It may once have seemed like a distant dream, a traditional Hindu mandir rising in France. Today, that dream has become a reality. The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges, inaugurated on Sunday, 6 September 2026, by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS, is the first traditional Hindu mandir in France.
Built through decades of faith, determination and selfless service by volunteers and supporters in France and around the world, it marks a significant milestone for the Hindu community, while offering a new space for worship, culture and community open to people of all backgrounds.
The inauguration featured a traditional consecration ceremony, with Mahant Swami Maharaj performing Vedic rituals, consecrating the sacred images and conducting the inaugural arti.
The opening fulfils a vision that began more than five decades ago when His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj blessed the land of Paris in 1970. The vision was later carried forward by His successor, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and realised under the guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Reflecting on the journey, Mahant Swami Maharaj read a personal letter to Yogiji Maharaj, describing himself and Pramukh Swami Maharaj as instruments in fulfilling their guru’s vision. He also offered the service of everyone who contributed to the Mandir at the feet of Yogiji Maharaj.
The Mandir represents a collaboration between France and India. Its intricately carved stonework was crafted in India before being transported to France, where French expertise and volunteers helped complete the project, adding a distinctive landmark to Bussy-Saint-Georges.
Following the consecration, Mahant Swami Maharaj prayed for France’s prosperity and world peace, while thanking those who helped build the Mandir and encouraging devotees to use it as a place of faith and service.
Project lead Sanjay Kara said the Mandir was the result of years of faith, dedication and selfless service, and expressed hope that it would serve future generations as a place of worship, learning and harmony. The inauguration was followed by a 13-day Festival of Culture, Paris Mandir Mahotsav, featuring devotional ceremonies, cultural programmes and family activities across Bussy-Saint-Georges and Paris.
In a video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BAPS on the consecration of the Mandir, calling it a significant addition to India’s cultural presence in Europe and a new chapter in India-France relations. Although he could not attend in person, Modi said he felt closely connected to the occasion and recalled the vision of late BAPS spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj to take India’s cultural and spiritual heritage across the world.
Referring to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in 2024, Modi said such temples carry India’s ancient values and philosophy across borders. He described the Paris Mandir as more than a place of worship, saying it would enrich France’s cultural diversity and strengthen India-France ties, reflecting the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the world is one family.
Mandir strengthens India-France cultural ties
As part of the 13-day Paris Mandir Mahotsav, UNESCO ambassadors and diplomats from 50 countries visited the newly inaugurated BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges on 10 September for an Indo-French Cultural Open Day. Hosted by India’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, the event highlighted India-France friendship, cultural heritage and shared values.
India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, H.E. Vishal Sharma, described the Mandir as a celebration of India’s civilisation and Indo-French collaboration, while a film showcased its blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship and French expertise. BAPS volunteer Bhavisha Patel spoke about the spirit of selfless service, while UNESCO World Heritage Centre Deputy Director Jyoti Hosagrahar highlighted the Mandir’s role in promoting cultural diversity and dialogue. Project lead Sanjay Kara said the gathering reflected Mahant Swami Maharaj’s vision of a place of peace and understanding.
The Mahotsav also sought to strengthen ties with the local community. Around 200 residents attended an open day at the Mandir on 12 September, taking guided tours, exploring its architecture and Hindu traditions, and learning about BAPS’s humanitarian work. Cultural displays, refreshments and conversations with volunteers provided an opportunity for neighbours to connect with the Mandir and those involved in its activities.
The gathering followed months of outreach by BAPS volunteers, who engaged with local residents and businesses ahead of the inauguration to share information, answer questions and build relationships. Visitors praised the Mandir’s craftsmanship and peaceful atmosphere, with Thierry Deslos describing it as a remarkable representation of Hinduism in France and Frédérique highlighting its role in promoting friendship and understanding. Christophe Nguyen, who had watched the Mandir being built, praised the warm welcome, while local volunteer Manan Bhavsar said the initiative had helped strengthen lasting ties with the neighbourhood.
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A historic celebration of faith and unity
Many members of the Indian diaspora travelled to Paris to visit the newly inaugurated BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges, marking a significant moment for the community in France. The grand mandir has emerged as a new centre for faith, culture and community, attracting visitors from across France and beyond.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Cllr Anjana Patel, former Mayor and Cabinet Member, Belmont Ward, London Borough of Harrow said, “It was a great honour and privilege to attend the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Paris, a historic milestone for the Hindu community in Europe. The occasion marked the opening of the first traditional Hindu Mandir in Europe and brought together devotees and guests from 43 countries.
“From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was filled with devotion, joy and a strong sense of unity. The volunteers were particularly remarkable. Their selfless seva, discipline and attention to detail were evident throughout. From welcoming guests to preparing and serving meals, every aspect was managed with warmth, humility and efficiency — arrangements that reflected the core BAPS values of service, hospitality and respect for all.
“The celebrations featured a series of programmes, including the Ladies Palkhi Yatra, Jal Yatra and Nagar Yatra, each conducted with great reverence and enthusiasm. The Nagar Yatra was especially vibrant, bringing colour, music and spirituality to the streets of Paris. People from diverse backgrounds came together to witness and take part in the occasion, creating a real sense of harmony and celebration.
“The presence and blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj added a profound spiritual dimension to the day. His simplicity, compassion and peaceful presence touched everyone, while the sadhus and volunteers offered an inspiring example of service and faith.
“The new Mandir represents much more than a place of worship. It is a centre for faith, culture, education and community service, giving future generations the chance to learn about their Hindu heritage and stay connected to it. It also offers people from other communities a way to discover and appreciate Hindu traditions.
“The inauguration was a deeply uplifting and memorable experience. It symbolised unity, devotion and selfless service, and marked an important new chapter for Hindu culture in Europe.”
