At Sri Murugan Temple, our journey began with a simple yet profound vision: to create a sacred space where individuals from all walks of life can come together in unity, devotion, and spiritual growth. Founded in 2000, we are a non-profit organization, proudly registered under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. Our temple was established to honor Lord Murugan, the epitome of wisdom and courage, and to foster a community where spirituality thrives. Over the years, we have grown from humble beginnings to a vibrant community hub, welcoming thousands of visitors and devotees seeking solace and connection.
In the early 90s, a wave of Tamils from Sri Lanka migrated to the Region of Waterloo. This was mainly due to the civil war taking place during that time in the South asian island. In the fall of 2000, some members of this small community of twenty-odd families decided to hold monthly Bhajans, Thevarams and other hindu rituals within the community and opened up their homes for the ceremony. Large scale gathering were held mostly at Christ Lutheran Church Hall of Waterloo and Ram Dham Hindu temple of kitchener.
In April 2002, His Holiness the Chief Priest, Thiru Thiyagaraja Kurual from Durga Thevasthanam of Toronto visited Waterloo at the invitation of the community. A special pooja ceremony was held at Lutheran Hall in Waterloo, Ontario.
A small group of devotees continue to monthly bhajans at Radha Krishna Mandir, Cambridge and Sai Bakthi Dam in Kitchener. Vilaku Poojai and other festivities take place.
Thirupugal Annbargal community of Toronto held Thirupugal secession at Lutheran Hall in Waterloo. Tara Mami, Prof. S. Pasupathi and others graced the occasion.
In 2020, a large migration of South Indian Tamils occurred to the Waterloo Region. The temple project rejuvenated the idea of establishing a South Indian-style temple in the Waterloo region. It was reviewed on April 04, 2023, at a meeting at 279 Stoke Drive, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. A new committee was formed, and the registration process commenced.
Our vision is to establish the Sri Murugan Temple as the spiritual and cultural cornerstone for Hindu devotees across the region of Waterloo and Wellington. We will be the first temple in the Region of Waterloo built in the traditional Dravidian style of South India, creating a sacred landmark for all.
This vision extends beyond the temple walls to create a complete community ecosystem. We envision a vibrant campus featuring a dynamic community centre—a place for recreation, arts, and nurturing the development of our youth. Alongside it, we will build a supportive seniors' home, offering our elders a place of peace, dignity, and care close to the spiritual heart of their community.
Ultimately, we are building a welcoming sanctuary where faith and culture flourish, and where community members of all ages can find belonging, support, and spiritual nourishment.
The mission of the Sri Murugan Temple of Waterloo Region & Community Center (SMTWR) is to build a vibrant spiritual and cultural home for the Hindu community in the Region of Waterloo and Wellington County. Rooted in the Saiva traditions of South India and Sri Lanka, we provide a sacred space for worship and cultural celebration. We are committed to nurturing the well-being of our devotees and fostering cultural understanding in an inclusive environment that welcomes all who wish to learn and participate.
The Objective of the Waterloo Murugan Temple is to be a sacred centre for worship and community, dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Hindu culture, arts, and Vedic philosophy. We provide an authentic space for South Indian-style Hindu worship, fostering spiritual growth through devout ceremonies, vibrant cultural events, and educational programs. We welcome all to experience divine blessings, engage with our community, and immerse themselves in the beauty of our timeless heritage.