The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, one of Southern California’s largest Hindu temples, was vandalised with anti-India messages on Sunday in a troubling act of hate against the Hindu community.
Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Public Affairs confirmed the desecration of their temple in Chino Hills, California, denouncing it as an attempt to spread division and intolerance. Despite the attack, the organisation reaffirmed the community’s resilience, stating, “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.”
The incident occurred just days before a scheduled ‘Khalistan referendum’ event in Los Angeles, raising concerns over rising religious tensions. The desecration has sparked widespread condemnation, with Hindu organisations calling for immediate action from authorities.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also condemned the attack, pointing to a troubling pattern of temple vandalism in the U.S. This is not an isolated case—last September, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento was similarly defaced with inflammatory messages, following a prior attack on the BAPS temple in New York. Graffiti such as “Hindus go back” was scrawled on temple walls, deeply alarming the local Hindu community and prompting calls for stronger security measures.
Community leaders and Hindu organisations are urging law enforcement to take decisive action, investigate these incidents thoroughly, and ensure the protection of religious institutions against further hate crimes.
