Hindus Go Back: BAPS Mandir in Sacramento defaced with anti-Hindu graffiti, second incident in 10 days

By Aishwarya Nair  |  First Published Sep 26, 2024, 9:43 AM IST

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalized on Wednesday (Sep 25) with anti-Hindu graffiti, just days after a similar act at the BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York. The messages included phrases like "Hindus go back," raising concerns within the local Hindu community.


The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalized with anti-Hindu messages on the night of September 25, just days after a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in New York. Graffiti included phrases like "Hindus go back," raising concerns within the local Hindu community, which has vowed to stand united against hate in response to the attack. This act of vandalism occurred less than ten days after a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York, raising concerns about repeated attacks on Hindu places of worship.

Community leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony at the Mandir in Sacramento, CA, following the desecration of the mandir. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we remain dedicated to promoting harmony and standing against intolerance. Together we will defeat hate. pic.twitter.com/LVBUAkCBnh

— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs)

BAPS Public Affairs said in a post in X, "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."

Community leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony at the Mandir in Sacramento, CA, following the desecration of the mandir. Inspired by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we remain dedicated to promoting harmony and standing against intolerance. Together we will defeat hate. pic.twitter.com/LVBUAkCBnh

— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs)

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The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office reported that deputies responded to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mather, near Rancho Cordova, after discovering graffiti on the property. In addition to the anti-Hindu messages, vandals had also cut water lines at the temple.

BAPS Hindu temple in Sacramento, CA was vandalised overnight with anti Hindu slogans. Immediate action is need from the DOJ. The people responsible for such hate be identified and procecuted. https://t.co/O5Jpn4dUtF

— Shri Thanedar (@ShriThanedar)

Ami Bera, representing CA06 and Sacramento County in the US House of Representatives posted on X, "There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in #SacramentoCounty. 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."

In response to this disturbing incident, community members convened for a prayer ceremony, finding solace in the teachings of peace and unity from His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Last night, the Hindu Mandir in Sacramento was vandalized with xenophobic, anti-Hindu graffiti. This afternoon, the Sacramento community gathered to offer prayers for peace and stands with them and all victims of such hate. https://t.co/tpWlYNHVKZ pic.twitter.com/25nYralsXU

— BAPS Los Angeles (@bapslosangeles)

Just before this latest incident, over two dozen American lawmakers were seriously upset about the vandalism of a Hindu temple in New York on September 17, right before PM Modi's U.S. visit. The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, NY, was unfortunately tagged with offensive graffiti, sparking outrage.

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