7 months ago
Hindu Temple Vandalised in North Carolina
A Hindu temple in North Carolina was damaged on January 18, 2026.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) says this is not just vandalism but an attack on the Hindu community.
They want the police to investigate it as a hate crime.
The temple's guardian statues were harmed, but the temple itself is still safe.
The police are looking into it with the help of the temple.
There have been other similar attacks on Hindu temples in recent years, and some are being looked at as hate crimes.
Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Cary, North Carolina, was vandalised on January 18, 2026.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) urges authorities to treat the incident as a hate crime.
One of the temple's guardian statues (Dvārapālakas) was damaged in the incident.
The temple is cooperating with the Cary Police Department in the ongoing investigation.
There has been a rise in vandalism at Hindu temples across North America since 2022.
- Who
- Hindu American Foundation (HAF) and Sri Venkateshwara Temple
- What
- Vandalism of a Hindu temple
- Where
- Cary, North Carolina
- When
- January 18, 2026
- Why
- Unknown, but HAF urges investigation as a hate crime
Key facts
- Location
- Cary, North Carolina
- Date
- January 18, 2026
- Temple Name
- Sri Venkateshwara Temple
- Damaged Item
- Dvārapālakas (guardian statues)
- Investigating Authority
- Cary Police Department
- Reporting Organization
- Hindu American Foundation (HAF)
- Incident Classification
- Potential hate crime
- Recent Incidents
- At least 20 since 2022
Quotes
Sri Venkateshwara Temple of North Carolina
The Hindu temple that was vandalized in Cary, North Carolina.
“While this is deeply distressing to all of us, we want to reassure the community that the sanctity of the temple has not been compromised. Our priests and advisors are guiding us on the appropriate religious procedures, including repair and any required prāyaścitta, in strict accordance with ägamic traditions.”
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“The incident has been documented, and appropriate authorities have been notified. We are actively working with the Cary Police Department and reviewing available surveillance footage as part of the ongoing investigation. We are fully cooperating with them.”
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Hindu American Foundation
An organization advocating for Hindu American interests.
“This is not ‘just vandalism.’ It is an attack on a religious community. Silence and minimization only embolden more attacks.”
financialexpress.com