France Gets Its First Traditional Hindu Temple: BAPS Consecration Draws Guests from 40 Nations

Paris: France has entered a new chapter in its cultural and spiritual ties with India with the opening of the country’s first traditional Hindu temple in Paris. The temple’s consecration ceremony, or Pran Pratishtha, was performed on Sunday by Mahant Swami Maharaj of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha amid the chanting of Vedic mantras.

Saints, devotees, and dignitaries from Europe, America, Africa, Australia, and Asia attended the ceremony, while participants from more than 40 countries joined a 13-day celebration leading up to the inauguration.

The temple has been designed according to ancient Indian architectural traditions and Vedic Shilpashastra, while incorporating modern French engineering and technology. Its construction represents a blend of India’s traditional craftsmanship and France’s contemporary expertise.

Grand Paris Procession Features 14 Chariots

Ahead of the consecration, a grand procession was held through the heart of Paris. Idols of Hindu deities were carried on 14 beautifully decorated chariots, while artists in traditional attire performed cultural dances along the route.

The procession travelled from the Eiffel Tower and École Militaire to Place de la Concorde, showcasing Indian heritage and traditions in one of France’s most iconic settings.

The temple complex covers around 5,000 square metres. The upper level houses the traditional temple, while the lower level features a Haveli designed as a cultural centre for community and cultural activities.

PM Modi Hails Temple as Symbol of India-France Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a video message congratulating BAPS and devotees on the occasion. He said the spread of India’s spiritual and cultural traditions across the world reflects the dedication of saints and spiritual leaders.

Referring to the global growth of Indian spiritual traditions, Modi also recalled the inauguration of the grand Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi in 2024, describing such temples as symbols of determination and devotion.

He congratulated the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and millions of devotees, saying BAPS temples have helped take India’s ancient philosophies and human values to people around the world.

According to Modi, the new temple will add to France’s cultural diversity while strengthening the cultural bond between India and France.

India-France Ties Reach a New High

The Prime Minister said India-France relations have developed into a special global strategic partnership under his leadership and that of French President Emmanuel Macron.

He highlighted the deep historical foundations of the relationship, including the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in France during times of war and the contribution of French scholars to the study and popularisation of Sanskrit.

Modi also referred to French writer Romain Rolland’s writings on Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, saying such intellectual and cultural exchanges helped bring Indian and French societies closer.

‘Made in India, Built in France’

Highlighting the temple’s unique construction story, Modi described it as “Made in India, Built in France.”

The stones used for the temple were carved in India before being assembled in France. The project combines India’s centuries-old stone-carving and architectural traditions with modern French engineering.

Modi said the temple could stand for generations as a symbol of cooperation, shared potential, and the enduring relationship between India and France. He also expressed hope that the temple would become a centre for humanitarian initiatives and further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.