Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday congratulated the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) on the consecration of the Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir near Paris, describing it as a significant addition to India’s cultural presence in Europe and a new chapter in India-France relations.
Addressing the gathering through a video message, PM Modi said the inauguration of the temple in the French capital marked a new era in the cultural relationship between India and France and reflected the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
“Today, in the capital of France, Paris, a magnificent Swaminarayan temple is being inaugurated. This inauguration is a new era of cultural relations between India and France,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that although he was not physically present in Paris, he felt deeply connected to the occasion.
Recalling the vision of late BAPS spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj, PM Modi said his efforts to promote India’s cultural and spiritual heritage had now taken the country’s civilisational values across the world, including Europe.
He also referred to the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi in 2024, saying thousands of people now visit the temple.
“Through BAPS, when temples are inaugurated in different countries, the ancient thoughts of India and human values also go hand in hand,” PM Modi said.
He added that the newly inaugurated temple in France would contribute to the country’s cultural diversity and give fresh impetus to India-France cultural ties.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges in Seine-et-Marne is France’s first traditionally designed stone Hindu temple and is regarded as the largest of its kind in mainland Europe.
The temple has been built using intricately carved stones from India and assembled with French engineering expertise. Its consecration by BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj formed part of a 13-day Festival of Culture.
PM Modi congratulated BAPS, the Swaminarayan institutions and devotees on the occasion, saying that the establishment of such temples abroad showcases India’s ancient thoughts and human values.
Highlighting India’s strong bilateral partnership with France and his friendship with French President Emmanuel Macron, PM Modi said the two countries have elevated their relationship to a “Special Global Strategic Partnership” spanning areas including defence, technology, space and climate action.
He also recalled historical and cultural links between the two countries, including the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in France, French writer Romain Rolland’s writings on Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, the influence of the Mother at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the growing popularity of yoga in France.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the temple, built in the spirit of devotion and service, would become a centre for community service initiatives and that the message of Indian culture emanating from it would resonate across Europe.
He said he looked forward to visiting the temple whenever his schedule permitted.
PM Modi concluded by extending his greetings to the guests, devotees and families present at the inauguration.
–IANS
