Archive · 6 Sep 2026
France's First Traditional Hindu Temple Consecrated in Paris by BAPS
France now has its first traditional Hindu temple.
The temple is in Paris and was built by BAPS.
Mahant Swami Maharaj performed a special ceremony to bless the statues of Hindu deities.
He also offered the first prayers inside the temple.
His prayers asked for peace, kindness among religions and the well-being of everyone.
Celebrations lasted for 13 days and included people from more than 40 countries.
A colorful procession with music, dancers and 14 decorated floats traveled through Paris.
The temple uses traditional Indian designs together with modern French building methods.
Mahant Swami Maharaj performed the murti-pratishtha, or consecration, of France’s first traditional Hindu mandir.
The BAPS spiritual leader offered the temple’s first prayers for religious harmony, global peace and universal well-being.
A 13-day inaugural festival attracted visitors and delegates from more than 40 countries.
A Nagar Yatra featuring 14 decorated floats passed landmarks including the Eiffel Tower before ending at Place de la Concorde.
The 5,000-square-metre mandir combines traditional Indian architecture with modern French engineering and includes a cultural centre.
- Who
- Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS swamis, devotees and dignitaries participated in the ceremony.
- What
- France’s first traditional Hindu mandir was consecrated and opened to visitors and worshippers.
- When
- The consecration took place during a 13-day inaugural festival; the temple’s construction was completed in 2026.
- Where
- Paris, France, with the Nagar Yatra passing the Eiffel Tower, Ecole Militaire and Place de la Concorde.
- Why
- The temple is intended to introduce people to Indian culture and promote mutual love, religious harmony, global peace and well-being.
- Temple area
- 5,000 square metres
- Inaugural festival
- 13 days
- Countries represented
- More than 40
- Temple features
- Five shikhars, 10 large domes, 20 carved pillars, 120 gavakshas, 49 sculpted charitra figures and four chhatris
- Nagar Yatra
- 14 decorated floats
- Construction milestones
- Bhumi Pujan in 2021, Shilanyas in 2022 and construction completed in 2026
- Cultural centre
- A Haveli at the base of the mandir