Pandit Damodar Sharma ji - Head Priest

First to all on this very auspicious occasion I would like to express my greetings and blessings.to all our devotees and Hindu friends. As Maha Lakshmi represents the Goddess-of wealth, we ask Her to shower Her grace upon this earth. As it is said...

Sarvagye Sarva Varade Sarva Dushta Bhayamkari | Sarva Dukha Hare Devi Mahaa Laxmi Namo Astute | |

We pray to Maha Lakshmi who is the knower of everything, the giver of the boons, the destroyer of evil, and the remover of sorrow. On this auspicious time we ask divine Maha Lakshmi to give us the boon to worship Her and follow the right path.

Hey Devi please remove the darkness from the heart of your devotees and lead them to light.

Once again may Maha Bhagavati bless you all.

Happy Diwali!
Thank you and Jai Mata Di.

Vishnu Sookar - Chairman

To all my Devi Mandir family, I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your families, "Shub Diwali".

Diwali is one of the major and significant festivals in Hinduism and as we get ready to celebrate across the globe, the lights or lamps signify victory of good over evil within every human being. While Diwali is popularly known as the festival of lights, the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".

In Hindu philosophy, there is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite and eternal call Atman. As we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Diwali is the celebration of the inner light. With the realization of the Atman comes universal compassion, love and awareness of the oneness of all things.

As we rejoice and celebrate through festive fireworks, sharing of sweets, worship and exchanging of gifts, it is a great way to connect with our culture \and heritage of India. In the midst of today's busy life style, this festival gives us an opportunity to pause and be grateful for what we have. It also gives us time to catch up with the little joys that we keep overlooking for the remaining part of the year.

What Diwali "Festival of Lights", really stands for is the reaffirmatlon of hope, renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill.

May the Divine Mother continue to bless us always with good health and happiness.

Amarnath Binda - President

Namaste devotees,

A very happy Diwali to you and your family!

Deepavali or “Diwali” is an event that is special to all Hindus.  All over the world, the festival of Deepavali is recognized by many and marked with joyous celebrations and prayers to Mother Lakshmi.  During this time, we give thanks to Mother Lakshmi for blessing us with health, wealth and happiness as we unite together to offer prayers and give charity to those in need.

Over the past years, the Devi Mandir has grown tremendously and we have certainly extended our presence beyond the four walls of the Mandir.  Having celebrated our 10th Anniversary in our new building last year, we have made considerable strides in building this organization so that all devotees have a comfortable place to worship and enjoy with their family and friends.

Through our website and Geetanjali TV, Devi Mandir now serves a global audience where people are informed of the latest news and events coming out of the Mandir.  As the world evolves and advances, we too must take the step in the right direction and do our utmost to ensure Hinduism is kept alive in Canada.

In order for the Devi Mandir to continue to prosper we need continuous support from our community.  Whether it is through financial support or volunteering at the Mandir, your contribution and cooperation is the driving force behind all activities at the temple.

Thank you very much for your continued financial support and confidence in us.  The Mandir depends on wonderful devotees like you to preserve the Hindu tradition so that our children and future generations will reap the benefits of our great heritage.

May the blessings of Mother Lakshmi be with you now and always.

Message from DM Youth - Amba Ramgoolam

DM Youth would like to extend its most heartfelt wishes of joy to each and every one of you this Diwali season.

Diwali has arrived this year within weeks of Canadian Thanksgiving and it also calls for us to count our blessings. It asks us to look to the future not only with a hopeful eye, but to be mindful of what can be done to create a prosperous future for our families. The future may bring more opportunity for DM Youth to reach many lives in our communities, within the temple and within itself. None of it could be possible without the support of Devi Mandir, of our volunteers, and of the youth of the Devi Mandir.

DM Youth has been blessed with four years of growing prosperity and good fortune. It has created a framework for great things in the Hindu community for our youth. This year, unfortunately, there was no “Leaders in the Community” scholarship awarded. This was not through lack of funds, but lack of interest. The most trying aspect of DM Youth’s activities is maintaining interest from year to year, event to event. We will strive in the months to come to build momentum towards our common goal; of a vibrant Hindu community with strong youth to build our future.  

Although support may waver like a flame, it remains the life-light of DM Youth. Our only hope is that with the light of each diya lit this year, another spark is kindled; a spark of devotion in the young Hindus of our world. With the blessings of Mother Lakshmi, we pray that their devotion may always be nurtured by DM Youth, and that our youth may always find solace and support when they need it.

May the light of devotion shine brightly into the future, and may Lakshmi Mata's blessings stay with you this coming year.

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