H. Chevalier was honoured to be invited to London by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, the largest traditional Hindu stone temple outside India.
The prestigious event took place in the presence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, alongside the Mayor of London, British diplomats and representatives of BAPS. It provided a unique opportunity to highlight an exceptional international project that brings together Indian craftsmanship and French engineering expertise: the construction of the future BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Paris in Bussy-Saint-Georges, France.
Neasden Mandir: An Iconic Landmark
Opened in 1995, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden, was the first traditional Hindu stone temple in Europe and remains the largest Hindu temple outside India. Measuring approximately 60 metres in length and rising 21 metres high, it is internationally recognised as a masterpiece of traditional Hindu architecture.
Built using hand-carved stone and following the ancient principles of Hindu temple architecture, the Mandir has become a symbol of spirituality, culture and interfaith dialogue, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It continues to inspire BAPS projects around the world, including the future BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Paris.
Located in Bussy-Saint-Georges, in Seine-et-Marne, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Paris will become the first traditional Hindu stone Mandir in France. The project is being developed on the city’s Esplanade des Religions (Interfaith Esplanade), a unique site dedicated to promoting religious diversity, intercultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence. Home to several places of worship, the district reflects Bussy-Saint-Georges’ longstanding commitment to openness and mutual respect.
Designed by Arte Charpentier under the guidance of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the future Mandir will be much more than a place of worship. It is envisioned as a cultural and educational landmark that will enrich France’s architectural heritage while celebrating the richness of Indian traditions, craftsmanship and spirituality.
A Unique Collaboration Between Indian Craftsmanship and French Expertise
The construction of the Mandir represents an extraordinary collaboration between master artisans in India and French engineering and construction specialists.
Thousands of stone components are meticulously hand-carved in India using techniques passed down through generations. Each element is then transported to France, where it is assembled with exceptional precision by the project’s specialist teams.
Unlike a conventional construction project, the creation of the Mandir follows centuries-old spiritual traditions. Before being shipped to France, every carved stone is ceremonially blessed, reflecting the sacred significance of the building and the deep respect for a millennia-old heritage.
H. Chevalier: Internationally Recognised Stone Engineering Expertise
During the royal visit, Their Majesties viewed the detailed scale model of the future Mandir and met with the project team responsible for bringing this landmark development to life. King Charles III expressed particular interest in the French expertise contributing to the construction of France’s first traditional Hindu stone Mandir.
Renowned for its stone engineering expertise, particularly through its contribution to the restoration of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Paris, H. Chevalier plays a key role in the project by supporting the installation and technical integration of the Mandir’s hand-carved stone elements.
By contributing its expertise to the creation of France’s first traditional Hindu stone Mandir, H. Chevalier once again demonstrates its ability to deliver highly complex heritage projects, combining technical excellence, craftsmanship and innovation to create monuments that will endure for generations.
BAPS Mandir Swaminarayan Hindou of Paris
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