Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on the consecration of the Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges, near Paris. He described the temple as an important milestone in India-France cultural ties and said it reflects the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
About the Temple
- Located in Bussy-Saint-Georges, Seine-et-Marne, near Paris.
- It is France’s first traditionally designed stone Hindu temple.
- It is regarded as the largest traditionally designed Hindu temple of its kind in mainland Europe.
- The temple was built using intricately carved stones from India and assembled with French engineering expertise.
- Its consecration was led by Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS.
- The inauguration was part of a 13-day Festival of Culture.
Significance for India-France Relations
PM Modi said the temple adds to India’s cultural presence in Europe and can strengthen people-to-people ties between India and France.
He highlighted that India and France share a Special Global Strategic Partnership covering areas such as:
- Defence
- Space
- Technology
- Climate action
- Cultural cooperation
The Prime Minister also recalled the historical links between the two countries, including the contribution of Indian soldiers in France and the influence of Indian spiritual thinkers such as Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda in France.
