LOS ANGELES − The largest Hindu temple in California was defaced with messages against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.
Photos published on X by the Hindu American Foundation show the entrance to the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California covered with vulgar messages against the far-right Indian Prime Minister.
San Bernadino County Sheriff said in an advisory that deputies responded to the temple, which is located about 35 miles east of Los Angeles, just before 9:15 a.m. Saturday. The department said that cost of repairing the damage exceeds $15,000 and that no surveillance video was available. No suspects were identified.
The Hindu American Foundation called on federal authorities to investigate the defacement in its post.
BAPS Public Affairs account posted on X that the Hindu community would stand “steadfast against hate.”
“Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail,” the post read.
What is BAPS?
Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the early 20th century, according to the faith’s website.
The faith is rooted in the Vedas, an ancient Hindu scripture and prescribes the five lifetime vows: no alcohol, no addictions, no adultery, no meat and no impurity of body and mind.
Former leader of BAPS His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj summarized the spiritual tenants of the faith in the phrase, “in the joy of others lies our own,” according to BAPS Public Affairs.
The faith has over 5,000 centers worldwide and over 100 centers in the U.S.