The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, one of the largest Hindu temples in Southern California, was vandalized with anti-India messages on Sunday, marking another disturbing instance of hate crimes against the Hindu community in the United States.
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Public Affairs confirmed the desecration of their temple in Chino Hills, California, condemning the attack as an attempt to sow division and hate. The organization emphasized that the Hindu community remains resilient in the face of such incidents.
“In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate. 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,” BAPS Public Affairs stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The act of vandalism comes just days before a scheduled ‘Khalistan referendum’ event in Los Angeles, raising concerns about rising religious tensions. The desecration has sparked widespread outrage among Hindu organizations, with many calling for immediate action from authorities.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also condemned the attack, highlighting the repeated targeting of Hindu temples in the US. “Another Hindu Temple vandalized – this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so-called ‘Khalistan referendum’ in LA draws close,” CoHNA wrote on X, urging authorities to investigate the incident.
