GRAND CONSECRATION CEREMONY CONCLUDES FOR FRANCE’S FIRST TRADITIONAL HINDU MANDIR

Raj Sadosh/Abohar.

The murti-pratishtha (consecration ceremony) of France’s first traditional Hindu mandir was joyously celebrated in Paris, officially opening its doors to all visitors and worshippers.

Built in accordance with ancient Indian architecture and traditional Vedic Shilpashastras, the mandir also harmoniously integrates modern French engineering and building techniques.

Over the course of the 13-day inaugural festival, visitors and delegates from more than 40 countries—including India, the United States, Canada, Africa, Australia, and England—gathered to participate in the historic celebrations.

Senior swamis commenced the Mahapuja rituals with the chanting of Vedic mantras, wherein the murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Radha-Krishna Bhagwan, Shri Sita-Ram Bhagwan with Shri Lakshmanji and Shri Hanumanji Maharaj, Shri Parvati-Shankar Bhagwan with Shri Kartikeyaji and Shri Ganeshji Maharaj, Shri Padmavati Venkateshwar Bhagwan, Shri Ayyappa Swamiji, Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj (the form of Bhagwan Swaminarayan), and the Guru Parampara were ceremonially consecrated.

After the consecration of murtis, BAPS chief Mahant Swami Ji Maharaj offered the first prayer at the temple for the preservation of mutual love and harmony among all religions, global peace, and the well-being of all.

Prior to the consecration ceremony, a grand Nagar Yatra was organized through the city of Paris, showcasing a spectacle of music, art, and devotional presentations. Passing through the world-renowned Eiffel Tower and École Militaire, this Nagar Yatra culminates at Place de la Concorde. This spiritual procession began a new chapter of love and harmony of Indian culture and Hinduism in France.

The vision to construct a grand mandir in Paris was pledged by Guru Yogiji Maharaj in 1970. Subsequently, the globally revered Pramukh Swami Maharaj, during his spiritual visits abroad, nurtured his Guru’s vision on numerous occasions and laid the foundation of satsang in France. In 2021, the Bhumi Pujan of the mandir was performed in the presence of senior swamis, and the Shilanyas ceremony was completed in 2022. The Mandir is spread over an area of 5,000 square metres.