Latest news with #BAPSShriSwaminarayanMandir
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
California's largest Hindu temple defaced with graffiti containing political messages
The Brief The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was defaced with vulgar messages against India's prime minister. Authorities estimate repair costs exceed $15,000. The Hindu American Foundation urged federal authorities to investigate. CHINO HILLS, Calif. - An investigation is underway in Chino Halls after the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest Hindu temple in California, was vandalized with graffiti containing political messages. What we know Deputies responded to the temple located at 15100 Fairfield Ranch Road just after 9 a.m. to investigate a report of vandalism. Photos published on X by the Hindu American Foundation show the entrance to the temple covered with spray-painted graffiti containing vulgar messages against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, the cost of repairing the damage exceeds $15,000. What we don't know No video surveillance was released, and no suspects have been identified. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public. What Is BAPS? Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the early 20th century, according to the faith's website. The faith has over 5,000 centers worldwide and over 100 centers in the U.S. What they're saying The Hindu American Foundation called on federal authorities to investigate the defacement in its post. BAPS Public Affairs account posted on X that the Hindu community would stand "steadfast against hate." "Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail," the post read. Condemning the incident, the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA) said that it was "just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination". While calling for an investigation, the advocacy group listed 10 temples across the U.S. that have been vandalised or burglarised since 2022. What's next Deputies have notified Chino Hills Code Enforcement about the incident. The Chino Hills Police Department is encouraging anyone with information to come forward. Anonymous tips can be reported via the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or online at The Source Information for this story is from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the Hindu America Foundation.
CBS News
10-03-2025
- CBS News
Investigation launched after BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple vandalized in Chino Hills
Authorities are searching for the two alleged vandals who were caught on camera as they vandalized the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple in Chino Hills early Saturday. Footage shows the suspects as they spray-painted graffiti messages on the marble sign outside of the temple, a brick wall and a city sidewalk. Deputies were dispatched to the temple, which is located just off SR-71 at 15100 Fairfield Ranch Road, at around 9:15 a.m. after receiving reports of the vandalism, according to a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. "BAPS is deeply saddened that we find ourselves compelled again to call for peace in the face of hate and intolerance," said a statement from BAPS Mandir leaders. Temple officials estimated that the total cost of the repairs could be over $15,000. They say that the hateful messages contain wording directed towards India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. They say that this is one of many similar acts occurring at different Hindu mandirs across the country, including in Long Island, New York and Sacramento. Thus far, investigators have not yet identified either suspect. Anyone who knows more is asked to contact authorities at (909) 364-2000. On Sunday morning, temple leaders hosted a unity prayer and call for peace. "We strongly denounce these actions and pray for peace among all communities. The values of peace, respect, and harmony for all people, regardless of background or faith, form the foundation of religious freedom in the United States," said a statement from BAPS. "We also offer our heartfelt prayers for those responsible for this crime, that they may be freed from their hatred and recognize our shared humanity."
