Latest news with #ShriSwaminarayanMandir
Indianapolis Star
3 days ago
- Indianapolis Star
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.
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Hindu temple in Loughborough to reopen after 10-week revamp
A Hindu temple in Loughborough is set to reopen after volunteers helped with a 10-week revamp. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, in Moira Street, is to reopen its doors to worshippers on officials said the work, paid for through donations and fundraising events, had made the building "brighter and more inspiring than ever". Lead volunteer Vinay Sutaria said: "The temple is a second home to many people so it's great to have had so many volunteers helping with the project." He added: "Now we have a couple of classrooms for children to split up and have activities and classrooms for the youth to have activities."It's not just a place of sanctuary for the elderly but it's a place where the young, the children, the youth can come together and engage in activities. "They can take part in classes, learn cultural classics, music and dance, and Hindu values."It's more than a home renovation. To turn around an entire temple in 10 weeks is amazing." Mr Sutaria said the reopening would be celebrated with a procession around nearby streets on Saturday morning.A private consecration of the temple will take place on Sunday, he said, followed by the reopening on Sunday afternoon.
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Yahoo
Authorities investigating after Southern California temple vandalized with ‘political messages'
Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation after a Hindu temple in San Bernardino County was vandalized with 'political messages.' According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, deputies responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple in Chino Hills around 9:15 a.m. Saturday on a vandalism call. Upon arriving at the temple and speaking with an administrator, the deputies learned that an unknown suspect or suspects had spray painted graffiti containing 'political messages' on the temple's marble sign, a nearby brick wall and a sidewalk belonging to the city of Chino Hills. The exact nature of the 'political messages' was not disclosed by law enforcement; temple officials did not reveal what was spray painted but released a statement condemning the incident. 'In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand steadfast against hate,' BAPS Public Affairs said on X. '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.' Video shows upset customer crash into Inglewood CarMax, 8 injured No video surveillance of the incident was available, and no suspects have been identified; anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department by calling 909-364-2000. Anonymous information can be submitted to We-Tip by calling 1-900-782-7463 or visiting Chino Hills Code Enforcement has been notified and is helping with the ongoing investigation, deputies confirmed. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a denomination of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism, according to the The Indian Express. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
