ISKCON Toronto will be celebrating Diwali on Saturday November 14th. The Temple will be open for special Darshan Visits from 11:30am – 5:30pm (pre-booking is required, click
HERE to book).
The story of Diwali stems back to ancient times when inhabitants of Ayodhya celebrated the return of Lord Ramachandra. Lord Rama was in exile, away from His kingdom, for many years. The joyful day on which He finally returned is observed as Diwali, or Dipavali as the residents of Ayodhya lit many lamps to welcome Lord Ramachandra home (“dipa” means candles, and “vali” means numerous).
You can participate in this festival by sponsoring a ghee lamp that will be offered on your behalf by Bhaktimarga Swami and the Temple residents in the morning of this auspicious day. There will also be a special Yagna (fire sacrifice ceremony) where sponsors can participate virtually. Click here for more information,
We will also be celebrating Govardhana Puja on Sunday November 15th. The Temple will be open for special Darshan Visits from 12:30pm – 5:30pm (pre-booking is required, click
HERE to book).
During the time of Lord Krishna, the villagers of Vrindavan used to honour King Indra, the demigod responsible for providing rain for harvest. One day, young Krishna convinced the villagers to celebrate Govardhana Hill instead of Lord Indra because it was the soil of the hill that provided grass for the cows and bulls to graze and then they provided milk. Thus, the hill should be worshiped. King Indra got infuriated and sent massive thunderstorms as punishment. Lord Krishna calmly lifted Govardhana Hill with his little finger to provide shelter for Vrindavan’s residents. After seven days of continuous thunderstorms and rain, King Indra surrendered and asked for forgiveness from Lord Krishna. He realized his true position as a servant of Lord Krishna.
We will build a Govardhana Hill replica, made of prasadam, to worship Lord Krishna as the lifter of Govardhana HIll. Traditionally 56 varieties of foodstuffs are offered in this ceremony and this year you have the unique opportunity to sponsor one of these offerings and receive some special prasadam; click
here for more information. (Please note this year due to COVID protocols we will not be accepting offerings brought by devotees).
Our virtual Sunday Classes continue with a Special Govardhana Puja theme on November 15th at 5pm. Ronini Priya das will be speaking about the Glories of Govardhana Hill and the Cows. Additionally there will be a live Go Puja (ceremony honouring cows) from a devotee-run farm project. You can join the class
HERE.
