THE FIRST stones from India for a new Hindu mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges arrived in France on Friday, marking the next stage of construction of what is planned as the country’s first traditional Hindu temple.
The stones were shipped from India after being prepared using traditional methods. Some elements were hand-carved by artisans in India before being sent to France.
BAPS France
The stones will be assembled in France by Indian artisans working with French stone masons, including members of teams involved in the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
A ceremony was held in Paris to mark the arrival of the stones. Local and national representatives, along with community leaders, attended the event.
Sanjay Kara, CEO of the Paris Mandir construction project and a trustee of BAPS UK & Europe, said, “The arrival of the first stones from India marks a historic milestone. Each one carries heritage, care and intention, symbolising Indian tradition meeting French engineering through shared respect and collaboration.”
BAPS France
India’s Ambassador to France, Sanjeev Kumar Singla, said this mandir represents a unique collaboration.
"The stones were sculpted in India by master artisans and will be assembled here, in France, by French stonemasons – some of whom also contributed to the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral,” he said.
Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, Advisor for Religious Affairs at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “This is the first time a temple of this kind will be built in France.”
BAPS France
Alain Ngouoto, Sous-Préfet de Torcy, said, “Today is a ‘stone in the edifice’ – a building block of this French Indian friendship that I am carrying forward through this ceremony.”
The mandir project includes plans for worship, culture, and community activities.
Construction of the temple began in June 2024.
