JDHSS has two mandates:
Our mission is to work with the broader community to offer inclusive programs and services that meet the needs of people of all ages, races, and faiths. We aim to promote secularism and harmony among all individuals regardless of socio-economic status, faith, race, or background.
We have developed and implemented programs designed to impart universal cultural knowledge, including dance, yoga, music, singing, and languages. These programs are provided for a nominal fee or free of charge when possible.
JDHSS aims to address the spiritual, cultural, social, and educational needs of the Hindu Community in the Eastern part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Durham Region, Markham, Scarborough, and throughout the GTA. These activities are conducted in a manner that respects all faiths and maintains harmonious relations with the wider community, without requiring attendees to participate in any faith-related activities.
Our core devotees and audience is everyone interested in learning and practicing Hinduism and Hindu culture in all its forms, regardless of their national origins. Generally, our devotees come from many countries who have migrated and settled in the GTA and have origins in India, Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Guyana, Trinidad, Sri Lanka, and many other countries. Their needs are to maintain their Hindu culture and religion, but they also wish to integrate into Canadian society simultaneously. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in our events.
Our Spiritual Leader, Pandit Damodar Sharma, can deliver religious and other services in Sanskrit, Hindi, and English and attracts audiences from many different backgrounds, especially young people and English-speaking audiences who do not speak Hindi.
JDHSS has always relied on the power of volunteer efforts to help deliver all of the amazingly successful programs for our community. Our volunteers maintain our temple and perform other duties such as daily upkeep and maintenance, gardening, managing programs, organizing events, kirtan, and performing general management of the temple.
Our core team of volunteers has a successful record of solid management with many years of experience and success in temple management. Volunteering also means meeting incredible, new people who share strong, spiritual values.
To join our volunteer group please fill out the form below:
Our Banquet Hall operates as a community centre accommodating various gatherings hosted by community organizations, individuals, and families; it is available at nominal rates.
The venue is suitable for events, such as meetings, workshops, conferences, birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. It also doubles as performing arts center with a stage for artists, and an audience area. Our organization, along with community members, hosts numerous cultural and artistic performances by both local and international artists throughout the year.
General Services:
JDHSS offers direct programs and services to the community at large, welcoming people of all faiths, races, and cultures. These activities are non-religious with no participation or membership fees and no requirement for anyone to participate in any dimensions of faith.
The programs and services include two weekly Seniors programs, one organized by JDHSS, and another by a non-affiliated organization rent free. Additionally, we offer free weekly yoga, dance, and music classes; on Sundays we host heritage and cultural classes and provide a free lunch to the community. We currently offer a free dinner to the community on Tuesday evening with the intent to make this a daily offering.
The JDHSS volunteers collect and donate surplus food to the local food bank and host a weekly, free bread distribution program via a partnership with COBS Bakery.
Religious Services: