INDIANAPOLIS (Diya TV) — An outdoor sign for the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Greenwood was defaced overnight on Aug. 10 in what temple leaders are calling a hate crime. The graffiti, described as “a message of hate and intolerance against Hindus” by volunteer Marmik Brahmbhatt, was removed after being reported to the Greenwood Police Department. Authorities have classified the case as “criminal mischief” and confirmed an active investigation.
The mandir, one of only a handful of Hindu places of worship in Indiana, draws between 200 and 250 congregants every Sunday. Temple leaders will hold a peace prayer service at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 12, with Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers and other public officials expected to attend.
“We will continue to pray for peace and harmony amongst people of all backgrounds and beliefs,” the mandir said in a statement.
The Center for Interfaith Cooperation in Indianapolis also condemned the incident, urging communities to choose “curiosity, respect, empathy and compassion” over hate.
According to the Coalition of Hindus of North America, this is the third act of vandalism targeting a Hindu place of worship in the U.S. in 2025. The attack comes just days before Krishna Janmashtami, one of Hinduism’s most important festivals, begins on Aug. 16.
