Press Release
TORONTO, CANADA, November 20, 2011: It is customary for Hindus, before embarking on anything new, to begin with worship to Lord Ganesha. Therefore, as a pre-cursor to the Kumbabhishekam activities of Richmond Hill Hindu Temple in Toronto, a Maha Ganapathi Homam and 108 Sanga (conch) Abhishekam for Sri Ganesha was performed on Sunday, November 20, 211. The ceremony was officiated by Dr. Sivasri Pitchai Gurukkal, Hindu of the Year 2004, Chief Priest of the well-known and legendary Pillayarpatti Temple in Tamil Nadu, India, with over fifteen priests assisting.
The Richmond Hill Hindu Temple, one of the oldest and largest temples in North America, has commenced a substantial project for the construction of two Rajagopurams, each standing sixty-one feet for Sri Murugan and Sri Venkateswara, above the roof of the temple, and completion of the Rajagopurams at the base, on the ground, for Sri Ganesha, Sri Murugan and Sri Venkateswara. Also planned is a granite addition to the Ganesha altar, a decorative vaasal (entrance) for Sri Shiva, decorative pillars in the Mantapam and granite floors and walls at a cost of nearly five million dollars. The hope is to have this project completed prior to the commencement of the Kumbabhishekam function in 2012.