Ann & Gopal's, Om Deepam Puja Centre
430 Passmore Avenue, Units 21 & 22
Toronto, ON
M1V 5A9
(416) 281-9000
Rating:
5 out of 5 stars
(
2 reviews)
Hours: 10:00 am to 07:30 pm, Mon to Fri; and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sat & Sun.
Status: Open
Reviews
A treasure Chest of Hindu Paraphernalia: Every thing imaginable for Hindu Pujas, Weddings and other religious supplies
Rated 5 stars by gopal singh
on August 24, 2010
For all your Puja and Wedding Requirements: In Scarborough’s East End exists a store very different from anything you will ever encounter. Upon entering The Deepam Puja Centre, one has to remove their shoes before proceeding further. Sandalwood fragrance permeates the air from incense burning someplace within. The sound of sacred mantras can be heard in the background. The owners, Ann and Gopal, greet you with the traditional clasped hands and “Namaskaar.” As you proceed through the store, there is a small temple with an “Akhand Jhyot”, an oil lamp lit with Ghee that is kept burning 24 hours. The owners perform their daily ritual worship here in the early morning before attending to customers or to the shop’s needs. Statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, carved from wood or marble in various sizes, abound. One of the largest selections of Books on Hinduism, Yoga, Meditation, Spirituality and Pujas, are available for reading or purchase. The shop was opened on 6th October, 2002, at an appointed time that was considered auspicious, with a full Puja performed by Maharishi Premchutji Maharaj, a Saint from Simla in India. Hindu Worshippers and priests visit the shop to acquire all of the necessary Puja (ritual) items and fresh leaves. With Shivaratri season upon us, there is a constant flow of patrons through the shop for bilva leaves, mango leaves, lotus flowers etc. And, generously, the leaves and lotus flowers are provided at no cost, even if there is no purchase of any items. Ann and Gopal believes it is their Dharma (righteous duty) to provide these for the community. Hindustani Musical instruments, stainless steel wares, brass and copper utensils used in Pujas are available in all sizes and shapes. Almost daily, some of the Swamis (Holy Men) that live in and around Toronto, drop in to meditate. A room inside the shop has been made available just for this. On the second level is all the ethnic wear needed for weddings, temples, yoga wear and daily use. In addition, all of the specialized items needed for an Indian Wedding, including shoes, Sherwanis, Saris, Lehngas, Mowrs, Jora Jamas, etc., are available in all sizes and fabrics, and priced to fit any budget. The shop also rents Mandaps/Maros, (a Gazebo-type structure under which a wedding takes place). One can spend days in this shop. It is truly a one-stop shop for all of your Wedding and Puja needs. The Deepam Puja Centre is also a drop-off center for cereal and powdered milk, for eventual distribution to several of the shelters and soup-kitchens in Toronto and Oshawa. Conversations with Ann and Gopal are often interrupted by phone calls from volunteers asking about the next dinner being served at one of our local shelters for the homeless. The shop also coordinates a Seva (Selfless- Service) program, which includes serving several hot dinners and lunches at some of the shelters in the city. Patrons of the shop are often invited to participate in the program. It is very welcoming to walk into a store on a cold and wintry day, and be served a hot cup of coffee or tea. The hospitality that greets patrons at The Deepam Puja Centre deserves a second visit. The Deepam Puja Centre has a new location at 430 Passmore Avenue, Units 21 & 22, in Scarborough. For further information, please call (416) 281-9000.
Rated 5 stars by Ram Singh
on June 08, 2009