Get to Know About Us

Aims and Objectives

  • To Conduct regular prayer meetings (Satsang).
  • To organize Hindu Pujas and Festivals for the Hindu community.
  • To promote the welfare of Hindus irrespective of their origin; to organize and support activities for the study, practice and development of Hindu Dharma, Sanskriti (culture) and Sabhayata (civilization).
  • To promote and establish contacts with all other religious bodies in Canada and around the world.
  • To cultivate in Hindus a spirit of self respect and respect for people of all other cultures and religions.
  • To promote and participate in the exchange of religious and cultural activities with other national and ethnic groups and organizations.
  • To act and official liaison body amongst the groups, organizations and governmental departments.

Main Activities and Programs at Hindu Cultural Society

  • Community Hall for Marriages & other social & religious Functions.
  • Seniors’ Social Club activities.
  • Mahilla Group Activities.
  • Classical Art & Dance Musical Learning Centre.
  • Computer Learning Centre.
  • Youth Group activities.
  • Yoga & Meditation Classes.
  • Health Awareness clinics.
  • Bhagwati Chowki Jagran Mandli for performing religious activities.
  • A week-long Katha by renowned Sants from India two to three times each year.

Mission & Mandate of Hindu Cultural Society

Hindu Cultural Society (HCS) is a non-profit organization with a membership of approximately 3000 community members, making it one of the largest community centers in Scarborough. HCS actively organizes various cultural programs, as well as Yoga and computer training education, catering to a diverse group of community members.

 

The society offers dedicated spaces for cultural and educational activities, serving both youth and seniors and fostering the rich Indo-Canadian culture within the larger community. Its primary mission is to promote and preserve the religious, cultural, and social heritage of the Hindu community.

 

HCS is committed to creating a unique and inclusive environment where members of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can freely engage in a range of activities. The society welcomes families from diverse racial, educational, and economic backgrounds, making it an appealing space for everyone to imagine, create, and participate in various activities.

Join Our Community

Serving the needs of the
Hindu Community

Board of Directors

Ashwani BhardwajPresident
Manjit RehanVice-President
Virender GuleriaSecretary
Kamal AroraTreasurer
Kusum SharmaP.R. Officer
Gulshan SharmaDirector

Kitchen Operations

Harry BhattiDirector

Building Operations

Board of Trustees

Ashwani Joshi 

Chairman 

Pradeep Sharma 

Secretary 

Ashok Kaushal 

Trustee 

Prem Sharma 

Trustee 

Raj Bassi 

Trustee 

The Dream

Mandir & its History

It was a dream of the leading members of Canada’s Indian Community who regularly gathered at somebody’s house for prayer meetings. These prayer meetings often lead to discussion for the need for a religious and cultural center. A site where prayer and meditation might take place; where our children and grandchildren might learn about and celebrate their culture; where pujas and Hindu festivals would be celebrated; where Hindus living in the area and in America would be given that which they cherish most – their heritage.

  • Our Goals

    Our mission is to bring together every native away from their roots. A sacred ground for all to worship, foster interfaith, and engage in religious and cultural events. To promote religion is beyond superstition and its hidden science.

  • Our Mission

    We are shaped by feelings and beliefs of our religious heritage for generations. Our purpose is to bring forth these beliefs and pass on the bonafide aspects of Hinduism, the ancient spiritual traditions of India, and their effect on our lives.

Milestones and Dates

April 8, 1983

Hindu Cultural Society in Scarborough registered.

January 29, 1984

Adoption of the Society's Constitution and Bye-Laws.

May 23, 1994

Bhumipoojan of the New Temple Land.

September 19, 1994

Commencement of Temple Building Construction.

May 25, 2001

Grand Opening of Main Prayer Hall and Moorti Pran Parithsta by Dharam Rattan Shri Golok Dham Peethadhishwar 1008 Swami Gopal Sharan Ji Maharaj.

2001-2002

Addition of Hindi School facility on the 3rd floor for Hindi Teaching classes.

June 9, 2012

Pran Pratishtha of Shree Mankmneswari Mata and Shree Saraswati Mata.

January 5, 2014

Inauguration of New Seniors' Room.

February 2, 2020

Opening of a new Library.

May 23, 2021

Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic. HCS and Mandir activities are on hold during the Pandemic era.

June 9-11, 2023

Mandir's 40th Anniversary Celebration in the presence of Dharmaratna - Dharmarakshak Swami Shri Gopal Sharan Devacharya ji.

Hindu Cultural Society’s History

  • We take immense pleasure in sharing some key historical moments since the inception of the Hindu Cultural Society in 1983.
  • It all started when a group of prominent community members recognized the necessity for a Hindu Worship space in the east end of Metro Toronto.
  • In February 1983, a significant step was taken to register the society as the Hindu Cultural Society (the Society) in Scarborough, Ontario, to serve the needs of the Hindu community at large. The Ministry of Commerce and Consumers Relations received the application on June 9, 1983, and we were officially incorporated on July 21, 1983.
  • Our first congregation occurred on April 13, 1983, at Berner Trail School, Scarborough, Ontario, during the Vaisakhi festival celebration. Subsequently, we moved to an Industrial Unit to establish a prayer hall.
  • The first board of directors, including Lajpat Rai Gogna, Ashok Kaushal, Late Ved Parksh Lahar, Som Nath Sharma, Ramesh Gupta, Rajinder Prashar, Hari Krishan Sharma, Yog Raj Verma, Late Sat Bhushan Jindal, Surinder Pathak, and Late Kewal Krishan Sharma, was unanimously elected in 1984. They adopted the Constitution and its bylaws.
  • In April 1991, we purchased a parcel of land from the Ontario Realty Association to build a permanent facility. A BHOOMI PUJAN was conducted in May 1994.
  • The foundation stone-laying ceremony (SHILA NAYAS) was conducted by Late His Holiness SWAMI PREMANAND JI MAHARAJ on August 27, 1994. The construction of the current building commenced in September 1994, with the address at 1 Morningview Trail, Scarborough, Ontario M1B 5A8.
  • From 1983 to January 20, 1996, we operated the office and the temple in an industrial unit on Ellesmere Road, Scarborough, before relocating to the new facility under construction.
  • On May 25, 2001, a grand opening ceremony of the Main Prayer Hall (Altar) and Moorti Pran Parithsta was conducted by Dharmaratna – Dharmarakshak Swami Shri Gopal Sharan Devacharya ji.
  • Since then, numerous improvements and additions have been made to this facility, and we have celebrated many occasions with utmost joy and devotion. These celebrations continue to enrich our vibrant community.
Hari Om

Pandit Ji

Acharya Brij Mohan Thapliyal

From Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India

Acharya Brij Mohan Ji holds a Master's degree in Sanskrit and is a qualified Acharya. With over 15 years of experience as a Hindu priest, he has served for over six years in Ludhiana and over 8 years in Canada at Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Scarborough, Ontario.

He proficiently conducts various religious activities, including Pooja, Ramayan path, Sundar Kand Path recitals, Grah Pravesh, Marriage Ceremonies, Yagya, Mata ki Chowki, and Final Rites, among others. Notably, he has also conducted a 7-day long Maha Shiv Puran Katha and Shree Mad Bhagvat Katha.

Pandit Ramchandra Upadhyaya Luitel

From Vrindavan

Pandit Ramchandra Ji holds a college degree in Sanskrit and is a qualified Sashtri. With over 23 years of experience as a Hindu priest, he served for 10 years in major cities in India before relocating to Canada. For the past 13 years, he has been dedicatedly serving at Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Scarborough, Ontario.

Pandit Ramchandra Ji conducts a range of significant religious activities, including weekly Sunday Satsang, Sundar Kand Path Recitals, Grah Pravesh Ceremonies, Marriage Ceremonies, Mata Ki Chowki, Final Rites, Shanti Path, and more. His expertise and devotion have been valued and appreciated by the community.

Pandit Damaru Prasad Dahal

From Vrindavan

Pandit Damaru Prasad Ji, a qualified Pandit with expertise in Sanskrit and Music, brings over 20 years of experience as a Hindu priest. He served for 10 years in Vrindavan, U.P., before dedicating 11 years to the Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Scarborough, Ontario.

A talented music teacher, he plays the Tabla during religious ceremonies and imparts Tabla knowledge to young devotees. Additionally, he conducts various poojas, including Grah Pravesh and Mundan Ceremony.

Pandit Purushottam Sharma

From Bharat, Delhi

Pandit Purushottam Ji, a qualified Sashtri with a Bachelor's degree in Sanskrit, brings over 11 years of experience as a Hindu Priest. He served for over 8 years in India and completed several short-term religious assignments in Kenya, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Glasgow before settling in Canada. For the past four years, he has been serving at Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Scarborough, Ontario.

Pandit Purushottam Ji skillfully conducts various religious ceremonies, including Grah Pravesh, Mundan, Naam Karan Sanskar, Havan, Final Rights, and more, catering to the spiritual needs of the Mandir community. His dedication and expertise have earned him great respect among the devotees.