The Subramanya Ayyappa Temple is the manifestation of Swami Vishnudevananda’s vision to have a place for people to come together to worship. A traditional South Indian Temple inaugurated in 1994, it attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year from all cultures and nationalities. Located in the Laurentian mountains, it is a unique space in North America, where visitors can enjoy the positive and peaceful vibrations of the Temple and its beautiful surroundings.

The dome and scepter 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. They also attract energy which is then balanced, transmuted, and grounded, filling the temple with pure vibrations.

The pond in front of the temple is symbolic of the great tanks of water in front of temples in India. Often devotees would come from great distances and would wash themselves in the temple pool before entering the house of the Lord. People could also offer their daily worship to the sun standing in the water. During festival times the deities were given ceremonial baths and the temple animals were cleaned in the tank. It provided fresh water during times of drought as most ponds were fed by underground springs. The water was regularly cleaned and provided a cool meeting place in the evenings. Water is symbolic as purity and serenity – a washing clean of all things. The temple pond was a place where birds, animals and people all lived co-existed in harmony.

The pond in front of the temple is symbolic of the great tanks of water in front of temples in India. Often devotees would come from great distances and would wash themselves in the temple pool before entering the house of the Lord. People could also offer their daily worship to the sun standing in the water. During festival times the deities were given ceremonial baths and the temple animals were cleaned in the tank. It provided fresh water during times of drought as most ponds were fed by underground springs. The water was regularly cleaned and provided a cool meeting place in the evenings. Water is symbolic as purity and serenity – a washing clean of all things. The temple pond was a place where birds, animals and people all lived co-existed in harmony.

There are many reasons why people come to Temples. Some come to visit God’s home to feel and remember His Divine Love and Beauty. Others go to give thanks for Grace received.

Traditionally, all over the world when people are going through difficulties they pray to God for help or protection. In return, they promise that they will do penance such as offering their hair, fasting, or going on a pilgrimage. They may promise to do a puja or worship at the temple. Many family members and friends attend the puja and later are fed by the person sponsoring the puja. The principle is that the more people they feed the happier they will be. Let God’s home be your own inner sanctuary.