The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalized on the night of September 25 with anti-Hindu messages, just days after a similar incident at a temple in Long Island. The latest act of vandalism included hateful graffiti such as "Hindus go back," which has deeply impacted the local Hindu community. Despite this, the community remains steadfast in its resolve to stand against hate.

The incident follows a recent visit to the United States by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising concerns about the growing targeting of Hindu temples in the country. The BAPS Public Affairs expressed solidarity, stating, “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.”

Authorities are actively investigating the incident. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office responded to the vandalism at the temple located in Mather, near Rancho Cordova. Deputies discovered graffiti and reported that vandals had also cut water lines on the property.

The vandalism has sparked widespread condemnation. U.S. Representative Ami Bera of California’s 6th Congressional District voiced his outrage, saying, “There is no place for religious bigotry and hatred in Sacramento County. I strongly condemn this apparent act of vandalism in our community. All of us must stand against intolerance and ensure that everyone, regardless of faith, feels safe and respected.”

The Hindu American Foundation also condemned the incident, describing it as an anti-Hindu hate crime that unfairly conflates Hindus with the Indian government. They thanked Representative Bera for his strong stance against such hate crimes.

This attack follows a similar incident at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York on September 17, where anti-Hindu messages were spray-painted on the temple’s walls. The Consulate General of India in New York condemned the vandalism as “unacceptable,” calling for prompt action against those responsible.

Several U.S. lawmakers, including Congressman Shri Thanedar, have strongly denounced these acts of vandalism, urging thorough investigations into these hateful attacks targeting Hindu places of worship.

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