California Temple Vandalized with Anti-Modi Messages
A prominent Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was targeted with hateful graffiti and messages denouncing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend. The incident, which occurred at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, has sparked widespread condemnation from Hindu organizations and community leaders.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) shared images of the defaced temple on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, showcasing vulgar messages directed at the Indian Prime Minister scrawled across the temple’s entrance. The graffiti, which appeared early Saturday morning, has been described as both offensive and deeply disrespectful to the Hindu community.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that deputies responded to the temple, located approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles, at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Saturday. The department stated that the cost to repair the damage inflicted on the property is estimated to exceed $15,000. Unfortunately, the temple’s surveillance system did not capture any footage of the incident, leaving investigators without immediate leads or identifying information about potential suspects. The investigation is ongoing.
The HAF has urged federal authorities to take swift action and investigate the vandalism as a potential hate crime. They emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice, sending a clear message that such acts of hate and intolerance will not be tolerated in the United States.
In response to the incident, the BAPS Public Affairs account issued a statement on X reaffirming the Hindu community’s unwavering commitment to peace and harmony. "Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail," the post read. The statement underscored the community’s resolve to stand united against hate and to promote understanding and respect among all people.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a part of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a socio-spiritual Hindu organization rooted in the Vedas, ancient Hindu scriptures. The BAPS was established in the early 20th century by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The organization promotes spiritual growth and moral values through a variety of activities, including religious services, community outreach programs, and educational initiatives. The faith emphasizes the importance of living a life of virtue and devotion, adhering to five core vows: abstaining from alcohol, avoiding addictions, remaining faithful in marriage, refraining from eating meat, and maintaining purity of body and mind.
The teachings of BAPS emphasize selfless service, compassion, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Former leader of BAPS, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, encapsulated the essence of the faith in the phrase, "In the joy of others lies our own." This philosophy guides the organization’s work in promoting humanitarian causes and fostering a sense of unity and fellowship among its members.
The BAPS organization boasts a global network of over 5,000 centers, including more than 100 centers in the United States. These centers serve as focal points for worship, community gatherings, and cultural activities, providing a space for individuals to connect with their faith and heritage. The vandalism at the Chino Hills temple has deeply affected the BAPS community, but their resolve to stand against hate and promote peace remains steadfast.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about religious freedom and the need to protect places of worship from acts of vandalism and hate. Community leaders and interfaith organizations have expressed their solidarity with the Hindu community and have called for increased vigilance in safeguarding religious institutions. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities and the importance of fostering a climate of tolerance and mutual respect.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward and assist with the investigation. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is committed to thoroughly investigating the incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The Hindu American Foundation and other organizations are working to raise awareness about the incident and to ensure that the community receives the support and resources it needs.
The outpouring of support from across the community has been a source of strength for the BAPS congregation in Chino Hills. Despite the hateful act, the community remains committed to its values of peace, compassion, and service to others. The vandalism has only strengthened their resolve to build bridges of understanding and to work towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.
