BAPS Hindu temple in California defaced with hate messages; second incident in the US within 10 days

“We continue to strongly condemn hatred, our grief has only deepened and our prayers for all, including those who carry hatred in their hearts, have grown stronger,” the organization said in a statement.

“BAPS is cooperating with law enforcement on this hate crime,” the statement said.

“The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento is home to a vibrant Hindu community that is engaged in numerous activities and projects to support the larger community. We are and will remain an integral part of the fabric of this community,” the statement continued.

In response to the incident, the temple community gathered for a prayer ceremony and called for peace and unity, commemorating the ideal of harmony and respect of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

This was the second incident of temple desecration at a BAPS temple in the United States in less than a month. It is also a sign of the increasing trend of temple vandalism as part of a systematic hate crime against the Hindu community in the country.

Amerish Babulal or “Ami” Bera, an American doctor and politician who serves as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for California, said on X: “There is no place for religious fanaticism and hatred in Sacramento County. I strongly condemn this blatant act of vandalism in our community.”

“We all need to stand up against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of their faith, feels safe and respected,” Bera said in a post on X.

“This kind of hatred and vandalism against Hindu Americans is horrific and morally wrong. The Department of Justice must investigate these hate crimes and those responsible should be held fully accountable under the law,” Congressman Ro Khanna said on X.

Indian-American entrepreneur Ajay Jain Bhutoria called on the FBI to investigate and hold accountable those who spread hate and fear, saying, “There is no place for hate in our community and in our country.”

“All temples must also improve security and avail available grants. We stand united against hatred and will continue to pray for peace,” Bhutoria wrote on X.

BAPS is headquartered in Gujarat and operates over 100 temples and centers in North America. Last year, the Akshardham Temple, the largest Hindu temple outside India, opened in New Jersey.