The opening of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris in September 2026 is not just another temple inauguration. It is a historic spiritual event that marks the realization of a vision that began more than fifty years ago. For devotees of the Swaminarayan tradition and for the global Hindu community, this moment represents faith, unity, and cultural heritage becoming firmly established in Europe.
The official celebrations, known as the Paris Mandir Mahotsav, will take place from Wednesday, 2 September to Monday, 14 September 2026. During these days, devotees from the United States, Europe, India, and other parts of the world are expected to gather for the grand opening ceremonies and spiritual programs. The main inauguration events, including the sacred Murti Pratishtha ceremony, are scheduled between 4 September and 7 September 2026.
For the worldwide Swaminarayan fellowship, this is not simply the launch of a new building. It is the fulfillment of decades of prayers, dedication, and guidance from enlightened BAPS gurus who envisioned spreading peace, spirituality, and Hindu values across Europe. This mandir stands as a symbol of that divine vision becoming reality.
To fully understand why the BAPS Mandir Paris Opening 2026 is such a historic moment, it is important to first understand BAPS and the global significance of its mandirs.
Understanding BAPS and Its Global Legacy
BAPS, which stands for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, is a worldwide Hindu spiritual organization with over 1,300 temples and centers across India, the USA, the UK, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia-Pacific. Major mandirs include Akshardham in Delhi, Robbinsville in New Jersey, London in the UK, and Nairobi in Kenya.
BAPS mandirs are known for their intricate stone carvings, often crafted from Italian marble and Turkish limestone. These temples serve not only as places of worship but also as centers for cultural education, youth activities, and community service.
The Paris Mandir now becomes an important part of this global spiritual network.
The Spiritual Vision Behind the Paris Mandir
The Paris Mandir represents the combined blessings and guidance of three spiritual leaders:
Shree Yogiji Maharaj (1892–1971) first envisioned spreading spirituality and peace across Europe. His inspiration laid the foundation for BAPS activities beyond India.
Shree Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921–2016) carried this vision forward and expressed the divine wish to build a traditional Hindu mandir in Paris.
Shree Mahant Swami Maharaj, the present guru and president of BAPS, is guiding the completion of this sacred project.
This mandir in Paris is the result of over five decades of spiritual endeavour by these enlightened gurus.
From Vision to Reality: The Journey of BAPS Paris Mandir
The story of the Paris Mandir began in 1970.
On 7 July 1970, Yogiji Maharaj requested Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj to sanctify the land of France during a stopover at Le Bourget Airport in Paris. He shared his divine vision for peace and spirituality across Europe.
On 4 May 1988, Pramukh Swami Maharaj showered flower petals from the skies over Paris, blessing the land and reaffirming Yogiji Maharaj’s vision for France.
On 2 August 1995, shortly before inaugurating the Neasden Temple in London, Pramukh Swami Maharaj revealed a divine vision to build a Hindu temple in Paris.
The modern phase of the project gained momentum in 2017. On 16 October 2017, Yann Dubosc, Mayor of Bussy-Saint-Georges, met Mahant Swami Maharaj and confirmed allocating land to BAPS on the multi-faith Esplanade to build a Hindu place of worship.
On 19 October 2021, Ishwarcharandas Swami performed a Vedic ceremony to sanctify the site.
On 3 and 4 September 2022, Anandswarupdas Swami and senior swamis conducted the foundation stone-laying ceremony with the blessings of Mahant Swami Maharaj.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, design work continued alongside stone testing and contractor selection.
On 13 July 2023, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi met BAPS representatives and the project team in Paris to review progress, highlighting the mandir’s international significance.
On 19 April 2024, in Sarangpur, India, Mahant Swami Maharaj finalized the mandir plans and blessed the drawings by writing “Bénédictions,” the French word for blessings.
On 4 June 2024, construction officially commenced with the drilling of the first foundation pile, marked by a traditional Hindu ceremony.
This timeline shows that the Paris Mandir is not a sudden development. It is a carefully guided spiritual journey spanning over fifty years.
Architecture and Construction: A Sacred Collaboration
The mandir is being constructed according to ancient Vedic architectural scriptures. Sacred stones are hand-carved in India by skilled artisans and transported to France for assembly.
This collaboration reflects both tradition and global unity. The temple will include prayer halls, exhibition spaces, and community facilities designed to serve future generations.
The arrival of carved stones from India marked a powerful milestone. Each stone carries spiritual symbolism, representing devotion, peace, and divine presence.
Paris Mandir Mahotsav 2026: What to Expect
The Paris Mandir Mahotsav will take place from 2 September to 14 September 2026.
The main opening ceremonies, including the sacred Murti Pratishtha, are scheduled between 4 September and 7 September 2026.
Murti Pratishtha is the ritual that invokes divine presence into the installed murtis. For devotees, witnessing this ceremony is a rare spiritual blessing.
Thousands of devotees are expected to attend from the USA, UK, India, and across Europe.
Planning Your Visit: Travel Guidance for Devotees from USA
Since this is a major spiritual event, early planning is essential.
Devotees traveling from the USA should ensure passport validity and review Schengen entry requirements. Arriving at least one day before the ceremony helps with time zone adjustment.
September weather in Paris is mild and comfortable, ideal for both temple visits and sightseeing.
Given the expected crowd, organized group travel can simplify logistics and provide coordinated transfers between hotels and the mandir.
Extend Your Spiritual Journey with a Europe Group Tour
For many devotees traveling internationally, this visit is not just about attending the ceremony. It is an opportunity to explore Europe while already present in France.
Combining the mandir visit with a structured Europe group tour allows families to create both spiritual and travel memories in one journey.
Global Holidays USA: Supporting Devotees and Europe Travelers
If you are planning to attend the BAPS Mandir Paris Opening 2026 from the USA, proper planning makes all the difference. Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual event, many devotees prefer organized group tours to avoid the stress of arranging flights, hotels, and local transfers on their own.
Global Holidays USA has designed special Europe group packages aligned with the Paris Mandir Opening dates, making travel smooth and comfortable for families and senior devotees.
For devotees who want to attend only the sacred ceremonies, there is a dedicated 4-Day BAPS Mandir Paris Opening Tour with structured transfers and support.
If you wish to extend your spiritual journey into a full European vacation, you can choose from:
Europe Elegance Tour – 16 Days
Highlights of Europe Tour – 9 Days
Best of Europe Tour – 10 Days
These tours cover iconic destinations across France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and more, while ensuring coordinated travel arrangements from start to finish.
Special Offer for the BAPS Mandir Opening in Paris
Book your 16-Day Europe Vacation Package before February 2026 and choose one of these exclusive benefits:
Get 3 Nights Free in Paris
OR
Enjoy a 7% Group Discount
This limited-time offer is designed especially for devotees planning their Europe journey around the Mandir Opening.
Seats are filling fast, so early booking is highly recommended.
Explore All Europe Tour Packages
Why This Moment Will Be Remembered for Generations
The Paris BAPS Mandir Opening is historic because it represents devotion crossing continents.
It is the realization of Yogiji Maharaj’s vision.
It is the continuation of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s dream.
It is the creation guided by Mahant Swami Maharaj.
It strengthens cultural identity, promotes harmony in France, and inspires future generations.
For BAPS devotees, this is a spiritual milestone.
For Europe travelers, it is an opportunity to witness sacred history.
For the world, it is proof that faith builds bridges across nations.
September 2026 will not simply mark the opening of a mandir.
It will mark the fulfillment of a divine vision that began in 1970 and now stands ready to inspire generations to come.
Be part of this historic spiritual moment in Paris. Plan your journey today and secure your seat for the BAPS Mandir Opening 2026. For details, call +1 609 808 2838.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the BAPS Mandir Paris Opening 2026?
The Paris Mandir Mahotsav celebrations will take place from 2 September to 14 September 2026.
Where is the BAPS Mandir located in Paris?
The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir is located at Allée Madame de Montespan, 77600 Bussy-Saint-Georges, Greater Paris, France.
Who can attend the Paris BAPS Mandir Mahotsav?
BAPS Haribhakt (Devotees) and visitors from around the world can attend.
Is September a good time to visit Paris?
Yes. September offers pleasant weather in Paris, with mild temperatures and comfortable conditions for both temple visits and sightseeing.
Can I combine the mandir visit with a Europe tour?
Yes. Many devotees are planning to extend their stay by visiting nearby countries such as Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, or the Netherlands as part of a Europe group tour.
How many days should I plan for the trip?
If attending only the ceremony, 4 days may be sufficient. If combining with a Europe tour, most travelers plan 9 to 16 days.
Is group travel recommended for senior devotees?
Yes. Group tours can simplify transportation, hotel arrangements, and local transfers, making travel easier and more comfortable for families and senior travelers.
Can families travel with children?
Yes. The event is family-friendly, and Europe group tours often accommodate families with children.
Axar Tours Global Holidays LLC.