News Summary

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized with anti-Hindu graffiti on March 7, 2025, resulting in substantial damages. The incident has left the local Hindu community feeling unsafe and has prompted an investigation into what is being treated as a hate crime. Community leaders are calling for increased protections for places of worship as similar acts of vandalism are reported across the U.S. On March 9, devotees gathered for a unity and peace rally in response, demonstrating resilience and support for their sacred space.

Chino Hills Stunned by Vandalism of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

In a truly unsettling turn of events, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, was defaced with angry graffiti on March 7, 2025. The act of vandalism has left many in the community feeling uneasy, especially as the vandalism is filled with messages that are anti-Hindu and politically charged, including the phrase “Hindustan Murdabad,” or “death to” or “down with” Hindus and India.

What’s Happening at the Temple?

When temple devotees arrived on the morning of March 8, the sight was heartbreaking. The walls were marked with expletives aimed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spray-painted over the temple’s exterior and even on the sidewalk. This incident, which authorities are treating as a hate crime, has prompted an investigation by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department. With damages estimated at around $15,000, it has not only angered local community members but has also sparked deep concerns about their safety.

A Place of Worship at Risk

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir holds a special place in the hearts of many, welcoming almost 1,000 visitors daily. Whether during daily prayers or large gatherings during festivals like Diwali, this temple is the heart of the community. However, following this distressing event, a sense of fear has crept into the atmosphere, as local residents grapple with questions about their safety in a place meant for peace and worship.

The Bigger Picture

This vandalism is not an isolated incident. Unfortunately, similar acts targeting Hindu places of worship have surfaced across the United States, with other BAPS temples in Melville, New York, and Sacramento also experiencing vandalism. The rise of anti-Hindu sentiment in the U.S. has become increasingly concerning, as recent reports indicate a growing number of incidents at other temples, including the Sherawali Temple in Hayward, California. Community leaders fear that these acts not only signify a lack of respect for diverse faiths but also indicate rising religious tensions, especially given the upcoming Khalistan referendum scheduled for March 23 in Los Angeles.

Community Response

In response to the vandalism, both community leaders and Hindu organizations have voiced their outrage, calling for enhanced protection for places of worship. The Coalition of Hindus of North America has denounced the attack, emphasizing the urgency in recognizing and addressing the ongoing anti-Hindu hate and the specific targeting of Hindu temples.

Interestingly, surveillance footage has captured two suspects in the act of tagging the temple property. However, as of now, no suspects have been identified, adding to the feelings of insecurity within the community.

A Call for Unity

unity and peace rally on March 9. This gathering saw community members coming together, offering prayers for peace and even invoking blessings for the individuals behind the vandalism. It served as a powerful reminder of the community’s strength and its commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming space for all.

Ongoing Dialogue

Conversations surrounding the incident continue among leaders in the community, focusing on how best to address hate crimes without scapegoating other minority communities. This proactive approach seeks to foster understanding and compassion rather than deepening divides.

A Global Network of Support

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is not just a local landmark; it is part of a global network that encompasses over 1,300 temples and 5,000 centers worldwide. This network is committed to resilience, communal harmony, and spiritual growth, assuring community members that they are not alone in these challenging times.

As the Chino Hills community rallies together to overcome this challenge, one thing is certain: places of worship will remain resilient bastions of peace and spirituality, undeterred by acts of hate.

Chino Hills Community Reacts to Vandalism at Hindu Temple