Toronto – Vishnu Mandir, a Hindu temple in Richmond Hill in Greater Toronto area established in 1979, is installing a 50 feet Lord Hanuman statue on July two.
Morari Bapu, well known Hindu preacher from India, will lead the installation ceremonies. This temple, whose tagline is “Institution that nurtures families from Cradle to Golden years”, is also organizing 108 recitations of Hanuman Chalisa and three sessions of Ramayana Yagna in July.
Vishnu Mandir, which opens daily, also runs Canadian Museum of Indian Civilization showcasing Hinduism, Anand Bhavan Seniors’ Home, Academy of Learning & Montessori School for 2.5 to 6 years-old, Global Care Outreach Program in Guyana, Bal-Vihaar program for 5-16 years-old, toddler’s program, Sangeet Academy for promoting India’s music and dance, and Lakshmi Sabha Women’s Club for enrichment of women. Its other special projects include Wall of Peace and Peace Park. It organizes summer camp; offers lessons in Kathak dancing, harmonium, table, vocal music, and violin; and conducts yoga classes.
Meanwhile, distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, commended temple leaders and area community for efforts at installing Lord Hanuman murti and for undertaking various programs/activities to highlight Hinduism.
Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that it was important to pass on Hindu spirituality, concepts and traditions to coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this temple would help in this direction. Zed stressed that instead of running after materialism; we should focus on inner search and realization of Self and work towards achieving moksh (liberation), which was the goal of Hinduism.
Dr. Budhendranauth Doobay is the Chairman of the Executive Board & Religious Advisor of Vishnu Mandir; while S. Krishna Misir and Dr. Kuvear Balbahadur are President and General Secretary respectively. Bhoj Sharma is the Chief Priest; while other priests include Nataraj, Kidambi Rajagopal, and Raghavan Madanagopalan.
Lord Hanuman is greatly revered and worshipped in Hinduism and is known for incredible strength and was a perfect grammarian. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents.
Incorporated in 1872, multicultural Richmond Hill, whose tagline is “where people come together to build our community” and where “96% of Residents Satisfied with Life”, is home to the world-renowned David Dunlap Observatory telescope. Prominent people associated with Richmond Hill include actor Dylan Neal, figure skater Elvis Stojko and novelist Farley Mowat. Dave Barrow, Vito Spatafora and Neil Garbe are Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer respectively.
