A disturbing act of vandalism targeted the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) Hindu Temple in Sacramento, California, on Wednesday, marking the second such incident within just 10 days. Hate-filled graffiti, including the message “Hindus go back!”, was found scrawled across the temple’s walls, sparking outrage and concern among the local Hindu community. This incident closely follows the vandalism of another BAPS temple in New York, which occurred less than two weeks earlier.
Growing Concern in the Hindu Community
The Sacramento temple vandalism has heightened fears of rising hate crimes against the Hindu community in the U.S. In a statement posted on X, the BAPS Public Affairs office expressed its dismay and emphasized the community’s resolve to combat 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.”
These recent acts of desecration have raised concerns about an escalating pattern of anti-Hindu sentiment, with multiple temples across North America experiencing similar attacks.
BAPS Responds with Strength and Prayer
The BAPS organization swiftly condemned the Sacramento vandalism, labelling it a hate crime. In a statement, BAPS reaffirmed its commitment to peace and inclusivity:
“Our condemnation of hate remains resolute; our sadness has only deepened; and our prayers for all, including those with hate in their heart, have grown stronger.”
The organization further noted its cooperation with law enforcement to address the crime and to prevent future incidents. Despite the attack, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento remains an active hub of the local Hindu community, engaged in charitable and cultural efforts to support the broader public.
Following the vandalism, the temple community organized a prayer gathering to promote peace and unity, underscoring their determination to stand resilient in the face of hatred.
Details of the Incident
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, located in Mather near Rancho Cordova. Alongside the hateful graffiti, vandals also caused property damage by cutting water lines, adding to the severity of the offense.
Local political leaders were quick to condemn the attack. U.S. Representative Ami Bera, who serves California’s 7th Congressional District, denounced the vandalism in a public statement: “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in Sacramento County. 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.”
A Pattern of Anti-Hindu Incidents
The recent Sacramento vandalism echoes a similar incident at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, which occurred on September 17. In both cases, community members gathered in the aftermath to offer prayers for peace, receiving support from local leaders. The Consulate General of India in New York condemned the earlier attack, calling for prompt action against the perpetrators of what it described as a “heinous act.”
U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi, who attended a prayer gathering at the New York temple, strongly condemned the desecration, attributing such incidents to the rise of extremist rhetoric: “Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are happening far too often because of inflammatory rhetoric by national leaders, extremism, and lack of accountability. Acts like these are un-American and contradict the core values of our nation.”
Broader Concerns About Rising Hate Crimes
The recent wave of attacks on Hindu temples is not isolated to the United States. In Edmonton, Canada, a BAPS temple was defaced with anti-India graffiti that targeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian MP Chandra Arya. These incidents, some linked to pro-Khalistani groups, have fueled tensions between Canada and India.
The back-to-back vandalism incidents at BAPS temples in the U.S. have prompted calls for increased vigilance and greater efforts to combat religious bigotry. The Hindu community remains committed to fostering peace and unity, despite these attacks, and has drawn strength from collective prayers and support from political leaders.
As investigations into these hate crimes continue, the message remains clear: there is no room for intolerance, and communities must come together to stand against hate.
(With inputs from agencies)
