Globally, anti-Hindu activities targeting temples have become increasingly concerning, reflecting a rising tide of intolerance and hostility towards the Hindu community. Such incidents are not isolated but part of a disturbing trend that threatens the sanctity of places of worship and the well-being of those who practice Hindu Dharma. This report highlights nine significant cases of vandalism targeting Hindu temples across various regions of America, reflecting a troubling trend of anti-Hindu activities.
1. Second attack on Hindu temple in Sacramento raises concerns of Hinduphobia
On September 26, 2024, the Swami Narayana Temple in Sacramento, California, was vandalized for the second time in just 10 days. The attackers defaced the temple with anti-Hindu slogans, including “Hindus go back,” and desecrated a pipeline within the premises. Based on the reports from Hindustan, this attack follows a similar incident in New York, where a Swaminarayana temple was also targeted earlier this month. The rise in such incidents has raised alarms about increasing Hinduphobia in the United States, a term used to describe both fear and hatred toward Hindus. The temple has condemned these acts of violence, calling for unity and peace in the face of religious intolerance.
Local authorities, including Sacramento officials and California State Assembly member Stephen Nguyen, visited the temple in solidarity after the attack. The temple’s Twitter account shared details of the incident, highlighting the increasing threats faced by Hindu religious sites in America. While investigations are ongoing, there are suspicions of Khalistani involvement, similar to the attack in New York on September 16, where anti-Bharatiya slogans were also spray-painted on temple walls.
2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayana mandir in New York vandalized with anti-Bharatiya slogans
On the night of September 19, 2024, extremists defaced the BAPS Shri Swaminarayana Mandir in Melville, New York, with disturbing slogans such as “F*ck Modi,” “Modi is a terrorist,” and “Hindustan Murdabad.” The temple walls were spray-painted with derogatory and hateful messages, targeting not just the Bharatiya Prime Minister but also Hindu identity, with a deliberate insult implied in the graffiti. Based on the reports from OpIndia, the incident, being the third attack on a Hindu temple in recent years, has caused outrage among the local Hindu community. In response, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha condemned the vandalism, calling it a hate crime and affirming full cooperation with authorities investigating the attack.
The Consulate General of Bharat in New York also condemned the incident, calling the act unacceptable and stating that they have contacted U.S. law enforcement to ensure swift action. Lawmakers and religious leaders emphasized the need to stand united against such hate crimes, stressing the importance of upholding decency, respect, and religious pluralism in America. The incident highlights growing concerns of Hinduphobia and anti-Bharatiya sentiments in the U.S.
3. Vijay’s Sherawali temple in California vandalized with Pro-Khalistani slogans
On January 5, 2024, the Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward, California, became the latest target in a series of attacks on Hindu places of worship in the U.S. The temple was defaced with pro-Khalistani slogans such as “Khalistan Zindabad” and “Modi is terrorist,” sparking outrage within the local Hindu community. Based on the reports from OpIndia, the temple administration reported the incident on social media, confirming that the police have classified the vandalism as a hate crime. This attack follows similar incidents in the area, raising concerns about the recurring targeting of Hindu temples.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) also highlighted the growing number of such attacks, noting that the defacement at Vijay’s Sherawali Temple occurred shortly after the Swaminarayan Mandir attack and a theft at the Shiv Durga Temple in the same region. In their statement, the temple administration expressed sorrow over the incident, praying for the well-being of those responsible and hoping that the hatred in their hearts would be replaced with peace and compassion.
4. Pro-Khalistani vandalism at California’s Swaminarayana mandir
On December 23, 2023, the SMVS Shri Swaminarayana Mandir in Newark, California, was defaced with anti- Bharat graffiti, suspected to be the work of pro-Khalistan activists. Based on the reports from Mint, this act of vandalism sparked outrage, particularly among the Bharatiya community. The Bharatiya Consulate in San Francisco condemned the attack and urged U.S. authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation. The Newark Police Department, led by Police Captain Jonathan Arguello, assured that the incident is being treated as a targeted hate crime and promised a sensitive and comprehensive inquiry.
5. Burglars raid Shri Omkarnath temple in Texas, steal valuables and donation box
Burglars targeted the Shri Omkarnath Temple in Brazos Valley, Texas, breaking in through a side window and stealing valuables. Based on the reports from India Today, the thieves bypassed the temple shrine, instead focusing on the donation box and a safe containing valuable items. This incident has left the local Hindu community in shock, as the temple is a vital space for worship and communal peace. Security cameras captured footage of the burglar during the raid, intensifying concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions in the area.
Srinivasa Sunkari, a board member of the Shri Omkarnath Temple, expressed the deep sense of violation felt by the community. He noted the emotional impact of the break-in, saying, “There was a sense of invasion, a loss of privacy when something like this happens.” The local authorities have been informed, and an investigation is underway to identify the culprits and recover the stolen items.
6. Shree Umiya Dham temple in New Jersey vandalized with pro-Palestine graffiti
On October 30, 2022, the Shree Umiya Dham Hindu Temple in Edison, New Jersey, was defaced with “Free Palestine” graffiti by unknown miscreants. This act of vandalism has raised concerns within the Hindu community in the United States. Based on the reports from Swarajyamag, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a prominent Hindu advocacy group, condemned the incident and called on authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators. The temple’s vandalism has been seen as a reflection of the growing anti-Hindu sentiment propagated by certain academics, who falsely portray Hindus as colonizers of Kashmir and draw parallels with the Palestinian issue.
CoHNA further emphasized that Shree Umiya Dham was among the organizations that opposed the Hinduphobic resolution by the Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee. They expressed concern that the recent attack could be linked to this anti-Hindu propaganda, fueling anxieties about the safety of the Hindu community in New Jersey and beyond. The group urged for prompt justice to ensure the safety and respect of religious places in the country.
7. Swaminarayan temple in Kentucky vandalized in hate crime
The Swaminarayan Temple in Louisville, Kentucky, was desecrated in a hate crime that has shaken the local Bharatiya-American community. Based on the reports from India Today, the miscreants spray-painted the deity with black paint, broke windows, and defaced the temple walls with offensive graffiti. A knife was also found stabbed into a chair, and cabinets were emptied during the attack. Temple officials reported that no video footage of the incident is available, and local authorities are investigating the case as a hate crime, although no suspects have been identified yet.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer condemned the act of vandalism and called on the city’s residents to unite against hate. He emphasized that the incident would only strengthen the community’s resolve to foster compassion and understanding. The shocking event has left the local Hindu community deeply disturbed, and they await further developments in the ongoing investigation.
8. Hindu community shocked as planned temple sign in North Carolina Is vandalized with gunfire
On July 4, 2015, a sign board for a planned Hindu temple in Clemmons, North Carolina, was vandalized, leaving over 60 bullet holes. Based on the reports from Times of India, the incident, which occurred sometime between noon and 1 PM, has prompted an investigation by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and has left the local Bharatiya community in shock.
Members of the Om Hindu Organization of North Carolina discovered the damaged sign during a site visit and promptly reported it to authorities. Board member Manujunath Shamanna expressed disappointment over the act, suggesting it might have been the work of reckless individuals. Despite the vandalism, the organization remains committed to moving forward with plans to build a 3,600-square-foot temple on the recently acquired 7.6-acre site. Local community leaders, including former Clemmons mayor John Bost and Reverend Christopher Burcham, also voiced their dismay at the incident.
9. North Texas Hindu mandir vandalized with devil worship symbols
On April 19, 2015, the North Texas Hindu Mandir in the Lake Highlands suburb of Dallas was vandalized with symbols associated with devil worship, provoking outrage among the local Hindu community. As per the reports from India.com, the incident, which is part of a disturbing trend of attacks on Hindu places of worship in the United States, left many in shock.
In response to the vandalism, Dallas police dispatched detectives from their gang unit to investigate the incident. Demonstrating solidarity, non-Hindu neighbors offered to assist in cleaning up the damage, highlighting the support and unity within the community. The attack has horrified both Hindus and their allies, further emphasizing the need for mutual respect and understanding among different cultural and religious groups.
The increasing attacks on Hindu temples by Khalistani terrorists and radical anti-nationalist groups highlight a troubling trend of religious intolerance and violence against the Hindu community worldwide. These acts of vandalism and desecration are not isolated incidents; they reflect a broader agenda aimed at undermining the cultural and religious identity of Hindus. Such hostility fosters division and fear, further exacerbating communal tensions.
The alarming trend of anti-Hindu activities is not confined to the United States; similar patterns of violence and discrimination are evident in Bangladesh. According to the Minority Rights Group, over 2,000 communal attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities occurred between August 4 and 20, 2024, in Bangladesh. This wave of violence includes threats directed at Hindu temples in Khulna, with many temples facing destruction. Such incidents reflect a disturbing global rise in anti-Hindu sentiment, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of Hindu communities worldwide.
