Vishva Shakti Durga Mandir Association विश्व शक्ति दुर्गा मन्दिर(VSDMA) was incorporated in 1997 as a non-profit organization to promote the religious, social, and cultural activities of Indo-Canadians in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. Vishva Shakti Durga Mandir is the newest temple in the National Capital Region of Canada. It is located in The Glebe neighborhood off Bank Street. Devi Durga and other Pujas are held each evening, and special services are held each Sunday starting at 11:00 AM. Durga Temple promotes and practice ideals of Hindu and Hindu based religions through worship, education and teaching. It also strives for spiritual richness and human excellence through assimilation of values in Hindu scriptures into daily lives and we recognize and respect other religions and belief systems in their proper context.
Temple operations
The temple serves both as a religious and a cultural centre for the Hindus in the area. Major events that are routinely held at the temple or performed by the Pandit Ravindra Narain Panday ji are the engagement ceremony, marriages, Namakaran, Annaprashana, Mundan Sanskar, Havan, Bhoomi Pooja, Vastu Shanti/Graha Pravesh, Satyanarayan Pooja, Navagraha Pooja, and Maata Ki Chowki.
History
Devi Durga devotees Leena Shukla and the late Rama Juneja originally conceived the idea of having a Durga Mandir in the National Capital Region of Canada, and they were the founding members of the temple. Inspired by their efforts, Surinder Sumra joined them as co-founder a few months later. The name Vishva Shakti Durga Mandir Association (VSDMA) for the temple was suggested by Maharaj Ji of India.
Pandit Ravindra Narain Panday Ji accepted the reins of the temple’s priesthood in mid-December 1997. These included regular Sunday services, other required services, and services at devotee's homes. The Community Center at Bellman Street served as the temple's temporary location until May 1998. With expanding membership, the temple moved to the Community Center at the corner of Bank Street and Riverside Drive in June 1998. The temple later moved once again to another Community Center on Somerset Street East. The temple's present location on Clary Avenue became its permanent home in September 2005.
With the tremendous efforts of previous President, Mr. Nityanand Varma and the great support of our devotees, we finally succeeded in finding a permanent home for the temple at its present location, 55 Clary Avenue, where the devotees reshaped an old church into a vibrant temple in September 2005 and started the regular prayers on a daily basis. Our past President, late Mr. Gopal Verma planned the auspicious Sthapana of the Moorties of Maa Durga, Rama Parivar, Radha Krishna, Shiva Parivar, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi, Hanuman and Shiva Lingam and turn that building into a vibrant temple. Our last president, Mr. Pramod Sood ji and Parmod Chhabra, PRO and other Board Members worked very hard to make Durga Temple, one of the best places to worship in Ottawa.
Main deities
Major festivals
- Navratra: Vasant Navaratras (March–April) and Sharana Navratras (September–October) are celebrated for nine days at the temple. There is Mata Ki Chowki on Saturdays during that week.
- Krishna Janmashtami
- Diwali: Diwali is celebrated with Laxmi Pooja on the day of Diwali. The temple also organises a Diwali dinner and dance night in October or November every year.
- Maha Shivratri
- Holi
- Karva Chauth
Goals
The main purpose of the temple is to promote Hinduism in Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, and Canada.
- Religious goal: To cater to the religious needs of the community in accordance with traditional Hindu philosophy
- Cultural goal: To cultivate a better understanding of Indian culture and heritage for the coming generation
- Social goal: To promote social activities leading to social cohesion and human betterment
- Educational goal: To promote the learning of Indian languages, leading to a better understanding of the Indian literature and philosophies
See also
References
External links
Coordinates: 45°24′03″N 75°41′11″W / 45.400898°N 75.686521°W / 45.400898; -75.686521
