BAPS Paris temple ‘will serve as a beacon of peace’

BUSSY-SAINT-GEORGES MAYOR HAILS ‘REMARKABLE PROJECT’ AHEAD OF FOUNDATION-LAYING CEREMONY

A LEADING spiritual organisation is set expand its network in Europe with the foundation laying ceremony this weekend for a temple in Paris.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is best known in Britain for its temples and charitable activities across the country. Its temple in Neasden, north London, has been visited by members of the royal family, prime ministers and other prominent dignitaries.

This Saturday (3) and Sunday (4), a foundation stone-laying ceremony will take place at the Esplanade des religions et des cultures in Bussy-Saint-Georges, Paris, for what has been described as an “architectural masterpiece”.

The new building, France’s first traditional purpose-built Hindu temple, will feature stone carvings and community facilities. It was chosen for its “commitment to promoting culture, integrity and harmony”, according to a statement.

The temple is the vision of Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS. He said it “will serve as a beacon of peace, spirituality, family values and community service” through its exhibitions, learning and sports areas, gardens, and a restaurant offering vegetarian food.

Hundreds of guests from across France, Europe and India are expected to take part in the Vedic ceremony. The celebrations will include a cultural programme of dance, video films and presentations delivered in French and Hindi.

Sanjay Kara, the project lead for the temple’s construction, said, “Temples in India have sustained and nurtured noble values for millennia. We are honoured to continue that legacy here in the beautiful city of Paris and to fulfil this vision of intercultural respect, community service and global harmony.”

The mayor of Bussy-Saint-Georges, Yann Dubosc, said, “There are projects that mark a life. This mandir is one such project. In my time as mayor, I will be able to tell my daughter I have participated in the building of a remarkable place of worship. Prior to this, I did not know anything about Hinduism, but with you, I have discovered this light that enlightens humanity. There is nothing more essential in our time. May the Bussy Mandir help to enlighten humanity and reveal the best in each of us.”

BAPS volunteers in Paris served the local community during the pandemic by providing the elderly and frontline workers with food, essential items and moral support.

More recently, volunteers from Paris joined BAPS workers from the UK, US and other parts of Europe to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. In the Polish city of Rzeszów, they provided around 1,000 daily hot vegetarian meals to all faiths and nationalities.

BAPS volunteers also provided support both at the relief camp set up by the Indian Embassy in Rzeszów as well as on the Polish-Ukrainian border.