Consecration of Great Hindu Temple in Toronto

Toronto, Ontario (CHAKRA) – One of India’s most moving philosophers, who died at the early age of 32, is being remembered 1300 years later for his part in strengthening and reviving Hinduism.

Shankaracharya’s teachings are being remembered this Sunday at the consecration of a temple built in his name.  The temple is dedicated to the history of his teachings and contributions to Hinduism.  The ritual being celebrated on Sunday is known as Kumbhabhishekam and will be held in Rexdale where the new temple is situated.  This is the first temple of its kind which has been made to honour Shankaracharya’s philosophies of Hinduism.

Approximately, 10, 000 people are expected to attend the consecration at the Sringeri Temple’s newly-built tower, which is aesthetically typified by South Indian style architecture, in which priests will take part in the auspicious inauguration.

The building which is located on Brydon Dr. will be transformed into a temple after priests use holy water from the Ganges, Yamuna and other great rivers of India to spiritually cleanse and then permeate into a temple.

About 21 priests have flown in from India to attend this revered ceremony.  They will be taking part in the ceremony by chanting starting from Friday until the Sunday and will be clothed in saffron dhotis.

The $12 million building has been funded by various Indian foundations, consists of a museum, community center, as well as a library for the study of Hinduism.

Up until the end of last week, final additions were still being made to the building, by craftsmen who brought slabs of granite and marble panels from Rajestan both of which depict carvings that portray the story of Shankaracharya’s life.

President of the Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation, V.I. Lakshmanan praised Shankaracharya’s character by stating that he is a great soul who lived for a short time but did great things. 

Shankaracharya is known for his belief in non-dualism suggesting that there is no separation from god.  God is within everyone and is in oneself, according to his teachings.

Although the temple is now almost at the end of its construction, the community centre has existed for over two years providing free Yoga classes, dance classes as well as youth camps.

The temple will likely attract attendees who are descendents of both North and South India because of its focus on the goddess of learning and wisdom, Sharada—who is the main deity of the temple.

The goal from the beginning was to serve all Hindus regardless of which part of India they descend from, according to Lakshmanan.  He is a scientist who works in sustainable development.

The Sringeri temple not only celebrates the teachings of Shankaracharya but will also serve as a social community place for the gathering of Hindus.