California’s biggest Hindu temple vandalized in hate crime, investigation ongoing

CHINO HILLS, Calif. (Diya TV) — The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a well-known Hindu temple in Chino Hills, was vandalized on March 8, in the latest debasement of a Hindu shrine in the United States.

Security cameras caught two people vandalizing the temple’s welcome sign and sidewalk with spray-painted messages, including profanities aimed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Members at the temple found the graffiti the next morning and reported it to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, which estimated damages at $15,000. No one has been arrested, and the case remains under investigation.

The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the organization that runs the temple, denounced the act. In a release, BAPS showed solidarity with the community, saying, “We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.”

This incident marks the third attack on a BAPS temple in recent months. In September 2024, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento was similarly defaced with anti-Hindu messages, including “Hindus go back!” Just days earlier, another BAPS temple in New York faced vandalism.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) denounced the recent act of vandalism, demanding a proper investigation and calling on law enforcement to provide safety for places of worship. “This latest attack is ongoing evidence of the increasing level of anti-Hindu hate,” HAF said.

Indian authorities also condemned the attack. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the attack a “despicable act” and urged local authorities to take strong action against the perpetrators, calling for proper security at places of worship.

When asked about this case, along with the two arson attempts of the Indian Consulate in San Francisco still unsolved, California Attorney General Rob Bonta told Diya TV that “it’s not acceptable and it can’t be tolerated. People deserve peace. They deserve safety. He added, “it’s important that you know that people care, that they’re looking, that they’re committed to holding people accountable.”