The Prime Minister’s Office released remarks delivered at the opening of a major Swaminarayan Hindu Temple in Paris on 6 September 2026. The temple, built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, represents a significant moment in cultural exchange between India and France. The inauguration was attended by representatives of the French government, members of the Indian diaspora, and devotees from around the world.
What the temple represents
The Prime Minister described the Paris temple as a new pillar in India-France cultural relations. He noted that this follows the opening of another major Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi in 2024, which now receives thousands of visitors daily. The Paris temple combines traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern engineering, featuring stones that were carved in India and assembled in France.
The remarks highlighted the historical spiritual connections between the two nations. French scholars played a key role in popularizing Sanskrit, while 19th-century French writer Romain Rolland wrote influential works on Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. The spiritual journey of “The Mother” from Paris to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry inspired seekers from both countries.
The Prime Minister also referenced earlier spiritual movements, including visits by Sri Prabhupada and ISKCON’s role in establishing spiritual ties. In recent times, yoga has become a people-to-people connection, with International Yoga Day celebrations near the Eiffel Tower demonstrating the practice’s popularity in France.
What this means for you
If you are part of the Indian diaspora in Europe or interested in India-France relations, this temple serves as a cultural and spiritual hub. For those in Paris and surrounding regions, the temple will function not only as a place of worship but also as a centre for community service projects. The temple symbolizes how ancient Indian traditions continue to find expression globally while fostering deeper bilateral ties between India and France.