The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California was on Wednesday desecrated with anti-Hindu messages, the second such incident in the US in the past 10 days. The BAPS Public Affairs said their temple in Sacramento was desecrated with a "Hindus go back" message.
"We stand united against hate with prayers for peace," the organisation said in a post on X.
The Sacramento Police said that they were investigating "vandalism being classified as a hate crime" at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Police further stated that the accused also cut water lines at the property.
Meanwhile, members of the Hindu community gathered at the temple following the incident for a prayer ceremony to promote "harmony".
"Community leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony at the BAPS 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," the organisation said while posting pictures on X.
Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera reacted to the incident and called upon people to stand against intolerance.
"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," the Sacramento County representative said on X.
Notably, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was vandalised earlier this month with hate messages inscribed on the driveway and the sign of the temple outside the gate. The Consulate General of India in New York had condemned act, calling it "unacceptable", following which the matter was also raised with US authorities.
"Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Similar acts of desecration have occurred at various Hindu Mandirs across North America," BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in New York said in a statement.
A Hindu temple in California's Newark was vandalised last year. The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple was vandalised with pro-Khalistani slogans, with the incident drawing widespread attention. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while reacting to the incident, reiterated that extremists and separatists should not be given space.
Source: India Today