Nestled in the heart of Toronto, the Sri Durga Temple stands as a radiant symbol of devotion and spirituality for the Hindu community and visitors alike. With its awe-inspiring architecture, profound religious significance, and vibrant cultural events, the temple has earned its reputation as a spiritual haven and cultural center for worshippers and enthusiasts from all walks of life. Spanning several decades of dedicated service, Sri Durga Temple has become an integral part of Toronto's religious and cultural landscape. 1. Architecture and Aesthetics: As one approaches Sri Durga Temple, the first thing that captures attention is its magnificent architecture. The temple's facade showcases a blend of traditional South Indian and contemporary styles, making it an architectural marvel in the city. The vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and meticulously sculpted figurines create a visually striking and spiritually uplifting ambiance. Upon entering the temple, visitors are greeted by the ornate gopuram, adorned with vibrant depictions of Hindu deities, mythological scenes, and intricate motifs. The interior is equally captivating, featuring beautifully sculpted pillars, intricate ceiling designs, and graceful sanctums dedicated to various gods and goddesses. 2. Spiritual Significance: Sri Durga Temple holds immense religious significance for the Hindu community in Toronto. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the divine mother, the temple serves as a place of worship, meditation, and spiritual guidance. The main deity, Goddess Durga, is depicted in her fierce form, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the protection of her devotees. Apart from Goddess Durga, the temple also houses shrines dedicated to other deities, including Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and many more. This diversity of deities reflects the temple's inclusivity, welcoming devotees from various Hindu traditions and promoting a sense of unity among worshippers. 3. Religious Services and Festivals: Sri Durga Temple offers a wide range of religious services and cultural events that enrich the spiritual lives of its devotees. Daily puja rituals, abhishekas, and bhajans create an atmosphere of devotion and reverence within the temple. Priests are knowledgeable and approachable, fostering a sense of community and ensuring that visitors feel comfortable in their spiritual pursuits. The temple celebrates various Hindu festivals with great fervor and enthusiasm, further fostering a sense of cultural unity. Festivals like Navaratri, Diwali, Holi, and others are marked by grand processions, vibrant decorations, cultural performances, and special religious ceremonies, attracting thousands of devotees from across the city. 4. Community Engagement: Sri Durga Temple goes beyond being just a place of worship; it plays an active role in community engagement and social service. The temple hosts educational programs, language classes, and workshops on Hindu scriptures and cultural practices, fostering a deep understanding of Hinduism among the youth and community members. The temple's commitment to social welfare is evident through its involvement in various charitable initiatives. From organizing food drives for the needy to providing support during natural disasters, Sri Durga Temple exemplifies the spirit of compassion and service. 5. Welcoming Atmosphere: One of the most striking aspects of Sri Durga Temple is its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you are a regular worshipper, a first-time visitor, or someone curious about Hinduism, the temple embraces all with open arms. The volunteers and staff are friendly, accommodating, and always ready to guide visitors through the temple and its rituals. 6. Location and Accessibility: Situated in a convenient location within Toronto, Sri Durga Temple is easily accessible by public transportation and private vehicles. Ample parking is available, ensuring that visitors can park anywhere.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Being a human it’s beyond my capabilities to rate a temple. The above rating is for the temple's management. Because every temple is beautiful, this one was too. However, my wife and I discovered a few difficulties there. 1. Every information/instructions were written in the native language (South Indian). There were extremely few, if any, in English. As I believe, A Temple is for everyone and anyone can come for offer a pray, but if they don't understand their native language, it will be difficult for them to understand or follow whatever is written inside the temple. There should have been a common/global language too, like English. 2. On May 1st, we paid them a visit (it was a bright sunny day). As soon as we entered the temple, one of the pandits approached us and requested that we remove our jackets and leave them outside. We stepped outside and attempted to read all of the instructions, but there was no mention of leaving the jackets outside. (This relates to my first point about a lack of information/instructions in a generally recognised language.) However, a few minutes later, another native man (perhaps a member of the temple administration team) entered the temple wearing his jacket and no one stopped him. This struck me as a little discriminatory; if there is a regulation, it should apply to everyone, regardless of status. If management reads this, I'll ask them to consider my suggestions as constructive criticism that will eventually benefit them. I must add that the temple, like many other temples across the world, is really beautiful, but if a few flaws are addressed, it will be the best site to come for individuals like us on a regular basis

2022 experience - NOT ACCESSIBLE Despite previous bad experience I decided to visit the temple, NEEDING ACCESSIBLE ramps or entrance. I called in advance to check timings and regarding where wheelchair accessible doors were. Was told on phone " wheelchair access is only in certain portions of the temple". So I asked it is at least ok in some parts of the temple. I ended up travelling a big distance only to discover the building hasn't been made to be accessible at all. WASTE OF A TRIP AND TIME, ALSO SO NON-INCLUSIVE. 2019 Reached there with elderly mother only to realise it's closed even at 3/4pm . Doesn't even mention timings on the website. Checking up on the Management's reply I noticed Timings aren't mentioned as part of Google listing , but only in questions and answers, which people may not check. Most places have the upfront timing mentioned on Google listing so when we check navigation, Google automatically prompts that place maybe opened or closed .

Very unprofessional by the priest. Very rude by the priest. Respect is given to people depending on donation money. It is mentioned clearly in the board that the photography is prohibited but just because a family funded some money they could take photos. We were asked to keep quiet where we made no noise, on other side people who donated were making noise but only we were asked to keep quiet in a wrong manner... We come to pray god not the priest. Please do visit the temple if you are ready to give money and get blessings from the gurukkal. I would even give 0 star.

We discovered this place while randomly searching for temple to go to. The temple is conveniently located next to Lawrence Avenue and a quick walk from Victoria Park center. The street appears empty and lot of people parked on the streets, however there was plenty of parking lots behind the temple. The temple has a nice big kobura which reminds you of temples back in India. The temple is also very clean and well maintained. They just did kumbha abshikekha when we went and the Agni smoke smelt so auspicious. Definitely must visit place!!

Highly uncivilized temple to be honest, very rude priest and the Management doesn't take any action on them even when reported. Not sure how GOD tolerates it. Jai Durga devi. Edit - Below reply from the Management is a lie, they let 2 families near the shrine and when we went next to shrine that M----- yelled at us that we are not allowed to come there, a pure act of untouchability inflicted on us, when I called and checked with the Management they supported the act of untouchability. Can't believe such acts exists in today's world.

Wanted to give half star or 0 star. The woman in the temple screamed at me for holding my lamp and i requested her to say it politely to which she replied, if you don't know don't come to the temple. This is extremely rude and discriminating as I was trying to pray and she would not let me. Which religion says that someone is not allowed to the temple. ARRRGGGGHHHH it literally spoilt my entire day and how ruthless and rude people can talk!!! I really need to know how is that acceptable when someone says don't visit the temple?

Want to start by saying it was a very beautiful temple. Under construction but homely vibes. Just like all other South Indian temples I’ve visited. Would’ve helped to have instructions in English. The priest was very rude in asking me to take off my jacket, unusual and can’t figure why. There was a man with a jacket inside. Went for the first time and he was so unwelcoming. I’ve been to so many Hindu temples where I didn’t know rituals so didn’t expect it. Are women not allowed in front of certain deities?

Very pleasant and peaceful temple. I went two times at early morning 7am. As usual neivedhiya pooja happening by the time, so all the god and goddess were curtained. There u see lot of plants snd trees like neem , plantain so green to see. Visit atleast once to get blessings from mother durga. 1 star less for reception maintenance and front side entrance maintenance
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I discovered this temple this summer and I absolutely love visiting here. The festival in August, especially was full of spirituality. The staff were extremely friendly. The temple itself has beautiful stone work and architecture, which is rare to come across in local Canadian temples. Also the food given to devotees during the festival is a must try !! All in all, this temple is certainly my number one choice when it comes to prayer and divination.

It's a typical Tamilian Durga Amman temple with a clean surrounding, a Gajasthamba, and lots of space to sit down and meditate or chant mantras. It also has temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Navagraha, Venkateshwara, Bhairava, etc. The lintel is adorned with motifs depicting important Hindu mythological stories. The entire temple houses well maintained snake plants, the Holy Basil, and other plants giving a pleasant feeling.

Good temple but they lack time management. After paying for archanna they will keep us wait for long hour's, and they say payment can be made by visa or master card but they want cash , reason they mention is card reader isn't working. But they fail to put notice that card reader isn't working. Basically they want immediate cash and once we give cash they keep us wait.

Very nice place. They are very proud of their culture and this is one of the most authentic temples in canada. You may be shocked by how authentic the experience is but if you are looking for a temple please try visiting Sridurga
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The temple is quite vibrant when it comes to festivities. There is a large presence of the Indian community in the vicinity and even people attend the temple from far away places too. The presence of gopuram is something which is unique and special which is in line with the south Indian traditions and patterns.

One of the most divine Temple’s I’ve been to. The exterior of the temple does not do justice to the intricate hand carved art inside the Temple. So beautiful and clean!! Can’t wait for the exterior of the Temple to be completed. Will be one of a kind. Durga at this Temple is very beautiful and powerful.

Deepavali day people were waiting out side from 5.30pm . Until 6.30 they take in only those who 'paid ' for the special gowri poojai and tell everyone else to wait until 8pm night till that 'paid ' pooja is over. Isnt a Kovil for everyone? The management/trustees should handle this better.

Well built temple. Floor tiles are broken and donation is being collected from volunteers. Good initiative. 63 Nayanars on the side with light is a highlight here(I didn't count the number)
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The preist and staffs are extremely rude here. They won't even allow you to light a lamp and go around the gods. I didn't know and light the lamp and while I was going around the Durga the preist told me to blow out my lamp. Very terrible experience never going back again

Very beautiful temple. The priest here is very rude and has his own rules depending how well he knows the person. Temple management should work on being more welcoming to the public.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Beung raised in western part of INDIA so it was a very new and blissful place for me to visit, the place had a very strong vibe and the community feel was awsome. Jai Mata di
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

As a neighbour living close by, I completely appreciate the culture and beautiful architecture. My only issue is that it seriously lacks parking, resulting in cars parking along the entire length of the street, with families dangerously crossing the road.

Very nice and well designed Hindu temple. It has the pure dravidian style (south-indian) touch that will touch your heart. A visit to this temple will leave an everlasting impact on you and you would want to visit this place again.

I have attend festivals here in July for the past 5 years. I love the atmosphere, people, dancing and music. It is amazing to witness every year and the work they put into plays off. Looks beautiful inside and out and well cleaned.

Just a chair for senior citizen would have been a huge help. If the temple is not cater to everyone then you are purely existing for making money. Not to mention the very unprofessional rude chief priest. Thank you but never again.

A hindu temple, built with beautiful interior and out, only hindu temple to have 63 hindu pillars and mahabarath and ramayan stories curved on the wall! The moment you step in with your bare feet you will feel a vibration!!

Visited this Temple in new year. Much good dharshanam. For the new year, they have arranged poja for all gods and it was very good. Good crowd and Temple is simple and beautiful. They also provide Tamil Calendar for $5.

It’s one of the best Durga temple in Scarborough. You will end up seeing the South Indian style of architecture. Plan to visit once.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Om shakthi!! Pleasant environment inside the temple. Hidden gem for those who are searching for Hindu temple with vassal “kopuram “. You will never disappoint, I highly recommend for all devotees of Durga Devi!!

This temple is known for cleanliness and neatness. Temple management's discipline is at a very high level. Most important is the spiritual vibration. Yes, it is there. Temple is getting ready for Kumbavishegam

Peaceful. They need to mark parking correctly. A lot of devotees happen to park in the street not knowing there are empty parking lots adjacent to the temple hence road gets blocked unnecessarily.

I m Indra vinay kumar coming to Canada Toronto with my angel wife krithi Shetty heroine in 2024 i want to permanently settle in Canada Toronto by doing business of my wife desire i love canada

The most beautiful temple which give the feeling of entering a temple back in my home country.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Quite peaceful environment hygiene and love to go again and again for peacefulness
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Peaceful! It has some parking space. It was good for weekday not sure about weekends
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice temple with good ambiance , had a chance to visit on new year ... If you are in down town it says 40 mins transit , but bus stops at entrance which is a plus ...

Temple is beautiful, however, the management needs to mantain their toilet hygiene and cleanliness, at least for the fact that it is located just next to the temple.

Best part of this temple that they make their own prasad for sale so that they can maintain the purity of devotion. JAI MATA DI …

I had a good experience. Drawbacks:- 1) The temple is under construction 2) Not enough space to accommodate parking spaces for more than 10 cars.

It was a peaceful experience inside the temple. The exterior was in the construction phase .... however they maintained the interior very well.

Durga temple is good. All the facilities are satisfactory. Pandits are performing puja very well. Loved the place. JAI DURGAMMA TALLI …

Omg I loved the environment and God so peaceful ✌️
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Truly I was amazed by this temple. To have live music in this day of age is good to see. I’ve never seen a temple with greenery within it.

Temple maintenance is superior. One can feel great vibrations too. Hope Canadian laws are respected with regard to employees working here.

Wonderful temple. Very peaceful and beautiful
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Our family felt very divine in the temple. The temple is apt for praying peacefully. We all returned with happiness. Durga matha ki Jai.

Well maintained temple. Friendly priests.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Very pleasant & soothing You will feel like visiting this place again and again. Temple is getting renovated and will visit again.

Splendid and opulent temple for Ma Durga.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice pooja quiet place nice temple temple can serve non Tamil speaking devotees by print the Tample activities in. English.

Very nicely maintained temple. Lots of greenery inside the temple too! Everyone was wearing a mask and socially distancing.

One of the best Indian temple in Toronto, lot of good vibes, authentic poojas .. great temple to visit once at least .

Nice and serene temple with calmness and positive vibes. SURPRISINGLY most of the things including prasadam was paid.

Very peaceful and friendly crowd
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I feel very good.very peace ful.n full of positive vibrations.i visit again n again.i feel I m blessed.jay maa DURGA.

The place is spacious and the deties are beautifully decorated. The temple has an extremely spiritual vibe to it.

Temple ambience is too good
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Saturday I went there with my family Worship lord siva and durga weekend there half an hour praying meditation

Large temple with so man Hindu god idols. Parking on-site is very limited. Road side parking available though.

Very beautiful temple. Well maintained, clean and a must visit place. The Prasad is beautiful and very tasty.

Lovely space to pray with great energy. Amazing architecture and design of all the deities and structures.

Excellent temple
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Temple is very good with a great positive vibe...
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

A very serene and well kept temple. Divine ambience. Lots of parking, easily accessible by bus too.

One of the best Hindu temples I have visited so far.Please visit and enjoy the divine experience.

Nice place
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice clean Hindu temple. Small walk from Victoria and Lawrence Ave towards west of Lawrence...

Beautiful Durga temple. It's under renovation. Maha kumba bhisham June 2023. Don't miss out.

Please prepare for long time pooja’s and feel pleasant and relax. Worth temple in Canada.

Nice and neatly maintained inside the temple.Renovation work is going on outside goopram

Nice place with lots of peace. Went to pray for Hanumanji idol, however they dont have.

This place has a vibe. It has most of the Hindu gods:) peaceful and relaxing …

Do visit this temple once really serene and must go for the vibes that you can get.

Very Sanitity Vibration Temple - Blessed to be visited and had Devi's Blessings

Very peaceful... Very well maintained. Under construction now. But it is open.

Very beautiful temple!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Pleasant, My family felt extremely nice and blessed visiting this temple.

I’ve been going here for 08 years . Great and nice temple in Toronto .

The Dussera celebration was mind blowing. Kudos to everyone …

Beautiful temple
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Nice and quiet place, some renovations going on the temple

Very well maintained and peaceful. Jai Mata Di …

I love this temple! There is Peaceful and calmness to it

The temple is under renovation. Peaceful ambience

Such a divine place
Visited on
Weekend

The best hindu temple in Toronto. …

One of the best temples in Toronto

It's a very nice Hindu temple

Very beautiful from inside

Very nice place to visit

Beautiful temple.