The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a significant Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, has recently been defaced with anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti, escalating concerns within South Asian communities over a series of such incidents.
On March 7, 2025, devotees arriving at the temple were confronted with the phrase “Hindustan Murdabad,” translated as “death to” or “down with” Hindus and India, scrawled across a pink stone sign. Additionally, graffiti filled with expletives targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was discovered on one of the temple’s brick walls and the adjacent sidewalk. Mehul Patel, a volunteer at the temple, noted the profound impact this act had on the community, expressing that it “invoked a sense of fear” among members.
Law enforcement officials from San Bernardino have classified this act of vandalism as a hate crime and are currently seeking the perpetrators. Despite security measures in place, the community remains unsettled. Such incidents are not confined to this location; other temples linked to the BAPS organization and different Hindu establishments have faced similar attacks. This trend has been noticed across the country, with vandalism often associated with opposition to Narendra Modi and the broader Hindu nationalist movement.
The incident has reverberated internationally, with India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemning the act and urging local authorities to ensure better protection for places of worship. The temple, which attracts nearly 1,000 visitors daily and even larger crowds during special events like Diwali, was targeted for its symbolic significance. Patel highlighted the need to rethink safety protocols while underlining the temple’s role as a serene place for worship rather than a political entity.
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Other Hindu temples in the United States have also experienced attacks, often connected to international political tensions. In 2023, a temple in Newark, California, was similarly vandalized, as were others in New York and near Sacramento. The graffiti in these incidents commonly referenced a pro-Khalistan sentiment, highlighting ongoing Sikh separatist movements. These acts are being investigated as hate crimes, with a discernible pattern emerging in the defamation of Modi and Hindu nationalism.
Amid these tensions, the Coalition of Hindus of North America raised the possibility of a link between the latest incident and an impending Khalistan referendum in Los Angeles. Pushpita Prasad, a spokesperson, emphasized the importance of treating attacks on Hindu places of worship with gravity and fostering discussions on the roots of anti-Hindu sentiment. She stressed the need for equal respect and protection for Hindu sites as enjoyed by those of other faiths.
In contrast, other South Asian groups caution against quickly assigning blame. Prachi Patankar of the interfaith Savera Coalition warned against using such incidents to unfairly target minority communities like Sikhs, which could lead to broader tensions and misrepresentation.
The Chino Hills temple, part of a non-profit entity that does not represent any government or leader, stands as a testament to cultural and religious diversity. As a volunteer, Patel reiterated that many who attend the temple, including those not of Indian descent, are united in their pursuit of peace and spiritual solace. The temple community remains hopeful that surveillance footage showing suspects will aid in their capture, thereby restoring tranquility and safety.
A rally for unity and peace was held on March 9, where leaders and members gathered to chant prayers for peace, extending their hopes to even those responsible for the vandalism. Patel expressed a belief in peaceful resolution and the fundamental right to expressive freedom devoid of hate.
The defacement of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir underscores the pressing need for enhanced dialogue and understanding among diverse communities. As investigations continue, there is hope that justice and peace will prevail, fostering a climate of respect and security for places of worship.
