Mother's Day 2013

This year at the Devi Mandir, Mother's Day service was different from previous years.  As customary, abhishekam was performed to Mata Ji however instead of the regular pravachan, the children of the Kirtan Group prepared a Mother's Day address followed by a bhajan dedicated to the Mothers.  Below is a transcript of the messages as well as the Bhajans song in praise of Mata ji.

May Mata Ji continue to bless all Mothers...Jai Mata Di.

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Memorial Service in Honour of the Late Pt. Hardath Maharaj Ji

On April 20, 2013, the Devi Mandir dedicated its main prayer hall in honour of the Late Pt. Hardat Maharaj ji. His son, Pt. Bimal Maharaj ji officiated the service in memory of his father. Below is a transcript of the plaque that is now posted at the entrance to the Mandir's main Prayer Hall:

This Prayer Hall is dedicated to the memory of the late Pandit Hardath Maharaj Ji to honour his great service and outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Devi Mandir. He had a long, powerful and passionate connection with this Mandir and its devotees. In 1989, Panditji performed the inaugural pooja ceremonies for the original Devi Mandir. In 1997, when the new mandir was built, he was again invited by the leaders of Devi Mandir to perform the opening pooja ceremonies.

Over the years, he made many trips back to our Mandir to conduct poojas, Ramayan yagnas and Gita sessions. He always had a special place in his heart for his large following of chelas and devotees and found time to visit their homes to conduct special prayers for them. Whenever he came to Devi Mandir, the Prayer Hall was always filled to capacity. This was a testament to the high regard, love and devotion that his followers had for him. His fond hope was to see Devi Mandir grow from a little house to the magnificent temple that it is today and he was very happy to see that his hope was accomplished.

Panditji was a spiritual and religious leader whose influence, teaching and commitment to Hinduism spread far beyond the shores of Trinidad and the Caribbean to Canada and the United States. Devi Mandir has lost a great guru, supporter and builder. He will always have a special place in the hearts of the members and devotees of Devi Mandir.

Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

April 20, 2013

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Holi 2013 celebrated in grand style!

On Saturday March 30, 2013, the Devi Mandir hosted its annual Holi Mela in grand style. Holi (or Phagwa) is a joyous and colourful festival for the Hindu Community as it is a time to celebrate the coming spring season and symbolizes a rebirth of the human spirit where we cast aside our negative tendencies and start the new season with renewed vigor and spirit.

This year at the Devi Mandir, many joined in on the celebrations with the throwing of gulal (coloured powder) by young and old. Celebrations began on Holika Dahan which was held on Tuesday March 26 where Holika was burned on the grounds of the Mandir. Over 300 devotees came to celebrate this religious occasion and it gave a glimpse of the celebrations to come.

Holi is a time for dance and celebration and it was a joy to see so many people come together to celebrate. On the day of the Mela, young children were given an opportunity to get messy and not be scolded by parents. Dancers and singers from the Devi Mandir enthralled the crowd with their performances and got the crowd up off their feet. Holi is not the same without chowtaal singing and the Devi Mandir Chowtaal group raised the roof with their renditions. Chowtaal was brought to the Caribbean over 160 years ago by our forefathers from India and is performed prior to, and during the Holi or Phagwa season.

Special thanks to everyone who cooked and brought food items to sell. The kitchen volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day to ensure everyone who attended had something to eat. Thanks to the volunteers who helped prepare the hall prior to the Mela and to everyone who stayed back to help in the cleanup effort. Thank you to all the performers and parents who made the program lively and upbeat. To all the back stage help and sound engineers, thank you for working behind the scenes to ensure the program ran smoothly.

Next year will be even bigger and better! Holi Hai!

Click here to see photos from our Holi Mela 2013

Maha Shivratri Celebrations 2013

"Om Namah Shivaaya, Shubham Shubham Kuru Kuru, Shivaaya Namah Om"

This mantra echoed the walls of Devi Mandir on Saturday March 9 through to Sunday March 10th as hundreds of devotees gathered in the Devi Mandir to celebrate Maha Shivratri. Packed to capacity with standing room only, devotees chanted the name of Lord Shiva as Rudra Abhishek was performed on the Shiv Lingam for each Prahar Puja.

As is customary for devotees that stay for the entire night, Pt. Damodar Sharma ji recounted the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati which was highlighted by live tassa music. This was a first for the Devi Mandir and was throughly enjoyed by all the devotees.

Maha Shivratri is a time for prayer, fasting, meditation and reflection.  Prayers to Lord Shiva began on Thursday March 7 with Shiva Katha nightly leading up to Maha Shivratri. Thank you to all our devotees and volunteers who made this years celebrations all the more special. May Lord Shiva continue to bless you and your family for years to come.

Click this link to view photos and videos from Maha Shivratri Celebrations at the Devi Mandir

Vasant Panchami and Maa Saraswati Jayanti 2013

On Thursday February 14, 2013 Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Puja was celebrated at the Devi Mandir. The children of Devi Mandir's Baal Vikaas program particpated in Maa Saraswati Puja where they asked for blessings in their academics as well as musical endeavours. It was touching to see the number families come and celebrate this auspicisous occasion and it certainly contributed to the spirtual vibrations felt by all. During the pravachan, Pt. Damodar Sharma ji explained to all the children that Maa Saraswati represents the purity of mind that one must have to ensure success in all school activities. Many thanks to all the families, children, students and musicians who attended and may Maa Saraswati continue to bless you and your family.

Click here to view photos from the event!

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:

	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     To perform Navagraha Pooja please book with Pandit Ji or contact Temple.