Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in Canada

Devi Mandir, Pickering, Ontario, Canada

More than a place of worship

Address:

Devi Mandir

2590 Brock Rd

Pickering

L1V 2P8

Canada

Tel: 905-686-8534

	Devi Mandir
	2590 Brock Rd
	Pickering
	L1V 2P8
Phone	905-686-8534

Doors Open 2013 - The Devi Mandir opens its doors to the City of Pickering and beyond!

On Saturday October 5, 2013 the Devi Mandir opened its doors to the Durham Region as part of "Doors Open Pickering" which is run under the banner of the Ontario Heritage Trust. This exclusive opportunity allowed residents of Pickering and the Durham Region to discover more about the Devi Mandir and Sanatana Dharma as well as experience the vibrant culture that makes Hinduism one of the most unique religions of the world.
Many of the visitors who came to the Mandir had never been inside a Hindu temple and from the time they entered, they were made to feel welcome. Youth volunteers greeted them at the entrance with a "Namaste" and guided them upstairs to prayer hall where more youth volunteers were present to explain Sanatana Dharma and answer questions they may have had.

Maha Durga Outdoor Havan - Its Meaning and Significance

Devi Mandir will be performing its annual Maha Durga Outdoor Havan on Sunday October 13, 2013 at 8:00 am. I would like to personally invite you, your family and friends to come and join us and participate in this auspicious event. When we come together as a group of Devi Mandir devotees to perform this annual Havan, the spiritual energy that result are much greater than if we perform it alone. Come and experience it for yourself.
The Meaning of Havan
"Havan" also known as “hawan”, “homa” and “homam” is a Sanskrit word that refers to a ritual in which certain offerings are made into a consecrated fire accompanied by the chanting of mantras. It should be thought of as one of the many ways in which Hindus worship God. The practice of Havan is very ancient and dates back in history to the Vedic era of Hindu civilization. As you know, we perform Havan on many religious occasions such as poojas and weddings and it is an integral part of such occasions but may be performed independent of such occasions. Performance of Havan is also done by devotees of Buddhism and Jainism.

Sharaad Navaratri - Its Meaning, Significance and Relevance Today

I would like to personally invite you, your family and friends to attend this auspicious occasion of Sharad Navaratri. Devi Mandir will be celebrating Sharad Navaratri from Saturday October 5, 2013 to Saturday October 12, 2013. Durga Abhishek will be performed nightly starting at 6:30 pm. Durga Ashtami will be performed on Friday October 11, 2013 and Saraswati Pooja on Saturday October 12, 2013. We would also like to invite you to The Devi Mandir outdoor Havan, taking place on Sunday, October 13th 2013. Please reserve a spot for you and your family by contacting the mandir.

Congratulations to Ravin Dyal & Reshme Dyal!

Congratulations to Ravin and Reshme Dyal on winning the Sanatana Dharma Scholarships (Canada) awarded over the weekend at the Hindu Mandir Executive Conference (HMEC) held in Mississauga. Ravin and Reshme are both youth that attend Devi Mandir (Pickering) and are active particpants in DM Youth activities. Our congratulations are also extended to Akriti Pandey for also being another winner of the Sanatan Dharma Scholarships (Canada).
Congratulations once again from everyone here at the Devi Mandir and DM Youth! Continue reading below to see the articles written by Ravin and Reshme!

What would you change if you were in charge of running a major temple for a year?

Mandir is not only a Hindu temple, but a place where the mind can be free and one can seek their own personal truth. Attending Mandir is a very direct way in how many Hindus worship and connects with Divinity. To lead such an establishment is a huge task because of the various aspects which must be dealt with ranging from spiritual growth, financial support, maintaining all government standards, becoming a sanctuary for devotees, and creating an organization where youths feel comfortable attending. Youth involvement in a Mandir is vital for the Mandir and Hinduism as a whole. Given the opportunity to lead a Mandir for a year, I would introduce methods to increase and promote youth participation in the Mandir through special youth based facilities or services provided by the Mandir, establishing a functioning youth group, and creating strong connections between youth and Hinduism.

The Significance of Ganesh Visarjan

Devi Mandir will be holding a Ganesh Puraana Yagna starting on Sunday September 8, 2013 to Saturday September 14, 2013 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm nightly. This will be followed by Ganesh Visarjan on Sunday September 15, 2013 when pooja will be performed at Devi Mandir starting at 8:00 am. Devotees will then proceed to Alex Robertson Park, Pickering, where pooja and kirtan will start at 10:00 am followed by Ganesh Visarjan at 11:30 am and lunch. Devotees can go directly to the park or join the procession from the Mandir to the beach. I invite all devotees of Devi Mandir to attend the Ganesh Yagna and Gane

Devi Mandir...a short History

In 1988, a small group of Hindus began congregating to engage in religious activity at West Hill Collegiate, Scarborough. As the group became increasingly larger, a need was recognized - the need for more cultural and prayer centres to facilitate worship by Toronto's Hindu families. It was decided that Toronto's East end was in greatest need of such a facility, so this area was made the group's focus, and the journey began. A property at 2590 Brock Road, Pickering was purchased in 1989, and this location remains the current site of the Devi Mandir

It would have been impossible if it were not for the founding members of the Devi Mandir who sacrificed time, money and hard work to establish the organization. A very special thank you to the following families:

Amarnath Binda & Family
Krishna Doolsingh & Family
Mohan Samlal & Family
Seelal Binda & Family
Deodath Maharaj & Family
Harry Sahu & Family
Seukram Pirtam & Family
Kalawati Permanand & Family

Religious Services Schedule at the Devi Mandir

The Devi Mandir is open seven (7) days a week, providing you the oppurtunity to receive the blessings of Mata Ji. The Mandir is open:

Monday - Friday:
8 AM - 12 PM
5 PM - 9 PM

Saturday & Sunday:
8 AM - 8 PM

Aarti Performed Daily:
8 AM, 12 Noon, 8:30 PM

Sunday Morning Service
10 AM - 12 Noon
Pravachan (Discourse )
Bhajans & Kirtans by Devi Mandir Kirtan Mandali
Preeti Bhoj Served after Service

Shiva Pooja
Mondays: 7 PM - 9 PM
Shiva Lingam Abhishek & Archana
Bhajans & Kirtans

Hanuman Pooja
Tuesdays: 7 PM - 9 PM
Pooja & Archana
Singing of Hanuman Chalisa

Durga Pooja
Fridays: 7 PM - 9 PM
Mata Ji Abhishek & Archana
Singing of Durga Chalisa

Shani Pooja
Saturdays: 10 AM - 11 AM
Abhishek & Archana

Bal Vikaas

"Baal Vikaas" literally means the blossoming or development of our kids. Our children are very precious because they represent the very future of our great religion and culture. As a result Baal Vikaas Classes are held every Sunday during service from 10.45-11.30 am. Classes are free of charge and all children are welcomed.

The children learn in an exciting interactive environment about the basic details of our rich culture and religion. The use of music audio/visual and creative arts are just some of the methods used to create a great learning environment for the children.

Some of the topics covered in their syllabus include the proper way to greet fellow Hindus , details on all religious and cultural festivals, Hinduism and it,s contribution to the world of Mathematics and Science, Hinduism and the environment as well as the chanting of special prayers etc. They also learn Vandanas for special occasions . Some of these are Saraswatee, Maatri, Pitri and Guru vandanas.

The graduates of this class will be equipped and empowered to be proud Hindus.

The Class is taught by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Tabla Classes @ the Mandir

The Devi Mandir currently offers classes to any individuals interested in learning the the art of playiing the tabla. If you do not own a tabla, the Mandir has sets available for use.

Instructor: Vishaun Singh

Email: vishaun@live.ca

Time: Sunday after Service
Class #1 - 12:30 Noon- 1:15 PM
Class #2 - 1:15 PM - 2 PM

Location: Devi Mandir Mezzanine (3rd Floor)

Vocal & Harmonium Classes @ the Mandir

Music has long been important to Hinduism. Since the creation of the universe and the chanting of the cosmic sound "AUM", music has always been associated with the Hindu way of life.

Classes are being offered at the Devi Mandir to all those interested in learning light Hindustani Classical Music. From bhajans to geets, ghazals to film songs, the oppurtunity to learn the lighter aspects of Hindustani vocal is at the Devi Mandir

Instructor: Preeya Persaud

Time: Sunday after Service
1:00 PM

Location:Devi Mandir Prayer Hall

Kirtan Classes @ the Devi Mandir

A bhajan or kirtan is a Hindu devotional song. Bhajans are deeply rooted in the Indian tradition. Bhajans are simple songs in soulful language expressing the many-splendored emotions of love for God; a complete submission or self-surrender to Him through singing.

When a mantra is sung or chanted, whether by oneself or in a group of devoted aspirants, it is termed as Kirtan — the glorification of God. Prayers or symbolic stories of God may also be sung in a Kirtan.

The singing and chanting of Kirtan create an elevated mental condition for practicing meditation or entering into an intense form of spiritual practice. Kirtan is a powerful and unique method of recharging the subconscious with spiritual vibrations.

Kirtan classes at the Devi Mandir will be resuming on Sunday March 17, 2013
Please come with your family and you can be part of the Devi Mandir Kirtan Mandali.

Recent news from the Devi Mandir

Doors Open 2013 - The Devi Mandir opens its doors to the City of Pickering and beyond!

Facilities at the Devi Mandir

Prayer Hall

The Prayer hall is the focal point of the Devi Mandir. It is for this reason that the utmost care and attention to detail was taken during the design process. The altar housing is set in a backdrop of forests and waterfalls creating an atmosphere that is second to none. If you wish to perform any pooja at the Devi Mandir, the prayer hall is the ideal place for you.

Located on Second floor of the Devi Mandir
Capacity to hold 850 people (floor seating)
Wall-to-wall plush carpeting
State of the art Mackie Sound system
Wheel-Chair accessible

Auditorium
The Devi Mandir Auditorium, lovingly dedicated to Pandit Ramdath Vyas of Trinidad, is the ideal place to host your weddings, meetings, conferences or cultural programs. Located on the first floor of the Devi Mandir, the auditorium comes equipped with tables and chairs, the ideal setting for whatever your needs may be.

Capacity of 450 seated
Stage Lighting
Kitchen facilities (vegetarian food only with no onions or garlic)
Wheel chair accessible

Rental Rates for hosting Functions
Please contact the mandir at 905-686-8534 for booking enquiries.

Devi Mandir (SSDCS) Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION
Devi Mandir is a holy and sacred religious institution of Hindu worship, culture, teaching and learning where the principles of Sanatan Dharma and Vedanta are practised and promoted. Everyone is welcome at Devi Mandir: members, devotees and visitors. Devi Mandir values and promotes a welcoming, positive, safe, harmonious, inclusive and spiritual environment where everyone is valued and respected.
To achieve these goals, it is the responsibility and obligation of all members, devotees and visitors to behave and act in a manner that is compatible with Devi Mandir's mission and goals and abide by this Code of Conduct.
To fulfill its functions outlined above, Devi Mandir Management has the authority and responsibility for maintaining order and for taking appropriate action, including, without limitation, termination of membership and exclusion of those who disrupt Devi Mandir.
DOs:

Behave in accordance with the principles and teachings of Sanatan Dharma and Vedanta.
Treat others in the same manner that you would want them to treat you.
Be considerate and respectful of others, their rights, welfare and privacy which are the same as yours.
Treat others with respect, courtesy, honesty and fairness.
Take responsibility for one's actions and behave in an ethical manner.
When you are in the prayer hall, dress appropriately and conservatively.
Treat the Mandir's property with the same care, regard and cleanliness as your own home.

DO NOT

Engage in harassment, bullying or discrimination activities or make threats against your fellow members and devotees.
Spread misleading or false information or accusations regarding any member or devotee of Devi Mandir including anonymous emails.
Use any foul language on the Mandir's property
Distribute or post any materials on the Mandir's property without the prior consent of management.
Engage in destruction, defacement or theft of the Mandir's property

Om Tat Sat

(Continued...)

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

Hindu Vedic Philosophy (Holy Pilgrimage - Theertha Kshetra)