The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris, located in Bussy-Saint-Georges in France’s Seine-et-Marne department, was inaugurated on September 6, 2026. The temple has emerged as a major landmark of India-France cultural ties and is described as France’s first traditionally designed stone Hindu temple and the largest of its kind in mainland Europe.
Here are the top 10 features of the BAPS Temple in Paris:
1. France’s First Traditionally Designed Stone Hindu Temple
The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir is France’s first Hindu temple built using traditional stone temple architecture.
2. Largest Traditional Stone Hindu Temple in Mainland Europe
The temple is being highlighted as the largest traditionally designed stone Hindu temple in mainland Europe, making it an important cultural and architectural landmark.
3. Located in Bussy-Saint-Georges
The BAPS temple is located in Bussy-Saint-Georges, in the Seine-et-Marne department, near Paris.
4. Traditional Indian Craftsmanship
The temple features hand-carved stones from India, reflecting traditional Indian craftsmanship and temple-building techniques.
5. French Engineering and Architecture
The project combines Indian stone craftsmanship with modern French engineering. French architectural firm Arte Charpentier was associated with the project.
6. Construction Began in 2024
Construction of the BAPS temple began in April 2024 and was completed through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern construction methods.
7. Consecrated by Mahant Swami Maharaj
The temple was formally consecrated on September 6, 2026, by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS.
8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Participated Virtually
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the inauguration ceremony through video conference, highlighting the cultural significance of the project in India-France relations.
9. 5,500-Plus People Participated in Jal Yatra
Ahead of the inauguration, a Jal Yatra was held on the River Seine on September 3, featuring more than 5,500 participants and 11 decorated boats.
10. Part of a 13-Day Festival of Culture
The temple inauguration is linked to a 13-day Festival of Culture, being held from September 2 to 14, 2026. The celebrations also coincide with 2026 being observed as the India-France Year of Innovation.
BAPS Temple in Paris: Historical Significance
BAPS has linked the temple project to a spiritual vision associated with Yogiji Maharaj in 1970. According to BAPS, the vision received a blessing during Yogiji Maharaj’s stopover at Orly Airport in France.
The inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir therefore represents not only the establishment of a new Hindu place of worship but also a significant moment for the Indian diaspora and the broader cultural relationship between India and France.
Why the BAPS Temple in Paris Is Important
The new BAPS temple brings together Indian heritage, traditional Hindu architecture, stone craftsmanship and modern French engineering. Its inauguration is expected to strengthen cultural exchange and provide a major centre for spirituality, community activities and the promotion of Indian culture in France.