News Summary

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, is reeling from a shocking act of vandalism. Graffiti bearing anti-Hindu messages was found on March 7, causing an estimated $15,000 in damage. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department is investigating the act as a hate crime. This incident has raised concerns within the community, particularly as similar vandalism has been reported at other Hindu temples across the country. In response, the temple community organized a peace rally, calling for unity and safety in the face of escalating anti-Hindu sentiment.

Chino Hills Community Stunned by Vandalism at Local Hindu Temple

In the quiet city of Chino Hills, California, the beloved BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is reeling after a shocking act of vandalism took place on March 7, 2025. The temple, which serves as a vital spiritual hub for the local Hindu community, was marred by bold anti-Hindu and anti-Indian government graffiti.

What Happened?

Devotees arriving at the temple on the morning of March 8 were greeted with a sight that no one ever wants to witness—walls plastered with hateful messages including the phrase “Hindustan Murdabad,” which translates to “death to” or “down with” Hindus and India. The vandalism didn’t stop there; expletive-laden phrases targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were scrawled on the outer walls and sidewalk.

The estimated damage from this troubling incident stands at around $15,000, leaving many community members feeling both shaken and angry. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the incident as a hate crime, although, as of now, no suspects have been apprehended.

Community in Fear

Mehul Patel, a dedicated volunteer at the temple, highlighted how this incident has stoked a sense of fear within the community. With the temple attracting nearly 1,000 visitors daily, including larger crowds during significant festivals like Diwali, safety is something that everyone is increasingly concerned about. This is more than just an attack on a building; it’s an attack on community spirit.

A Bigger Problem?

Interestingly, this act of vandalism is not an isolated event. Similar incidents have been reported at other BAPS temples around the country, including locations in Melville, New York, and Sacramento. The Hindu community in the U.S. has been experiencing a troubling rise in anti-Hindu sentiment, which begs the question: what is happening, and why is this targeting happening now?

This incident came just ahead of a Khalistan referendum planned for March 23 in Los Angeles, raising eyebrows about possible connections to rising religious tensions. Hindu organizations and community leaders have expressed outrage and called for stronger protection for sacred sites, signaling that this is an issue worth taking seriously.

A Call for Unity

As a response to the vandalism, the temple community organized a peace rally on March 9. Family and friends came together to offer prayers for peace and even blessings for the perpetrators, highlighting a message of unity rather than division. Surveillance footage has captured two individuals tagging the temple property, but community leaders are emphasizing that this should not lead to scapegoating other minority groups.

Community discussions are ongoing, focusing on how best to combat hate crimes while ensuring that the diverse voices within Hinduism continue to shine through. The Coalition of Hindus of North America has condemned this vandalism, pointing to the need for society to acknowledge such ongoing hate against Hindu communities and their places of worship.

Looking Ahead

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir stands as a significant site—not just in Chino Hills, but in the wider network of over 1,300 temples and 5,000 centers globally, all committed to fostering communal and spiritual resilience in the face of challenges. As community members come together to heal, one can only hope that such acts of vandalism become a relic of the past. After all, love, understanding, and safety should be the guiding principles for every faith.

Chino Hills Community Stunned by Vandalism at Local Hindu Temple

News Summary