In Toronto, you will notice that people of various religions and ethnicities coexist. Most of them are very secular. The city is also home to some beautifully constructed temples that people of all religious backgrounds visit. I must tell you that Canada has a sizable Hindu and Sikh population, most of whom immigrated from India and other former British colonies. Aside from Hindu temples, there are also Buddhist temples and Gurudwaras. They have amazing structures that provide peace and calm to visitors.
And you wonโt believe that Hindus have influenced Canadian life so much that they are one of the largest communities in todayโs world. In Canada, over 1000 societies manage the maintenance and construction of Hindu temples. They also celebrate various festivals in a multicultural population. So, if you are also of Indian background shifting to Toronto or just going on vacations, you can visit these temples to pray. This will surely give you a home-like feeling and above all peace.
1. BAPS Shri Swami Narayan Mandir
Wonderful build quality, Hindu deity sculptures, and other Vedic traditions can be found in the temple. Furthermore, in BAPS Shri Swami Narayan Mandir every devotee is given maha prasad.ย If you visit this place, you will be able to witness the amazing handcrafted work of the people that involves Indian art, philosophy, and tradition.
2. Bhadra Kali Shakti Mandir
Bhadra Kali Shakti Mandir is not only religious but also has significant historical significance in Canada. It is one of the most visited templesย and is also considered a very sacred place.ย It can not only provide a place to worship God, but also helps to build a friendly community of like-minded people, host recreational events, participate in various cultural activities, and provide vital social services.
3. Buddhist Temple, International Buddhist Society
If you find yourself more connected to Buddhist religion then visit the Buddhist temple. There are numerous photogenic locations at the temple. There is also a Chinese restaurant in this place. Beijingโs Forbidden City, China, influenced its design. Its magnificent beauty is due to the golden tiles on its two-tiered roof, two scholarโs courtyards, and flared eaves. It has tranquil surroundings and plenty of space, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet, spiritual, and devotional environment to meditate. Even visitors of different religions come to experience its majesty.
4. Shri Vitthal Hindu Mandir
Seven days a week, the temple is open and holds bhajan-pujas daily at around 6 p.m. In addition, prasad is served to devotees following each pooja, bringing the full experience circle. Hindus from all over North America visit this temple to pay their respects.
5. Devi Mandir
The Devi Mandir was built three decades ago by Hindus, who were also locals of that place, it is a very popular mandir among the Hindu locals. Regular classes on Kirtan and traditional Indian instruments like Tabla are held at the temple regularly, and anyone is welcome to attend.
6. Sharon Temple
The Sharon temple was built in the nineteenth century and still stands today. This historical masterpiece is located in Ontario. Old trees surround the temple, and the interior resembles 19th-century culture, lending it an ethereal aura. The symmetrical design and fusion architecture are what attract people here. I am sure you will also love to visit there repeatedly.
7. Sri Siva Vishnu Temple
The Sri Siva Vishnu temple started religious services on 28 April 2016 and is one of the most famous temples at present. It requests that all devoted should continue to support and visit the temples regularly.
8. Hare Krishna Temple (ISKCON, Brampton)
Who doesnโt know about the ISCKON temples? I mean they are everywhere. The Hare Krishna temple is the most visited and popular in the entire Canadian region. This temple, part of the worldwide ISKCON temple chain, is located on a large plot of land with plenty of space for meditation.
If you wish to participate in their events, you will learn about the teachings. According to the pupils, these teachings will help you enlighten your soul. There are also several sermons from the Bhagwat Gita, which are very famous among the locals.
9. Fo Guang Shan Temple
Fo Guang Shan is a famous Buddhist temple in the neighbourhood. The yellow-red structure is similar to various Buddhist temples. The temple is also well-known for its tea room, run by temple volunteers, and serves fruits, tea, and Chinese Laksha noodles.
10. Hindu Temple Richmond Hill
The monument is considered to be the biggest Hindu temple in North America, having been built and run by Hindus. Following the Agama Sastra tradition outlined in the scriptures. Mr. V.Janakiraman Sthapathi is the person behind the designs. Two extremely beautiful vimanas are built on the top of Lord Venkateswara and Lord Muruga in the temple.
11. The Sringeri Temple
The Sringeri temple has magnificent architecture that is reminiscent of Karnataka temples. The temple is famous for its authentic and traditional Indian architecture, which is why many Hindu pilgrims love to visit the Sringeri temple.ย It is built on approximately 30,000 square feet of land and is made of marble and granite imported from India. The three significant features of this place are an 18ft. mandapam, a 30 ft. gopuram, and a ceremonial passageway.
12. Bangladesh Canada Hindu Mandir
This temple was founded in 1995 to provide a platform for local Hindu and Bangladeshi community members to engage in cultural and spiritual activities. Since then, BCHCS has provided social services to the communities and integrated Hindu social-cultural values into diverse Canadian societies.
Bangladesh Canada Hindu Mandir (BCHM) was established in 2005 as a reference organization of BCHCS to meet the need for a Temple where Hindu locals could participate in their religious festival activities. On January 25, 2005, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) granted BCHM the registered charitable organization status.
13. Hindu Sabha Temple
Hindu Sabha Temple is one of the most fascinating temples of the Sanatan Dharma and consists of the idols of many Hindu deities.
14. Guruvayurappan Temple Of Brampton
One of the most famous and is known to be the most beautiful temple in the entire Brampton region. The temple organizes multiple events where people can chant mantras, participate in cultural activities, and enlighten their lives with the religious beliefs of Hindus.
15. Toronto Sri Maha Ganapathy Temple
A must-see for Hindu worshippers in and around Downtown Toronto, this temple is well-managed. Regular worshippers visit here to perform their rituals. This is a divine and serene place for Hindu worshippers in downtown Toronto. Shri Maha Ganapathy temple contains various idols of various deities, including Lord Ganesha. Must go to find inner peace.
16. Sridurka Hindu Temple
This place is impossibly peaceful and organized. The most important aspect of Sri Durga Temple in Scarborough is its silence, which allows you to meditate without distraction. When you visit this temple, time seems to stand still because there is so much to admire: the internal architecture, the great paintings of the idols, and the beauty that words cannot express.
17. Canada Kandaswamy Temple
Mr. K. Kailaaisantha Kurukul laid the groundwork for this magnificent temple in 1998. A large image of Navalar Perlman can be spotted there. All of the templeโs customs and celebrations are carried out in the same manner as the Nallur Kandaswamy temple in Sri Lanka.
18. Canada Sri Ayyappan Hindu Temple
Canada Sri Ayyappan Hindu temple is known as the Sabarimala of Canada and was founded in 1991. In the beginning, it was rented in a small place. Later in 1998, a plot completely separate was purchased for the construction of this temple. It started to become popular and slowly attracted a lot of devotees as well.ย
19. Jai Durga Hindu Society
This temple is located at the Inner Circular Road, New Street Brampton, Canada. Here Lord Sati is seen being worshipped as Durga, and Lord Bhairav is known as Vaidyanath or Baidhynath. This place is known as Hardapeetha. There is a strong reason behind calling this temple a Hardapeetha. It is considered that the heart of Shri Sati fell over this area.
People of various ethnicities and religions coexist peacefully in Canada. The temples in Toronto are a proud symbol of Canadaโs multicultural society. Since 1960, Canada has seen a large Hindu migration. Punjabis, Tamils, Telugu, and Bengali Hindus make up most of the Hindu diaspora. If you are a traveller and looking for Hindu temples to worship, you have many options. You can visit any temple according to your convenience.
Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
