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Sanatana Mandir Cultural Center, Markham, Ontario, Canada

About Us

Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre (SMCC) is a beautiful temple and a cultural centre serving the Hindu Community of the Greater Toronto Area.

The SMCC Project was initiated by the Gujarat Samaj of Toronto in 1985 to help, promote and preserve Gujarati Heritage and Culture. With a facility for providing education, religious worship, and social functions, SMCC is essential for preserving these values and traditions from generation to generation.

The SMCC was initiated with the blessings of true saint Shri Krishnashankar Shastri (Dadaji) of Bhagwat Vidyapith, Sola, India. Dadaji's blessing, his first Bhagwat Katha and Ground-breaking ceremony initiated this $6 million project.

The SMCC formally opened in July 1996 and, once again, blessings were provided by Dadaji as he also performed Praan Pratistha for the SMCC's beautiful Swarup.

Religious, educational, cultural and social activities are conducted at SMCC. Religious holidays, according to the Panchang (Hindu lunar calendar), are celebrated at SMCC regularly. Classes are held to teach religion, music, culture and Yoga to students of all ages. SMCC's Youth group conducts activities of interest to teenagers and young adults. An active Seniors' group also meets socially as well to provide information on various subjects of interest to the seniors.

Over the years, the SMCC has been blessed by many saints from all over the world. Shri Bhagwat Rushi and Shri Ramrambhai have also put their trust in and worked with SMCC to make it a successful project.

History of the Gujarat Samaj

The footprints of Gujaratis started appearing on the Canadian soil just over a quarter of a century ago. Ontario, the Province of Opportunity, had its doors open to immigrants from all corners of the world. Although the majority of the first immigrants were professionals, Gujaratis from all walks of life came to this country to enrich its multicultural mosaic.

Yes, the earlier years were spent in getting settled, finding that first job, renting an apartment, making a trip back home to get married or sponsoring a relative, buying a car or getting the children to school. But, one could not escape the need to celebrate the festivals like Diwali, participate in Raas garba or teach Gujarati to the children. It was this need that led to the establishment of the Gujarat Samaj of Toronto in 1970, the first association of its kind in Canada. Very soon, it was vibrant with cultural programmes, celebrations of festivals, language classes, dinners and get-together.

The year 1977. It was this landmark year that the members of the Gujarat Samaj envisioned a centre which satisfy the cultural, social and religious needs of our community and which would help us to enhance, preserve and pass on our cultural heritage to the coming generation. It was this dream that resulted in the creation of a Building Committee under the leadership of Kiritbhai Kothari. Their mandate was to carry out a feasibility study and a needs assessment and judge the financial viability of such an undertaking. A Building Fund was established. The Committee did not take very long in coming to a conclusion that the best option was to purchase land and construct a building to suit the requirements. Our journey had begun!

By 1985 Gujarat Samaj had about $50,000 collected for the building fund. In December of this year, 9.77 acres of land, fronting on Warden Avenue just north of Major Mackenzie Road in Markham was purchased for $ 280,000. Enthusiasm was over whelming. Kantibhai Patel vouluntarily prepared the drawings. Kaushikbhai Patel maintained liason with the Town of Markham. Arvindbhai Patel voluntarily provided masaledar varieties of Gujarati food at all fund raising events. We had unforgettable fund raising events at Ramada Hotel, where people opened up their hearts and wallets and pledged almost $450,000. Many members of the community agreed to underwrite the losses in the event of collapse of the project. So far, we seemed to be up to speed in our journey.

Federation of Gujarati Associations (FOGA) came into existence during the late seventies with the objective overseeing the unity of Gujaratis and undertaking mega-projects which would be beyond the scope of individual associations. Gujarat Samaj was interested in handing over this project to FOGA, as it fitted with their objectives and the needs of Gujarati community at large. However, FOGA did not agree with project and abruptly acquired a small church on Clark Avenue in Thornhill, and named it "Gujarat Bhavan". The journey almost came to a standstill. Gujarat Samaj decided to continue on with its journey, alone. But the road was laden with misfortunes. On May 29, 1986 when kiritbhai Kothari, Gitubhai Parikh, Motibhai Champsee, Manubhai Patel and Vasudevbhai Vyas went to meet Carole Bell, the then Mayor of Markham, with all drawings for building permit, they were told to take them back, as the Town had passed an Interim Control By-law just two weeks ago, which had frozen all developments on the land for a period of one year. Our battle then began, under the guidance of Ashokbhai Shah, the then Chairperson and an appeal was made to the Ontario Municipal Board to repeal this By-law. Extensive preparations were made by the members of the community with the help of Dr.Chandrakantbhai P. Shah. But the appeal was rejected in February 1987.

Once again, efforts were made by Kaushikbhai Patel, Manubhai Patel, Gitubhai Parikh and other members to persuade the Markham Council to exempt our property from the Interim Control By Law. Strong support was received from Councillors, Ron Moran, Gord Landon, Mike Popowich, Dorin Quirk, Alex Chiu and Tom Newal. In July 1988 recommendations were made by the planning Department to allow construction of Sanatan Mandir. The Regional Municipality of York also made recommendations in mid-1989 for approval but referred the matter to the Town of Markham for reconsideration. But in the meantime, numerous objections got in our way from the residents. They started collecting funds to take this mater to Ontario Municipal Board. The journey was full of road blocks.

At this juncture, the Markham Council appointed the late Hon. Tony Roman, the then Mayor of Markham, as one member committee to resolve the issue. These were the time when the real estate market had gone through the roof. Mayor Roman was a great friend and a well wisher of our community and he wanted to create a 'win win' situation for the community, by allowing us to rezone our existing site into seven estate residential lots to conform with the neighborhood and assist us in securing and alternate site with institutional zoning. As these lots were selling well in excess of $400,000 each, we could acquire a fully serviced site for our centre and have some funds left over in our hands for construction. While everyone's intentions were good, the confidence level in the community was at an all time low. The Building Committee and the whole project became a talk of the town and a material for gossip. Unfortunately, the recession in Canada was on full blast. It was hard for us to even get help in meeting small expenses which were needed to keep things going. Our journey was almost getting off-track. It was at this time that Motibhai Champsee was requested to take charge of the matters and become the chairperson in 1990.

The re-zoning of the existing site and selection of an alternative site took its time and toll. Our architect, Girishbhai Ghatalia, voluntarily helped to rezone the old site and did preliminary drawings for a new centre. Kaushikbhai Patel was constantly in touch with the Mayor for finding an alternate site. It was not easy to get a five acre site in Markham, as the town planning called for sites no bigger than two acres for churches and other institutions. Finally, our present site became available through the efforts of Tony Roman, who persuaded Mr. Rudy Bratty to severe five acres form the commercially zoned land owned by their group. Again, as luck would have it, the real estate market got softer for estate lots but the prices of institutionally zoned lands did not fall that low. In May 1992, we were able to sell the old site for $950,000. We acquired the present five acre site at the south-east corner of woodbine Avenue and Calvert Road on October 23, 1992, at a purchase price of $1,919,000. All zoned and ready to go.

Gujarat Samaj gave all of the proceeds from the sale of the old site towards the purchase of the present site. Although the title is held in the name of Gujarat Samaj of Toronto it is in trust for Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre which belongs to the entire Gujarati community.

Soon after the purchase of the site, fund raising efforts went on full swing. The committee was able to obtain pledges in excess of $400,000 within the next few months, Brahmin Society came forward with their fund of $15,000 to help out Sanatan Mandir at a very critical time. While all of this was going on, in February 1992, FOGA appointed a task force to revise the constitution and unite the community. Attempts were made to merge Sanatan Mandir and Gujarat Bhavan under one umbrella. Keshavbhai Chandaria tried very hard to unite different factions of Gujarati community without much success.

In july 1993, the Committee decided to start religious services in a trailer on the new site. Many religious activities followed, sometimes by installing large tent on the site and countless hours of help from volunteers like Kanchanbhai Patel, Kaushikbhai Patel, Manubhai Patel, Vasudevbhai Vyas, Urmilaben Patel, Jayaben Vansh, Kusumben Patel, Savitaben Patel, Smitaben Vora, Krishnaben Chotai, Nirupamaben Patel, Viththalbhai Patel, Krishnakantbhai Shah, Manjuben Patel, Pankajbhai Shah, Hareshbhai Mehta, Kantibhai Patel to name a few.

On August 2, 1993, Bhumi Pujan and Pratima Anavaran were carried out with the blessings of Swami Shri Madhavpriyadasji and his followers. Lots of help and co-operation was received from Swaminarayan Bhakti Mandal, The site was also blessed by Shri Morari Bapu, Shri Rameshbhai Oza and others. In September 1993, Pujya Kothari Swami carried out the Pratima Sthapan of Shri Sahjanand Swami Maharaj with contributions made by Aksar Purshottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. A Samuh Satyanarayan Katha was organized on October 22, 1993 and the occasion was graced by Shri Rameshbhai Oza.

On july 10, 1994, Shri Bhupendrabhai Pandya conducted Saytanarayan Katha in English for the benefit of our youth, followed by the three week lecture series on Hinduism for the Nineties. A one day religious discourse was given by indirabetiji on july 11, 1994. Shri Satyamitranand Giriji initiated the Srimad Bhagwat Katha by lighting a dipak and the katha was carried on for a whole week from july 15 to july 22nd, 1994 by shri Krishnasankar Shastriji (Dadaji).

July 22nd, 1994 was the historic day for Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre. In this day the Khatmuhrat and Kalash Sthapan Vidhi was officiated by Maheshbhai and Sushmaben Chokshi. Kalash Sthapan was perforemed by Dadaji. The brick laying ceremony was initiated by Satyamitranand Giriji Shri Bhupendrabhai Pandya, Kirtichandraji of Triputi Bandhu followed by many dignitaries from the Town of Markham and the Ontario Government. A donation spree went on where people paid $25 per brick for the centre. Within a very short period, almost $100,000 was committed.

In one of the FOGA meetings, Vasantbhai Lakhani, Surinder Gill and julius Deutsch advised that the project would qualify for grant from the Ontario Government under the jobs Ontario programme. Gitubhai Parikh, Hareshbhai Mehta, Motibhai Champsee, Keshavbhai Chandaria, Dasrathbhai Shah, Rashmibhai Sheth and Ilaben Devani took the challenge and vigorously continued on with the application to the Ontario Government for a grant for this project. As per their requirement, the KPMG Group was retained to do the feasibility study for the project. Letters of support for the project poured in from many associations, politicians, community leaders and businesses. The process was lengthy and time consuming. KPMG concluded the study with excellent recommendations for the project. On the 21st day of October 1994, on the occasion of Diwali celebration and fund-raising dinner, madame Elaine Ziemba, Minister of Citizenship, presented us with a cheque for $750,000 on behalf of Government of Ontario. The function was well attended, with presence of Hon. Jag Bhaduria, M.P., Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham, Councillors Gord Landon, Alex Chiu and Bill Fisch. Surinder Gill and Julius Deutsch from the Ministry of Citizenship who had helped us in the process were also present. This was the first major event and the beginning of the marathon task of building the centre under the chairmanship of Chimanbhai Patel.

The Building Committee with help from many professionals form the community in the building industry decided to go ahead with the drawings for the first phase of the project, about 32, 000 sq ft in- stead of 20,000 sq.ft. originally planned. Pankajbhai Patel, our architect redesigned the project with lots of input from Kaushikbhai Patel, Milanbhai Shah, Sureshbhai Shah, Manaharbhai Patel, Purubhai Mehta, Hasmukhbhai Amin, Nilkanthbhai Patel, Bhagwanjibhai Mistry and others. Construction drawings were approved by the Town of Markham and building permit was issued. Lots of help and cooperation was received from Mayor Don Cousens and councillors. Tenders were requested for the construction. A total of fifteen tenders were received of which three were seriously considered by the Building committee. Finally, Jasper Construction Limited was awarded the contract to build the centre at a cost of $ 3,150,000.

The religious activities continued throughout. On june 11, 1995, Gayatri Parivar performed Gayatri Havan on the site. Shri Ramrambhai and Bhagwatbhai performed a ceremony to mark the beginning of the construction on july 23rd, 1995with the blessings of Dadaji. This occasion was attended by presidents of many Gujarati associations. With a bulldozer on site it felt as if our dream was now becoming a reality. It was now time to move our trailer. The activities continued at 333 Dennison Avenue during the interim period. Yogi Satyam conducted Kriya Yoga-meditation classes during August/September 1995. We also were fortunate to engage the services of Bipinbhai Vyas, our full time priest for all religious occasions. Kantibhai Patel, Kanchanbhai Patel, Pankajbhai Shah and Thakorbhai Vansh helped in preparation of Mahaprasad at all time for various sponsors. Flowers on all occasions have been provided by Smitaben and Anilbhai Vora. Pramodbhai Patel has provided professional video filming free of charge on many functions. Ratti Bhatti has given free use of his P.A. systems.

The construction began - the first concrete was poured on September 27, 1995. Since then, our construction committee chairperson, Kaushikbhai Patel, our chairperson, Chimanbhai Patel, Kumarbhai Budhdeo Nilkanthbhai Patel, Milanbhai Shah, Hasmukhbhai Amin, Purubhai Mehta, Bhagawanji Mistry and Maheshbhai Chokshi have been regular visitors to the site, dealing with day to day challengers that a venture of this nature entails. Maheshbhai has kept track of the entire progress on video. Maheshbhai Chokshi played a major role in securing the funding for the project in the amount of $3,100,000 from Royal Bank of Canada, without which again our journey could have come to a standstill.

While visiting India, Vasudevbhai Vyas, Kaushikbhai Patel, Maheshbhai Chokshi, Hareshbhai Mehta and Eknathbhai Desai took time to go to Jaipur, India, to select Murtis and place orders. Donors came forward to pay for the cost and the transportation of Murtis. All financial projections, records of donations, pledges, reports to Royal Bank, GST refunds, audits and accounting would not have been possible without the help of Pankajbhai Shah (our longest serving treasurer) Rashmibhai Sheth, and Yogeshbhai P. Shah. Bhavnaben Shah has helped in collection of outstanding pledges. Thakorbhai Vansh and Eknahthbhai Desai took charge of the quarterly newsletter for Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre. Rashmibhai Sheth coordinated bank advances for construction. Yajmans have come forward for praan pratishtha of all murtis which will take place during the week-long ceremonies between July 28th, 1996 and August 5, 1996. The opening ceremonies for this landmark will be held on July 28th 1996.

Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre is a result of twenty years of work by many dedicated individuals, some of whom are still with us and others who have left this world. Despite other commitments and responsibilities these individuals pursed their goals, resulting in the creation of a centre which will be come a landmark of our community in Canada and will be cherished by generation to come. Our children will pick up from where we have left.

Prayer Schedule

Aarti

Prayer	Frequency	Day of Week	Time
Morning Arti	Daily	Sunday to Saturday	08:30
Rajbhog Aarti	Daily	Sunday to Saturday	12:30
Sandhya Aarti	Daily	Sunday to Saturday	19:00 (fall & winter) 20:00 (spring & summer)
Shayan Aarti	Daily	Sunday to Saturday	21:00

Shayan Timings

Sunday	14:30 to 15:00
Monday to Friday	14:00 to 15:00
Saturday	14:30 to 15:00

Sunday Satsang

From 10:00 to 12:30 every Sunday, the Satsang program consists of the following:

• Bhajan
• Pravachan
• Aarti
• Mahaprasad

Sunday Satsang can be sponsored and, as a sponsor, you may invite up to 100 guests to participate in satsang and lunch mahaprasad. A standard menu will be served by our volunteers. Please call Pankajbhai Shah for booking the event @905-470-0439.

Every Monday

Ganpati Pooja	18:00
Shiv-Abhishek and Pooja by Shiv Parivar	18:30 to 20:00

Every Saturday

Ramayan Paath and Hanuman Chalisa

17:30

Please call Pujariji at Mandir to book Sunderkand paath for Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Rajbhog

What is Rajbhog?

Rajbhog is an offering of food to Bhagwan. Over the course of singing thaal for the prepared offering, devotees ask Bhagwan to graciously accept the preparation and bless it. Afterward, the blessed Prasad is offered to devotees with the intention that the positive energy gained by the prepared offering through thaal - making it divine - should be experienced and enjoyed by all.

How much does it cost?

Rajbhog sponsorship at Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre is available as follows:

Lifetime Rajbhog	$2,501	For the day of your choice, you may bring up to four people for Pooja After the pooja, share the Rajbhog prepared by the Priests especially for the Pooja in the Mandir's private dining facility
One-day Rajbhog	From $351 or from $501	You may invite up to 100 people to join in sharing Mahaprasad after the Sunday Satsang Lead the Aarti procession for the Sunday Satsang Choose to have your team of volunteers join the Mandir's volunteers to prepare the Mahaprasad on the day before (from $351; two standard items) or elect to have the Mandir's volunteers prepare everything for you (from $501; four standard items)

Your sponsorship greatly helps the Mandir in preserving and promoting Sanatan Dharma in the Greater Toronto Area.

How do I book Rajbhog?

Sarvatrag Pooja

What is Sarvatrag pooja?

Sarvatrag pooja is a service through which devotees can remotely have a pooja performed in their absence.
We are always delighted when devotees come to the Mandir for pooja. Sometimes, however, devotees may be pressed for time and may wish to have pooja done for purposes of marking an auspicious occasion, e.g., the end of a vrat or the birthday of a loved one.

Request a Sarvatrag pooja

To book your Sarvatrag pooja, please click here. To consult Pujaraiji for your Sarvatrag pooja, please contact the Mandir at 905-887-7777.
Please have the following details when booking on-line or calling:

• Deity in whose name the pooja is to be performed
• Name(s) of person(s) for whom the pooja is to be performed
• Day on which the pooja is to be performed
• Special instructions

You may wish to consult our on-line Panchang while planning for your Sarvatrag pooja.

Navratri Raas-Garba

Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 13, 2013
 

Sharad Purnima Raas-Garba

Saturday, October 19, 2013
 .

Diwali Program and Dinner

Saturday, October 26, 2013
 

Sharda Poojan & Samuh Chopda Poojan

Sunday, November 3, 2013
 

Nutan Varsh and Annakut

Monday, November 4, 2013
 

Scholarship Program

Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve access to post-secondary education for all Gujaratis. We aspire to break down the barriers for those facing economic or social restrictions, and to encourage a high level of student achievement and engagement in the Canadian society.

Objective

Our youth face numerous challenges in achieving success these days. Many of them are remarkable students with great potential and impressive intelligence. Through a selection process which qualifies grades, volunteer work, and financial need, we hope to award several students with scholarships to help further their education.

Motivation

Although many youth strive to pursue higher education, the costs to do so often surpass a family's financial capabilities. We believe that pursuing post secondary education provides youth with the unique knowledge and skills that helps to mold them into the leaders of tomorrow.

Panchang

What is a Panchang?

Panchang is the calendar system used in ancient India.
The word "Panchang" means five ("panch") parts ("ang"). Each date in the Panchang consists of five subjects:

1. The age of the moon within the month;

2. The constellation near which the moon is situated on each particular day;

3. The day of the week;

4. The eclipses; and

5. The positions of the planets.

For further details or questions, please contact:

Pujaari Mayurbhai or Pujaari Ashokbhai:	905-887-7777
Gokulbhai Khatri:	905-887-9794
Pravinbhai Gandhi:	647-282-0653
Sharmistaben Joshi:	416-496-2479
Virenbhai Shukla:	416-492-1022

SMCC Seniors' Club Calendar of Events

Stay tuned for updates

For further information call:

Savitaben Patel:	905-477-4836
Vinubhai Modi:	416-788-9579
Ratilal Patel:	905-948-8777

Organization Overview

The SMCC is run by dedicated supporters, primarily consisting of volunteers, the SMCC Officers and various committees of the Board of Directors. SMCC Officers and Board of Directors are elected for a one year term:

• BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 TERM

Sharmisthaben Joshi	President	416-496-2479
Pravinbhai Gandhi	Vice President	905-887-5334
Muniraben Budhdeo	Secretary	905-947-8300
Virenbhai Shukla	Treasurer	416-492-1022

•  

Bal Vidhyalay	VP Minaxiben Vyas	Joint VP Kokilaben Joshi
Concept Committee	VP Motibhai Champsee	Joint VP Hareshbhai Mehta
Entertainment	To be determined
Finance	VP Jayubhai Thakkar	Joint VP Ashokbhai Joshi
Fundraising	VP Maheshbhai Chokshi	Joint VP Hareshbhai Mehta
Kitchen	VP Hasmukhbhai Amin	Joint VP Kiritbhai Shah
Maintenance	VP Chimanbhai Patel	Joint VP Kumarbhai Budhdeo
Publications	VP Kokiben Patel	Joint VP Bhavnaben Shah
Religious Activities	VP Gokulbhai Khatri	Joint VP Hansrajbhai Joshi
Public Relations	VP Pankajbhai Shah	Joint VP Maheshbhai Chokshi
Seniors' Committee	VP Ratilal Patel	Joint VP Savitaben Patel
Youth Committee	VP Bianca Chauhan

Youth Corner

Get Involved

Sanatan Mandir cultural center is a place of worship, gathering, celebrating various religious and cultural holidays and maintain close ties with our country and our traditions. People from every age group and generation contribute their time and talents at special holiday celebrations with the help and guidance of the board of directors. It is a place where:

• we feel a sense of culture, heritage, togetherness and well being.
• we can nurture our mind, body and soul, to get tranquility, relax, de-stress, energize.
• we can come closer to GOD through prayers.
• we can participate and get involved.
• everyone is welcome regardless of their purpose or motivation.
• we can find many avenues through which we can involve ourselves and our children.
• children interact with each other, have fun, learn our language and culture.
• youth can develop leadership skill, experience public speaking and share their ideas and bond with like minded youth.
• attend programs like Yoga, dance, music, language and computer classes for every age group.
• or help in the kitchen preparing food or serving food.

Participation and involving one's self goes hand in hand. Participation means taking part in the religious and cultural events. Getting involved is to help in various events, running and maintaining the place, volunteer your time in service of GOD and community.

Get Involved in any which way you can. It is up to us to find an avenue where we can participate and contribute. Make the Sanatan Mandir a part of your life.

Parental Involvement

Parent, family and community engagement is fundamental to a child's development and learning process. It is our responsibility to motivate our children, by being positive role models and show that we are interested in our culture, traditions, future and growth. Parental involvement not only helps us tackle difficult issues like bullying, vandalism, substance abuse but also prevent them from growing and entering our community. Our cooperation and involvement show our children that we care about their future and respect the traditions of our great country.

 Exploring Hinduism

Basic Tenets

The basic tenets of Sanatan Dharma are a common thread that hold together a diverse history of experience and belief on the Indian subcontinent. These tenets are karma, reincarnation and the existence of Parmaatma.

Existence of Parmaatma

Bhagwan is one. All prayers end up in one place, regardless of how they got there: through the chanting of the "Aum" mantra or through devotional bhajan or through nishkaam-karma yog (selfless service) or through the various modes described in the vast body of scriptures.
The tolerance of different paths to the one, ultimate Truth is a cornerstone of practice in Sanatan Dharma. It's the reason you see the idols of different deities side by side under the same roof! For some, like the adherants of Vedanta, the path to Parmaatma is not through idol worship at all; again, this is a valid and recommended path by the Vedas and Upanishads.
When asked about Bhagwan, we'll often answer with attributes extolled in scriptures: all-merciful, gracious, all-powerful and may more. Yes, Bhagwan is all that but He is a lot more. In fact, Bhagwan is just as equally Him, Her and It, and Bhagwan is a lot bigger than the human mind can ever perceive. If your prayer is sincere, Bhagwan will use whatever form of the divine you worship to guide you to Her.
"Paramaatma" is the Sanskrit word for "primary" (param) "soul" (aatma). All living beings in this and all other universes are part of the Parmaatma. Sanatan Dharma teaches us that all of existence is a single cosmic energy. Following that, we can say that all souls are related to each other and have taken a temporary break from the Parmaatma. Eventually, we'll all merge into the Parmaatma. In Dharmic philosophy, all phenomena are described through the metaphor of cycles. Merging into and breaking away from Parmaatma are the epitome of such prose and poetry.
From this basic understanding of Parmaatma comes the realisation that since all beings are interconnected, violence against one being is violence against us all.
This belief of the interconnectedness of all living beings has translated into a culture of tolerance and has meant that the Indian subcontinent has been a long-standing, vibrant mosaic of diverse cultures. Certainly, periods of intolerance can be cited but tolerance has been the norm over the course of history. Scholars peg the following numbers to describe diversity on the Subcontinent: 80,000 subcultures; more than 325 languages, resulting in thousands of dialects; 25 commonly used writing scripts.

Reincarnation

All of existence is a single cosmic energy. Each soul is a part of Parmaatma and is on a kind of tour of duty in the material world. In the Bhagvad Gita, Krishn Bhagwaan talks of the atman - the individual soul on the tour of duty - passing through physical bodies as though it is wearing and shedding clothes.
After a body dies, the atman leaves it, continues on a cycle that includes after-death experiences and enters a new body that befits the atman's Sanchita (accumulated) karma.
Reincarnation is a difficult concept to accept sometimes, especially in an age of material science where people demand empirical evidence. Fortunately, the case of Shanti Devi in 1930s Delhi provides documented proof of reincarnation.
Until the age of four, Shanti Devi spoke very little and when she did, everyone around her was shocked. She would say that her Delhi home was not her real home and that she must return to Mathura... to her husband and her son! Shanti Devi continued to tell anyone who would listen about her 'real' home. One such person, her teacher, sent a letter to the Mathura address given by Shanti Devi. To the teacher's surprise, a reply came back from a man stating that his wife, Lugdi Devi, had passed away some years earlier, after giving birth to their son. The details that Shanti Devi provided about her old house and family members were all confirmed, launching the most thoroughly researched investigation of a case in reincarnation in modern history. Sture Lönnerstrand's 1998 book, "I Have Lived Before: The True story of the Reincarnation of Shanti Devi", is considered by some to be the definitive account of Shanti Devi's story.

Karma

"Karma" is the Sanskrit word stemming from the Sanskrit root "Kri", which means "to do".
If the aatman is a travelling vehicle, then karma is the engine which drives it. Dharmic scriptures describe three types of karma: Sanchita, Praarabdh and Kriyaaman.
Sanchita karma is the accumulated karma of the aatman's entire cosmic existence. During the present life, a small portion of Sanchita karma bears fruit and is exhausted. When all Sanchita karma is exhausted - through cycles of birth and death in physical bodies - the aatman merges with Parmaatma.
Praarabdh karma is the portion of Sanchita karma that ripens in the aatman's current incarnation. Working through this current portion allows for stocked-up karma to be released for future incarnations.
Kriyaaman karma is created in the present lifetime; you could call it instant karma. Some of this Kriyaaman karma - or Aarabdh (commenced) karma - is experienced and exhausted immediately, e.g., being cited and convicted of a parking fine and subsequently paying off that fine. The rest of Kriyaaman karma - or Anaarabdh (not commenced) karma - is stored with the aatman for future-birth experience and exhaustion.
Numerous questions may arise from understanding the basics of karma. Sanatan Dharma encourages you to ask questions in a critical manner so that you may recognise your true self, your aatman. Once you recognise your aatman, you can proceed to work through Praarabdh karma. Seeking the guidance of a guru is paramount in this endeavour, much like seeking the guidance of mathematics teacher when learning algebra or trigonometry. A true guru will guide you on a path that nullifies the effects of Sanchita, Praarabdh and Kriyaaman karma; this, in turn, will free your aatman from the cycle of birth and rebirth, merging it into Parmaatma.

Location & Contacts

The SMCC is located on 9333 Woodbine Avenue, one traffic light north of 16th Avenue in Markham, Ontario, L6C 1T5, Canada:

The SMCC property consists of 5 acres of land. Services are held in a 32,000 sq ft building that houses a Prayer hall on the upper level and a Social hall on the lower level that is available to the community to celebrate their events.

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                             

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )