3 days ago
Hindu temple's sign vandalized with 'message of hate,' Greenwood police investigating
This article will update.
An outdoor sign for a Hindu temple in Greenwood was vandalized overnight Aug. 10, a spokesperson for BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir confirmed to IndyStar.
Marmik Brahmbhatt, a volunteer with BAPS, described the graffiti as "a message of hate and intolerance against Hindus." The offending message was removed after it was reported to the Greenwood Police Department.
The temple, known as a mandir, is one of only a handful of Hindu places of worship in Indiana. Between 200 and 250 people attend every Sunday.
Brahmbhatt characterized the offense as a hate crime. A representative for Greenwood police was unavailable for immediate comment, and a report filed with the department indicated that there's an active investigation into "criminal mischief" at the mandir's South Madison Street address.
At 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 12, temple leaders will have a peace prayer service. Greenwood mayor Mark Myers is expected to be in attendance, as are other public officials, Brahmbhatt said.
"We will continue to pray for peace and harmony amongst people of all backgrounds and beliefs," a statement from the mandir said.
On Aug. 11, the Center for Interfaith Cooperation in Indianapolis released a statement condemning the vandalism.
"In this time of increasing ignorance, hate, violence and division, CIC calls on all our partners and friends to choose curiosity, respect, empathy and compassion and to stand against violence in all its forms," the statement read in part.
The Greenwood vandalism marks the third time a Hindu place of worship has been vandalized so far in the US in 2025, according to the Coalition of Hindus of North America. It comes just days away from Krishna Janmashtami, a major Hindu festival, set to begin on Aug. 16.
