The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the Sacramento area of California was desecrated with anti-Hindu messages on the night of September 25, less than 10 days after a similar act of vandalism took place at the BAPS Mandir in New York.
The messages included phrases such as “Hindus go back,” prompting concerns among the local Hindu community and in response, the community had expressed their commitment to standing united against hate.
“Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace,” the BAPS Public Affairs said in a post in X.
Less than 10 days after the desecration of the @BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in the Sacramento, CA area was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: “Hindus go back!” We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.
— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 25, 2024
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, sheriff deputies responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, near Rancho Cordova, where the graffiti was discovered. Deputies also said that vandals had also cut water lines at the property.
The Sacramento Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather, classifying the incident as a hate crime. Authorities also confirmed that the vandals damaged the property by cutting water lines.
@sacsheriff and @RanchoCordovaPD are investigating a vandalism being classified as a hate crime at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Detectives and CSI are on scene. pic.twitter.com/0mAyfhu9JA
— Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) September 25, 2024
In response to the attack, members of the Hindu community gathered at the temple for a prayer ceremony aimed at fostering harmony.
“Community leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony at the BAPS Mandir in Sacramento, CA, following the desecration of the mandir. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we remain dedicated to promoting harmony and standing against intolerance. Together we will defeat hate,” the organization stated on X, sharing images from the event.
Community leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony at the @BAPS Mandir in Sacramento, CA, following the desecration of the mandir. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we remain dedicated to promoting harmony and standing against intolerance. Together we will defeat hate. pic.twitter.com/LVBUAkCBnh
— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 26, 2024
Responding to the vandalism, Ami Bera, representing CA06 and Sacramento County in the US House of Representatives posted on X, “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected.”
There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community.
All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone in our community, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected. https://t.co/TRX3Q7XJ6t
— Ami Bera, M.D. (@RepBera) September 25, 2024
Hindu American Foundation, promoting human dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism thanked Beri for raising the issue of hate crime targeting a Hindu temple. “Thank you @RepBera. This vandalism is an anti-Hindu hate crime targeting a Hindu temple with messages conflating Hindus with the Govt of India and telling Hindus to ‘go home’,” posted Hindu American Foundation on X.
Thank you @RepBera.
This vandalism is an anti-Hindu hate crime targeting a Hindu temple with messages conflating Hindus with the Govt of India and telling Hindus to “go home.” https://t.co/dKuA6l3EZZ
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) September 25, 2024
Prior to this, a similar incident of vandalism took place at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York on September 17, 2024.
The Consulate General of India in New York had also condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, labelling it “unacceptable.” Several US lawmakers also condemned the desecration of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York’s demanded accountability from the authorities.
Congressmen also raised concerns about repeated incidents of hate and violence in the country. Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar strongly condemned the “hideous act” and stressed that such acts of “vandalism, bigotry, and hate” must be fully investigated.
