About SVBF (Canada)
Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation (SVBF)
Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation (SVBF) Canada was established as a non-profit, charitable organization to propagate Sanathana Dharma in communities across Canada in the year 2005. SVBF Canada is an overseas affiliate of Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri ,India and will promote teachings of Adi Shankara. SVBF Canada will also organize cultural programs for the community and encourage scholars to undertake research studies in the areas of interest to the community.
SVBF acquired an existing Shiva temple at 80, Brydon drive, Etobicoke, Toronto and an adjacent building. Occupying about 30,000 sq. ft., with marble and granite imported from India, the temple complex is a replica of the ninth century Sharada Peetham at Sringeri.
Construction of the temple, based on the grand tradition and rigorous guidelines of South Indian temples including a huge Rajagopuram in the front. Contruction for the temple began in 2009 and completed in 2010. The project involved construction of temple building with community space on land area admeasuring approx. 80,500 sqft. With parking of 90 cars within the complex and additional street parking for more then 200 cars with valid permits. Buildings are typically 20 ft in height. Three main feature of temple are Gopuram ( 30 ft ht), Mandapam ( 18 ft ht) and Ceremonial passageway depicting teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. Temple Floor is heated granite and marble. The entire project costed over $10 million and consist of a magnificent Sharada temple, Community Centre and Adi Shankara museum.
This is the first ever shrine to goddess Sharadamba. There are ten shrines dedicated to different deities - Ganesha - the remover of obstacles. Goddess Sharadamba - the main deity. Lord Shiva is Chandramouli and Adi Shankara, who is considered an avatar. Lord Vishnu is in the examplary avatars of Sitaram and Radhekrishna. Devi as Durga, Hanumanji, Lord Karthikeya or Muruga and a shrine to the Navagriha.
The Sringeri Community Centre was inaugurated on 13th December, 2008 and the newly renovated temple was inaugurated on 20 June, 2010. SVBF Canada wishes to thank the entire community and several volunteers for their participation in the Maha Kumbabishekam and helping us in this endeavour to propagate our rich tradition. We look forward for the continued support of the Community in all our events and celebrations.
SVBF Canada aims to propagate universal values of higher learning and personal development for communities across Canada based on the age old Indian traditions. It is apt to recognize that the name “Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation” was chosen to bring the blessings of the current 36th Acharya His Holiness Jagadaguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigaland the previous 35 th Acharya His Holiness Jagadaguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Abhinava Vidya Tirtha Mahaswamigal. SVBF Canada will work closely with SVBF USA, another overseas affiliate of Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri. SVBF USA was established in Pennsylvania, USA to propagate the same teachings and principles in the United States. The opportunity to promote the rich Indian culture and traditions is immense.
Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya (788-820 A.D.) established Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri early ninth century. The organization has produced over centuries, a galaxy of Acharyas in an unbroken chain of guru–shishya tradition, right from Adi Shankara to the present Acharya of Sharada Peetham, Sringeri. His Holiness Jagadaguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal is the 36 th Acharya in the chain of guru–shishya tradition. He ascended to the throne of transcendental wisdom on October 19, 1989. No Hindu institution has survived for 12 centuries with such continuous and ever increasing splendor as the Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, whose followers run into millions.
“Vidya” is a Sanskrit word meaning learning. While spiritual education and evolution of humanity is the highest goal, as is the case with any sacred institution, Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri has inspired people for more than 1200 years to pursue academic and artistic excellence. The organization runs numerous schools as well as engineering colleges and management institutions throughout India. Members and followers of the organization are noted for reaching the highest levels of achievement in academic, artistic, business and government enterprises.
