~France’s first traditional Hindu Mandir, BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges, was inaugurated by Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Paris, France, Sep 06 (VNI): France’s first traditional Hindu mandir, the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, Paris, was inaugurated in Bussy-Saint-Georges on Sunday by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). Built through years of dedicated service by volunteers and supporters in France and around the world, the Mandir marks a historic milestone for the Hindu community in France and provides a new place of worship, culture and community open to people of all backgrounds.
According to BAPS, the morning ceremony centred on the traditional consecration of the Mandir. Amid Vedic prayers and rituals, Mahant Swami Maharaj consecrated the sacred images before performing the inaugural arti, the traditional Hindu ceremony of light.
The inauguration fulfils a vision that dates back more than five decades. In 1970, His Holiness Yogiji Maharaj blessed the land of Paris. The vision was subsequently nurtured by his spiritual successor, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and ultimately realised under the guidance of Mahant Swami Maharaj. Reflecting on the journey, Mahant Swami Maharaj read a personal letter to Yogiji Maharaj and dedicated the service of everyone who contributed to the Mandir at the feet of his guru.
The Mandir also represents a unique collaboration between France and India. Its intricately carved stonework was crafted in India and transported to France, where French expertise and the efforts of volunteers contributed to its completion. Following the consecration, Mahant Swami Maharaj offered prayers for the prosperity of the people of France and for peace around the world.
Sanjay Kara, project lead of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir project, said the inauguration marked the culmination of many years of faith, dedication and selfless effort. He expressed hope that the Mandir would serve future generations as a place of worship, learning, friendship and harmony.
The opening is the centrepiece of the 13-day Festival of Culture, or Paris Mandir Mahotsav, featuring devotional, cultural and public programmes in Bussy-Saint-Georges and Paris. A special Dedication Assembly is also scheduled to bring together dignitaries, invited guests, volunteers and well-wishers to celebrate the Mandir’s opening and its place in French society. VNI NEWS, France First Hindu Mandir, BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, Paris Mandir, Mahant Swami Maharaj, Bussy-Saint-Georges Hindu Mandir, France Hindu Mandir, BAPS, Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, Hindu Temple France, Bussy-Saint-Georges, Paris Mandir Mahotsav, Hindu Community France, VNINews, VNINews.com