BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Sacramento Vandalized with Anti-Hindu Messages
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalized with anti-Hindu messages on the night of September 25. This incident occurred less than 10 days after a similar act of vandalism at the BAPS Mandir in New York.
The messages included phrases like ‘Hindus go back,’ causing concern among the local Hindu community. In response, the community expressed their commitment to standing united against hate. The BAPS Public Affairs stated, ‘We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.’
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the temple in Mather, near Rancho Cordova, where the graffiti was discovered. Vandals also cut water lines at the property.
Ami Bera, representing CA06 and Sacramento County in the US House of Representatives, condemned the act on X, stating, ‘There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in Sacramento County. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community.’
The Hindu American Foundation, which promotes human dignity, mutual respect, and pluralism, thanked Bera for addressing the issue. They posted on X, ‘This vandalism is an anti-Hindu hate crime targeting a Hindu temple with messages conflating Hindus with the Govt of India and telling Hindus to ‘go home.’
Earlier, on September 17, 2024, a similar incident occurred at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York. The Consulate General of India in New York condemned the vandalism, calling it ‘unacceptable.’ Several US lawmakers also condemned the desecration and demanded accountability from the authorities. Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar strongly condemned the ‘hideous act’ and stressed that such acts of ‘vandalism, bigotry, and hate’ must be fully investigated.
Doubts Revealed
BAPS -: BAPS stands for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. It is a Hindu religious and social organization.
Swaminarayan Temple -: A Swaminarayan Temple is a place of worship for followers of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism.
Sacramento -: Sacramento is the capital city of the state of California in the United States.
Vandalized -: Vandalized means someone damaged or destroyed property on purpose.
Anti-Hindu Messages -: Anti-Hindu messages are words or symbols that show dislike or hatred towards Hinduism.
Ami Bera -: Ami Bera is an Indian-American politician who serves as a member of the United States Congress.
Hindu American Foundation -: The Hindu American Foundation is an organization that works to protect the rights and interests of Hindu Americans.
Consulate General of India -: The Consulate General of India is an office that helps Indian citizens in a foreign country and represents India there.
US lawmakers -: US lawmakers are people who make laws in the United States, like members of Congress.
Accountability -: Accountability means being responsible for your actions and facing consequences if you do something wrong.