A temple in Rosehill is pleading for peace and unity after its walls were vandalised with “anti-India” graffiti.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the latest Hindu temple in Australia to be defaced, after graffiti was sprayed over its walls on Friday, May 5.
In an official statement, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said they were deeply saddened by the anti-India graffiti on the temple walls.
“We are further disheartened that BAPS temples in Australia have been targeted for a second time,” the statement read.
“For the last 23 years, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir has been a cornerstone of the local community and a prominent Hindu Temple which, like all BAPS temples worldwide, is an abode of peace and harmony, equality, selfless service and universal Hindu values.”
At this time, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha said they pray for unity as they appeal for all devotees and well-wishers in the community to maintain the peace.
“We are thankful to the local police command, the Department of Home Affairs, State and Federal Members of Parliament, the Indian High Commission and the Consul General of Sydney for their continued support,” BAPS said.
“BAPS temples across Australia are symbols of a thriving multicultural society that nurture Australian values of respect, mateship and tolerance.
“We request everyone to join in worldwide prayers that God blesses and guides us all to continue to do good and think good of all.”
After being alerted of the vandalism, Federal Member for Parramatta Andrew Charlton visited the temple to help repair the damage caused by the “religious extremists.”
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by this act of mindless vandalism,” he said.
“Everyone in Australia has the right to practice their faith in peace. The Federal Government will not tolerate acts of religious extremism.”
Charlton confirmed the relevant Federal and State authorities are currently investigating the incident.
“This act of hate has no place in our community. I urge everyone to remain calm as the relevant authorities respond to this matter,” he added.
Following the incident, the Australian Sikh Association, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Guruduara and the North Shore Sikh Association also released a joint statement condemning the vandalism of the temple.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this heinous act of senseless vandalism of this religious place,” the statement said.
“We support our Hindu brothers and sisters in this tough time and unitedly claim the right to practice our faiths in peace.”
The statement also addressed news blaming “one Australian community” in particular for the incident in Rosehill.
“This is a deliberate act of dividing the peace-loving Hindu and Sikh communities,” it said.
“Hindus and Sikhs are living in peace and harmony in Australia and any attempts to sow seeds of discontent and division on religious lines are simply irresponsible journalism and we will not hesitate to call it as such.”
As inquiries continue, anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact NSW Police.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.