On Friday, March 7, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, CA, was desecrated with hateful messages. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Similar acts of vandalism have occurred at Hindu mandirs across North America, including BAPS mandirs in Long Island, NY, and Sacramento, CA.
In response, on Sunday, March 9, a "Unity Prayer and Call for Peace" was organized, bringing together local, state, and federal officials, clergy from various faiths, representatives from Hindu mandirs across Southern California, and community supporters. During the gathering, heartfelt prayers were offered not only for the community but also for those responsible for this crime, hoping they may be freed from hatred and recognize our shared humanity.
Among those in attendance were Chino Hills Mayor Art Bennett, Chino Hills City Council members Cynthia Moran and Ray Marquez, and Assemblymember Leticia Castillo. Representatives from various organizations, including the Malibu Hindu Temple, Irvine Hindu Mandir, Laxmi Narayan Mandir Riverside, Jain Center of Southern California, and others, also joined in solidarity.
Hetal Patel, a BAPS volunteer, shared a statement on behalf of BAPS:
"We strongly denounce these actions and pray for peace among all communities. The values of peace, respect, and harmony for all people, regardless of background or faith, form the foundation of religious freedom in the United States. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, like all BAPS mandirs worldwide, serves as a symbol of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service, and universal Hindu values. This mandir is home for my family."
Chino Hills Mayor Art Bennett reaffirmed his steadfast support, stating:
"Hate has no home here in Chino Hills. We strongly denounce this cowardly act and are working with local law enforcement to prioritize the investigation of this incident. BAPS is such a vital and beloved member of our city, and we stand firmly with them."
The incident has also prompted an outpouring of support on social media from numerous officials, including
Congresswoman Young Kim,
Congresswoman Norma Torres,
Congressman Derek Tran, and
Congressman Ro Khanna. Members of the California State Assembly, including Assemblymembers
Ash Kalra,
Alex Lee and
Dr. Darshana Patel, have also voiced their support. Additionally, members of the Dawoodi Bohra Al Masjid (Mosque) Al Jamali Anjuman-e-Qutbi in Ontario, CA, visited the mandir to express their solidarity with the Hindu community.
Upon discovering the hateful vandalism, local authorities were immediately contacted, and BAPS is fully cooperating in their investigation of this hate crime. Given the large number of visitors, including children, who come to the mandir on weekends, BAPS volunteers promptly removed most of the offensive messages.
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir remains committed to its mission of promoting peace, harmony, and service to all.