Friends of BAPS Austria

This is an unofficial page for BAPS Swaminarayan Mandal, Vienna (administered by friends)

[Bhavik Patel @BhavikPrit]

THE FRENCH MAYOR SPEAKS: The video that completely dismantles the Eiffel Tower media narrative.

For seven days, television networks (Quotidien, @CBSNews ) and political commentators (@thewire_in, ) claimed that visiting Hindu monks "demanded women be hidden from public buildings" and "alienated France."

Now, watch the actual French Mayor of Bussy-Saint-Georges, Yann Dubosc, address visiting French mayors, municipal officials, and interfaith leaders on camera inside the new Mandir:

1. THE SMOKING GUN: FEMALE STAFF IN CITY HALL WERE NEVER MOVED
Mayor Dubosc recounts on the record:
"In 2023, we received a delegation of BAPS monks for a meeting in City Hall. When this delegation arrived, we were NEVER asked to move anyone at all, including female staff. My secretaries were never asked to disappear when the monks entered our office. Not only did such a scene never take place, but I would never have accepted it anyway."

2. CALLING OUT THE "48-HOUR EXPERTS"
Mayor Dubosc denounces the media frenzy ("emballement médiatique"):
"I want to respond to all those who, within just a few days, suddenly became 'BAPS experts' trading in simplistic punchlines, whereas throughout years of complete transparency, no one ever raised the slightest concern."

3. TEN YEARS OF "VIVRE ENSEMBLE"
For a decade, BAPS worked transparently alongside municipal authorities on the Esplanade des Religions et des Cultures, sharing space with a synagogue, pagodas, a church, and a mosque. BAPS even held the rotating presidency of the interfaith council in 2023.

4. THE STANDING OVATION
While keyboard activists claimed BAPS "damaged India’s image in France," Mayor Dubosc praised the dignity and self-control of BAPS volunteers ("maîtres d'eux-mêmes") and invited every French mayor in the room to rise for a standing ovation.

As Mayor Dubosc wrote in his official statement:
"Arrêtez de regarder le doigt, regardez la lune!" (Stop looking at the finger, look at the moon!)

Watch the Mayor's testimony with English subtitles below:

[India at UNESCO @IndiaatUNESCO]

Ambassadors and diplomats from 50 countries accredited to @UNESCO visited the Swaminarayan Temple in Paris today, an outstanding expression of India’s architectural and cultural heritage.

The Temple brings together traditional Indian stone-carving craftsmanship with French precision stone engineering.

A memorable occasion of cultural exchange and appreciation.

@VishalVSharma7
@BAPS

[India at UNESCO @IndiaatUNESCO]

“Festival de la Culture” at the #Swaminarayan Temple in Paris (10 Sep 2026).
#Culture #Heritage

@BAPS
@BAPSParis
@VishalVSharma7

[India at UNESCO @IndiaatUNESCO]

Check out the exquisite stone sculpting and master masonry at the #SwaminarayanMandir in Paris. Such intricate working in stone is not mere sculpting, but it is poetry in stone.

@BAPS
@BAPSParis
@VishalVSharma7

[BAPS Mandir Swaminarayan Hindou de Paris @BAPSParis]

07/09/2026 – Convention des femmes
Kirtan Aradhana (hommage musical) : un après-midi consacré à la musique dévotionnelle, à la réflexion et à l’expression spirituelle sincère.
__

07/09/2026 – Women’s Convention
Kirtan Aradhana (Musical Tribute) - an afternoon of devotional music, reflection and heartfelt spiritual expression.

[BAPS @BAPS]

Bonjour!

His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj greeted devotees and well-wishers in Paris as he arrived for the inaugural celebrations of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir.

He will be in Paris through 16 September for the Festival de la Culture.

[BAPS Mandir Swaminarayan Hindou de Paris @BAPSParis]

HH Mahant Swami Maharaj is on his way.
The wait is over.

[Friends of BAPS Austria @FriendsBAPS_AT]

The community members felt proud to celebrate India's Independence Day with Indian Tricolor at the iconic Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria

[Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal]

Remembering Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj ji, the revered President of @BAPS, on the 10th anniversary of his Akshardham Gaman.

His simplicity, humility, and selfless service left an indelible mark on millions and strengthened society through his contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian service, and spiritual guidance.

I feel blessed to have drawn inspiration from his life and teachings, which continue to remind us that true happiness lies in serving others.

[BAPS Swaminarayan Research @bapsresearch]

🎓 Explore Timeless Knowledge Through Structured Learning

Brahmavidya Adhyayan is a structured one-year online program designed to introduce learners to the philosophy, literature, traditions, and intellectual foundations of Sanātana Dharma.

https://t.co/NgxZ0vtnit

[BAPS @BAPS]

Guru Purnima Blessings.

Param Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj blesses us on this Guru Purnima. He emphasizes the importance of a Guru in our life and how we imbibe the true meaning of Guru Pujan and Guru Purnima.

#BAPS#Mahant Swami Maharaj#Pramukh Swami Maharaj#Guru Purnima

[BAPS @BAPS]

Festival of Culture | Launch of Mandir Mahotsav, Paris, France https://t.co/JiuxKwTRHm

[Friends of BAPS Austria @FriendsBAPS_AT]

On 18 April, we were blessed to host a special seminar in Vienna on 'Mindfulness Amid Mayhem'. It was a beautiful evening filled with reflection spirituality.

Pujya Paramtattva Swami shared practical wisdom based on timeless teachings from Shrimad Bhagawatam and Vachanamrutam.

[Neasden Temple @NeasdenTemple]

It was an honour to welcome the @HCI_London His Excellency @VDoraiswami again to the Mandir for a special visit to meet our swamis and trustees before his departure.

A heartfelt thank you for your dedicated services in the UK and for your enduring friendship with #NeasdenTemple.

We wish you the very best in your new posting in China!

[akshardhamusa @akshardham_usa]

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham was pleased to welcome @Shankar_Live. As he explored Akshardham, his visit became a meeting of two timeless expressions of devotion—sacred space and sacred sound.

#ShankarMahadevan #Akshardham #MusicAndDevotion

[Friends of BAPS Austria @FriendsBAPS_AT]

On 7 March, the BAPS Vienna Women’s wing celebrated International Women's Day.

The event, themed, ‘Give to Gain’ included heartfelt prasangs, guided reflections and an interactive guna-sharing activity, skills session and soulful kirtans.

[Vice-President of India @VPIndia]

Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan visited the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, New Delhi, today and offered prayers on the auspicious occasion of the birth celebrations of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan.

[Friends of BAPS Austria @FriendsBAPS_AT]

Sahitya Akademi Award - 2025

Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. Bhadreshdas Swami of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has been conferred the Sahitya Akademi Award for 2025 by the Government of India in the field of literature, recognizing his Sanskrit work Prasthanachatushtaye Brahmaghosha.

[Vishal V. Sharma 🇮🇳 @VishalVSharma7]

Pleasure to welcome Sh. Sanjaybhai Kara, Trustee, @BAPS Temple, Paris, and to know about the extraordinary Indo-French stone masonry collaboration. #ICH

[Ambassador Sergio Gor @USAmbIndia]

A perfect first stop for Holi! Visited the @baps Swaminarayan Akshardham temple with @DeputySecState Landau and @US_SpaceCom General Whiting. This extraordinary temple showcases India’s spiritual heritage and enduring values. @DelhiAkshardham Wishing everyone a very HAPPY HOLI!