meters in height, with a traditional temple on the upper level and a Haveli cultural center on the lower level. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the event via video message, characterizing the temple as a ‘new milestone’ in India-France cultural relations and a symbol of the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). He stated the temple enhances France's cultural diversity and strengthens bilateral ties. Following the consecration, the temple hosted an Indo-French Cultural Open Day on September 12, 2026. Organized by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, the event brought together more than 50 UNESCO ambassadors and diplomats representing 43 nations. Vishal Sharma, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO, described the site as ‘Made in India, built in France, celebrated by the world.’ Located on the ‘Esplanade des religions et des cultures’, the temple sits alongside a mosque and an elementary school. While many devotees expressed relief at having a dedicated space for their faith, the project has faced criticism from some members of the Indian diaspora who characterized the expansion of such temples as an expression of ‘Hindu supremacism’ or raised concerns regarding perceived links to Hindu nationalism.

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