{"id":93,"date":"2026-03-29T16:06:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-29T16:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/?page_id=93"},"modified":"2026-06-19T04:04:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T04:04:22","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About Temple"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00b7 Est. 1993 \u00b7 Val-Morin, Qu\u00e9bec, Canada<\/p>\n<\/div>

A Temple Born of Faith & Forest<\/span><\/h1><\/div>

Founded by Swami Vishnudevananda and operating under the Sivananda Yoga Ashram, the Subramanya Ayyappa Mariyamman Temple has served the Sri Lankan and South Indian community of Qu\u00e9bec for over three decades.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Who We Are<\/p>\n<\/div>

A Sanctuary of
\nDevotion & Community<\/i><\/span><\/h2><\/div>

Nestled in the serene forests of Val-Morin, Qu\u00e9bec, the Subramanya Ayyappa Mariyamman Temple stands as a beacon of Hindu spirituality for the Sri Lankan and South Indian community of Canada, and all seekers of divine grace.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Founded in 1993 by Swami Vishnudevananda, our temple was established to serve the community, promote unity and equality, and support social harmony. We follow Shaiva Agama, Shakta tradition, and mixed South Indian temple practices, and operate under the administration of the Sivananda Yoga Ashram.<\/p>\n

Built in a mixed Dravidian and Kerala architectural style, the temple now serves more than 2,000 devotee families \u2014 welcoming worship in Tamil, English, and French \u2014 and continues to grow as a home for Sanatana Dharma in the Laurentians.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/i><\/span>
<\/div><\/div>
Our History<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Book Poojas<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
0<\/span><\/div>
Sacred Deities<\/div><\/div><\/div>
0<\/span>+<\/span><\/div>
Devotee Families<\/div><\/div><\/div>
0<\/span>+<\/span><\/div>
Years Since Founding<\/div><\/div><\/div>
0<\/span><\/div>
Days Open Weekly<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Our Purpose<\/p>\n<\/div>

Our Mission &<\/span> Vision<\/i><\/p><\/h2><\/div>

Guided by devotion, service, and unity \u2014 the principles that have shaped
\nthis temple since 1993.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i>

Our Mission<\/h2><\/div>

To preserve Hindu traditions through poojas, festivals, and Annadhanam while serving devotees with devotion, compassion, and respect.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i>

Our Vision<\/h2><\/div>

To be a peaceful spiritual temple in Val-Morin, preserving Sanatana Dharma and sharing divine blessings, knowledge, and unity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i>

Unity & Equality<\/h2><\/div>

We welcome all devotees with warmth and dignity, promoting equality, harmony, and mutual respect within the community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Our Story<\/p>\n<\/div>

From a Founder\u2019s Vision to a
\nLiving Temple<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/h2><\/div>

In 1993, Swami Vishnudevananda founded the Subramanya Ayyappa Mariyamman Temple in Val-Morin, Qu\u00e9bec \u2014 establishing a sacred space to serve the community, promote unity and equality, and support social harmony among devotees.<\/p>\n<\/div>

The temple operates under the administration of the Sivananda Yoga Ashram, connecting it to the broader Sivananda Yoga Vedanta tradition. Built in a mixed Dravidian and Kerala architectural style, it follows Shaiva Agama, Shakta tradition, and mixed South Indian temple practices.<\/p>\n

Over three decades, the temple has grown to serve more than 2,000 devotee families from the Sri Lankan and South Indian community \u2014 with worship offered in Tamil, English, and French, welcoming all who seek the Lord\u2019s grace.<\/p>\n

The temple now enshrines ten presiding deities, performs daily poojas, and prepares for a renewed opening on April 11, 2026 \u2014 continuing its mission of devotion and community service into a new chapter.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/i><\/span>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Milestones<\/p>\n<\/div>

Our Journey Through the Years<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/h2><\/div>

From a founding vision to a thriving temple community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/span><\/div>

1993<\/h3><\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Temple Founded
\nSwami Vishnudevananda establishes the Subramanya Ayyappa Mariyamman Temple in Val-Morin, Qu\u00e9bec, to serve the community and promote unity, equality, and social harmony.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/span><\/div>

1993 \u2013 Present<\/h3><\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Sivananda Ashram Administration
\nThe temple comes under the administration of the Sivananda Yoga Ashram, connecting its daily worship to the broader Sivananda Yoga Vedanta tradition.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/span><\/div>

Ten Deities Enshrined<\/h3><\/div>
<\/div>
\n

Over the years, the temple expanded to enshrine ten presiding deities, including Lord Shiva, Ganesha, Subramanya, Ayyappa, Mariamman, Mookambika Devi, Vana Durga, Ardhanareeswara, Bhairava, and the Navagrahas, creating a rich centre for traditional Hindu worship and devotion.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/span><\/div>

Families Served<\/h3><\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The temple grows into a spiritual home for more than 2,000 devotee families from the Sri Lankan and South Indian community, with worship offered in Tamil, English, and French.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/span><\/div>

Temple Reopens \u2014 April 11<\/h3><\/div>
<\/div>
\n

The temple opens its doors for a new chapter of daily darshan, with the Kavadi Festival, Mariyamman Kodiyettam, and Murugan Kodiyettam among the first major celebrations of the year.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Sacred Symbolism<\/p>\n<\/div>

The Spirit Behind Every Stone<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/h2><\/div>

Every element of the temple \u2014 from its crowning dome to the waters at its
\nentrance \u2014 carries deep spiritual meaning.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The Kumbham<\/p>\n<\/div>

Crown of the Temple<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/h3><\/div>

The dome and sceptre at the very top of the temple are known as the Kumbham. They transmit all the energy that is created within the temple out to the universe, while simultaneously attracting cosmic energy which is balanced, transmuted, and grounded \u2014 filling the entire temple with pure, sacred vibrations.<\/p>\n<\/div>

“The Kumbham is the meeting point of heaven and earth.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The Sacred Pond<\/p>\n<\/div>

Waters of Purity & Serenity<\/span><\/i><\/h3><\/div>

The pond in front of the temple is symbolic of the great temple tanks of India. Traditionally, devotees who had travelled from great distances would wash themselves in the temple pool before entering the house of the Lord. During festival times, the deities were given ceremonial baths, and the water served the community through periods of drought.<\/p>\n

Water is symbolic of purity and serenity \u2014 a washing clean of all things. The temple pond was a place where birds, animals, and people lived together in harmony.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Why People Visit<\/p>\n<\/div>

A Reason for Every Heart <\/span><\/i><\/p><\/h3><\/div>

There are many reasons why people visit the temple. Some come to feel and remember God’s Divine Love and Beauty. Others come to give thanks for grace received. Traditionally, when people face difficulties, they pray for help and make a vow \u2014 to offer their hair, to fast, or to sponsor a pooja.<\/p>\n

When the vow is fulfilled, family and friends gather, and the more people fed, the greater the joy.<\/p>\n<\/div>

“Let God’s home be your own inner sanctuary.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

The Deities<\/p>\n<\/div>

Divine Presences We Worship<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/a><\/span>

Lord Subramanya<\/h3><\/div>

Skanda<\/strong>
\nCommander of the Divine Army<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/a><\/span>

Lord Ayyappa<\/h3><\/div>

Dharma Shasta<\/strong>
\nGuardian of Righteousness<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/a><\/span>

Goddess Mariamman<\/h3><\/div>

Divine Mother<\/strong>
\nBestower of Health & Abundance<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/a><\/span>

Ardhanareeswara<\/h3><\/div>

SHIVA-SHAKTI<\/strong>
\nUnion of the Divine Masculine & Feminine<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/a><\/span>

Mookambika Devi<\/h3><\/div>

Goddess of Wisdom<\/strong>
\nSource Of Knowledge & Insight<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/a><\/span>

Vana Durga<\/h3><\/div>

GODDESS OF FOREST<\/strong>
\nFierce Protectress of Nature<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/a><\/span>

Ganesha<\/h3><\/div>

VIGHNAHARTA<\/strong>
\nREMOVER OF OBSTACLES<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/a><\/span>

Bhairava<\/h3><\/div>

KSHETRAPALA<\/strong>
\nGUARDIAN OF THE SACRED<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/a><\/span>

Navagrahas<\/h3><\/div>

CELESTIAL GOVERNORS<\/strong>
\nINFLUENCERS OF KARMA & DESTINY<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Our Priests<\/p>\n<\/div>

The Guardians of Sacred Tradition<\/span><\/em><\/h2><\/div>

Our priests carry the unbroken lineage of Vedic knowledge,
\nperforming rituals with precision, devotion, and deep spiritual
\nunderstanding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>

Vasishta Swamy<\/h3><\/div>

Head Priest<\/p>\n<\/div>

With over 30 years of experience in Hindu temple worship, Vasishta Swamy has served temples across the USA and Canada, specialising in Vedanta and traditional rituals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>

Harisha Pejathaya<\/h3><\/div>

Priest<\/p>\n<\/div>

Specialising in Vedic Tantra Pooja, Harisha Pejathaya supports daily worship and special ceremonies, serving devotees with dedication, care, and precision.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div>

Manjunath<\/h3><\/div>

Priest<\/p>\n<\/div>

Trained in Vedic and Kerala Tantra traditions, Manjunath contributes to daily rituals and ceremonies, sharing South Indian temple practices with the community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-93","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/93","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=93"}],"version-history":[{"count":83,"href":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/93\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1033,"href":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/93\/revisions\/1033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sivanandacanada.org\/temple\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=93"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}