Authorities in Chino Hills, California, are investigating after the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest Hindu temple in the state, was vandalized with graffiti containing anti-India political messages.
Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to the temple, located at 15100 Fairfield Ranch Road, just after 9 a.m. after receiving a report of vandalism. Photos shared by the Hindu American Foundation on X revealed the temple’s entrance was defaced with vulgar graffiti targeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The damage is estimated to exceed $15,000, according to law enforcement officials. However, no surveillance footage has been released, and no suspects have been identified at this time. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a prominent socio-spiritual Hindu faith established in the early 20th century by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The organization has over 5,000 centers worldwide, including more than 100 locations in the U.S.
The Hindu American Foundation has called on federal authorities to investigate the incident, condemning the act of vandalism. BAPS Public Affairs also responded on X, reaffirming that the Hindu community would remain “steadfast against hate.”
The Chino Hills Police Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department continue to investigate the case.
Last year, a statue of a Hindu god was unveiled in Sugar Land, Texas, near Houston.
The “Statue of Union” was released at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Hindu Temple.
According to the statue’s website, the statue is 89.7 feet tall, the third-tallest statue in the United States. It depicts the god Lord Hanuman, a representation of “strength, devotion, and selfless service.”
“The Statue of Union is about creating a spiritual epicenter where hearts find solace, minds find peace, and souls find a path to transcendence,” the website adds. “Let’s bring the vision of North America’s tallest Hanuman Statue to life, and together, let’s continue to create a world filled with love, peace, and devotion.”
The statue is depicted with the head and tail of a monkey.
