Chino Hills Community Shocked by Vandalism at Hindu Temple

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Graffiti defacing the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, reflecting a painful act of vandalism against the Hindu community.

News Summary

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized with anti-Hindu graffiti, prompting community outrage and a police investigation. The incident, classified as a hate crime, comes amid rising concerns over anti-Hindu sentiment in the U.S. The local temple, a cultural hub, draws visitors daily and has suffered significant damages. Community leaders are advocating for increased protection for places of worship, emphasizing the need for unity in addressing hate crimes while fostering understanding among different groups.

Chino Hills Community Shocked by Vandalism at Hindu Temple

In a disturbing turn of events, the peaceful city of Chino Hills, California, witnessed a shocking act of vandalism targeting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir this past March 7, 2025. Known as the largest Hindu temple in California and a cultural hub for Hindus in the area, the temple was defaced with graffiti bearing harsh anti-Hindu and anti-Indian government messages, which has left the local community in a state of alarm.

The Details of the Incident

The graffiti discovered on the temple included the phrase “Hindustan Murdabad,” translating roughly to “death to Hindus and India.” It wasn’t just a single message; the cowardly act saw expletive-laden insults aimed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sprawled across the temple’s outer walls and sidewalks. This unsettling graffiti was first found by devoted temple-goers on the morning of March 8, prompting an immediate response from the authorities. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation into this act, categorizing it as a hate crime.

Impact on the Community

Community members have expressed their unease over the incident, noting that the temple normally welcomes around 1,000 visitors each day, drawing larger crowds for special occasions such as Diwali. With damages estimated at around $15,000, the attack has not only resulted in financial losses but has also invoked a sense of fear among the devoted visitors who viewed the temple as a sanctuary.

Growing Concerns

This isn’t an isolated incident. Other Hindu temples, including BAPS facilities in Melville, New York, and Sacramento, have faced similar acts of vandalism. Reports indicate that the Hindu community in the U.S. has been facing a rise in anti-Hindu sentiment, raising questions about safety and inclusivity. Just recently, another temple in Hayward was also attacked, warning that hate against any community can escalate quickly.

Interestingly, the vandalism comes just weeks before a scheduled Khalistan referendum in Los Angeles, leading some to raise concerns over potential escalating religious tensions. This situation highlights a broader issue affecting many religious communities across the U.S., as fears of hate-related crimes have spiked.

Community Response

Taking Action

After the shocking discovery, surveillance footage captured two individuals tagging the temple premises, which authorities are currently using as part of their investigation. In a show of solidarity, the temple community held a unity and peace rally on March 9. Participants gathered to pray for peace and offer blessings for the perpetrators, demonstrating a commitment to reconciliation even in the face of hostility.

Many community members, including volunteers at the temple, emphasized the importance of celebrating the rich diversity within Hinduism and the need to maintain safe spaces for worship. There’s also an ongoing dialogue among community leaders aimed at tackling hate crimes, with a focus on promoting understanding while steering clear of scapegoating other minority groups.

A Global Network

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is not just a local institution; it belongs to a vast global network that manages over 1,300 temples and about 5,000 centers around the world. This network is dedicated to fostering spiritual resilience and communal solidarity, even when challenges arise. It is a beacon of hope for the local Hindu community and aims to bolster peace and unity in times of adversity.

As investigations continue and community members pull together to support one another, the incident at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir highlights an urgent call for deeper understanding and protection for all places of worship.