- By Ajeet Kumar
- Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:59 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
A prominent Hindu temple in Australia’s Boronia was defaced by "anti-social elements" on Monday with "racist graffiti" on the walls, in the latest incident of vandalism against Hindu temples in Australia. According to a report by The Australia Today, the Shree Swaminarayan Temple on Wadhurst Drive was defaced with red‑painted slurs demanding, 'Go Home Brown C**t. The same message appeared on two nearby Asian‑run restaurants, but it was the violation of the temple, an important spiritual hub for the local Hindu community, that prompted deep alarm.
The Australian media reported that the Victoria Police confirmed the incident and added they are investigating four linked incidents in Boronia, including the temple and two restaurants.
President of the Hindu Council of Australia, Victoria chapter, Makrand Bhagwat, described the shock of finding the sacred site marred on Monday morning. "Our temple is meant to be a sanctuary of peace, devotion and unity," The Australia Today quoted Bhagwat as saying.
Although Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan has not publicly condemned the vandalism at the Temple, her office has sent a private message to the Temple management. "The Shree Swaminarayan Temple is so much more than a place of worship – it’s a place of warmth and community. It’s a space where people are welcomed with open arms. Where faith is practised, traditions are honoured, and the values of kindness and compassion are lived every single day," read the letter.
(Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan letter to the temple)
Hindu temple attacks in Australia
Notably, this was not the first time that a popular Hindu temple came under such attack. Earlier in 2023, anti-India graffiti was written on the walls of BAPS Mandir days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country. The incident took place at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Rosehill, Sydney. In the same year, three Hindu Temples in Melbourne and two Hindu Temples in Brisbane were vandalised by Khalistan supporters.
This is a breaking news. More details will be added.