In a deeply concerning incident that highlights a growing trend of anti-Hindu hate crimes, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalized by unknown attackers. The temple was defaced with hate-filled graffiti, including the message “Hindus go back!” The attack occurred just days after a similar incident at another BAPS temple in Melville, New York, on September 17, sending shockwaves through the local Hindu community and the global Hindu diaspora.
The BAPS Public Affairs department took to social media to condemn the sacrilegious act, stating, “Less than 10 days after the desecration of the BAPS Mandir in New York, our Mandir in Sacramento, CA was desecrated last night with anti-Hindu hate: ‘Hindus go back!’ We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.” The organization urged the community to remain united and peaceful in the face of such acts of hatred, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding in these troubling times.
Local law enforcement responded swiftly to the temple’s plea for help, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident as a hate crime. In addition to the hateful graffiti, the vandals also caused physical damage to the temple by cutting water lines on the property, further desecrating the sacred space. Authorities are working closely with BAPS to bring the perpetrators to justice, and the investigation is ongoing.
This attack on the Sacramento temple mirrors the recent desecration of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in New York, where similar anti-Hindu messages were scrawled on the temple’s walls. That incident was widely condemned by the Consulate General of India in New York, which called it “unacceptable” and urged authorities to take swift action against the rising tide of hate crimes targeting the Hindu community.
The frequency of these attacks is raising serious concerns among Hindu leaders and community members about the increasing hostility toward Hindu places of worship in the U.S. Temples, which serve not only as spiritual sanctuaries but also as cultural and community hubs, have increasingly become targets of hate-fueled vandalism. The recurring nature of these attacks suggests a systemic problem that demands immediate attention from law enforcement and policymakers alike.
BAPS, a globally renowned Hindu organization headquartered in Gujarat, India, operates over 100 temples and centers across North America, fostering spiritual growth and community service. In 2023, BAPS made headlines with the inauguration of the Akshardham temple in New Jersey, now the largest Hindu temple outside of India. The recent wave of attacks threatens to undermine the peaceful coexistence of religious communities in the U.S. and has left many Hindu Americans feeling vulnerable and anxious about their safety.
The vandalism of the BAPS temples has prompted calls for stronger measures to protect religious institutions from hate crimes. Community leaders are urging law enforcement agencies to take these incidents seriously and to work proactively to prevent future attacks. In addition, there is a growing demand for more public education and outreach efforts to foster greater understanding and tolerance across diverse communities.
As the investigation into the Sacramento attack continues, the Hindu community, along with allies from various faith groups, are standing in solidarity against hate, calling for unity in the face of rising intolerance. For many, these incidents are a stark reminder that more work needs to be done to ensure that religious freedom and respect for all communities are upheld in a multicultural society like the U.S.
Despite these challenges, BAPS remains committed to its mission of promoting peace and spirituality. The organization has reassured its followers that they will continue their work and maintain their temples as places of worship and community gathering, standing firm against hatred and division. As BAPS works with authorities to seek justice, the broader Hindu community remains hopeful that these acts of violence will galvanize greater efforts toward safeguarding religious harmony across the country.