A Sacred Space Desecrated: The Vandalism of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California
On March 8, 2025, a devastating act of vandalism shook the South Asian community in Southern California. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest Hindu temple in California, was desecrated with anti-Hindu and anti-Indian government graffiti. Devotees arriving for early morning worship were met with shocking sights: the temple’s pink stone sign bore the words “Hindustan Murdabad,” which translates to “death to Hindus and India.” Additionally, expletive-laden graffiti targeting India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scrawled on an outer wall and the adjacent sidewalk. The incident, classified as a hate crime by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s office, has sent waves of fear and outrage through the community. As of now, no suspects have been identified, but surveillance footage shows two individuals scouting and vandalizing the premises.
Mehul Patel, a volunteer at the temple, described the profound impact of the incident. “It invoked a sense of fear,” he said, emphasizing how such acts undermine feelings of safety, especially for families with young children. The temple, a serene and vibrant space that hosts nearly 1,000 visitors daily, is more than just a place of worship—it is a cultural and spiritual hub. Its 20-acre campus, adorned with pink sandstone arches and white Italian marble interiors, stands as a symbol of tranquility and faith. The vandalism has not only harmed the temple but also shaken the trust of the devotees who rely on it as a sanctuary.
A Broader Pattern of Hate: Similar Incidents Across the United States
This incident is not an isolated act of malice. In the past year, BAPS temples across the United States have been repeatedly targeted. In September 2023, the organization’s temple in Melville, New York, was vandalized with similar anti-Hindu graffiti. Nine days later, their temple near Sacramento faced the same fate, and another incident occurred at the Newark, California, temple in December 2023. These acts are part of a troubling trend, with other Hindu temples in the U.S. also falling victim to hate crimes. For instance, in January 2024, Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward, California, was defaced with graffiti labeling Modi a “terrorist” and displaying the slogan “Khalistan Zindabad” (Long live Khalistan).
This recurring violence reflects a complex web of tensions, both political and cultural. Khalistan, a term used by Sikh separatists advocating for an independent state in the Indian state of Punjab, has become a rallying cry for some in the diaspora. The slogan’s appearance on vandalized temples points to deeper fractures within the South Asian community, particularly between Hindu and Sikh groups. While India has long condemned Khalistan as a terrorist movement, activists in the U.S. are currently organizing a nonbinding referendum to support the cause. Voting in Los Angeles is scheduled for March 23, 2025, further escalating tensions.
The rise in anti-Hindu and anti-Indian government sentiment in the U.S. is not happening in a vacuum. It mirrors broader global tensions, such as the strained relations between India and Canada following allegations of Indian government involvement in the assassination of Sikh leaders. In 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of playing a role in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. The U.S. Department of Justice later revealed that an Indian government official had allegedly plotted to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent Khalistani leader in New York. These developments have created an atmosphere of mistrust and hostility that appears to be spilling over into attacks on places of worship.
Calls for Unity and Accountability
The vandalism in Chino Hills has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for action. India’s External Affairs Ministry unequivocally denounced the act, urging U.S. law enforcement to take “stringent action” against the perpetrators and ensure the safety of places of worship. Local South Asian groups have also spoken out, emphasizing the need for solidarity and understanding. Pushpita Prasad, a spokesperson for the Coalition of Hindus of North America, called the repeated attacks on Hindu temples “unacceptable” and stressed the importance of acknowledging the existence of anti-Hindu hate. “We go to a place of worship to find solace,” she said. “If that place becomes a target, how do you find solace there?”
However, not all groups agree on the root causes of these incidents. Some, like the Savera Coalition, caution against jumping to conclusions before investigations are complete. Prachi Patankar, a board member of the interfaith organization, warned that assumptions about the perpetrators could lead to further division and criminalization of minority communities, such as Sikhs. “Such incidents should never be used to scapegoat other minority religious communities,” she said. Beyond pointing fingers, there is a growing consensus that these acts of hate are symptoms of deeper societal issues that demand open and honest dialogue.
A Message of Peace and Resilience
In the aftermath of the vandalism, the BAPS community has come together to heal and reaffirm their commitment to peace. On March 9, 2025, hundreds of devotees gathered at the temple for a rally to promote unity and peace. A priest led the congregation in the “Shanthi Path,” a Hindu prayer for peace, not only for the affected community but also for the perpetrators of the crime. Patel emphasized the temple’s open-door policy, noting that it welcomes worshippers of all backgrounds, including non-Indian Hindus. “We are Indian Americans,” he said, “but people who are not of Indian origin who practice Hinduism worship here as well.”
The Temple’s resilience is a testament to the strength of the South Asian diaspora. Despite the fear and uncertainty, the community remains determined to stand together and advocate for their right to worship without intimidation. Patel expressed hope that surveillance footage would lead to the apprehension of the suspects, bringing closure and justice to the community. For now, the temple’s leadership continues to preach a message of compassion and understanding, urging everyone to express their views peacefully. As the investigation unfolds, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir stands as more than just a place of worship—it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring power of faith.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minority communities in the United States. While hate crimes like these seek to divide, they also have the power to unite. The South Asian community’s response—rooted in solidarity, prayer, and a commitment to justice—offers a powerful counterpoint to the forces of division and hatred. As the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir begins the process of healing, it does so with the hope that its sacred spaces will once again be a source of peace and comfort for all who enter.
