Golok Parikar Canada
Golok Parikar Canada (GPC) is the Canadian division of Golok Dham Ashram, India. Inspired by our Guruji, His Divine Grace ‘Dharmaratna’ Swami Shri Gopal Sharan Devacharya Ji Maharaj, GPC was formed in 2007 to unite Guruji's Canadian families. Our goal is to follow Guruji's guidance and promote Hinduism amongst Canadians. GPC families meet monthly to recite the Sundarkand, thus promoting and maintaining our heritage.
GPC received charitable status in 2011. This allows us to collect donations and use this money to help our community where needed.
The objectives of Golok Parikar Canada encompass:
​
Advancement of Hinduism: to preach, promote, and advance the spiritual teaching of the Hindu faith through active religious observances, tenets, and doctrines. To foster the welfare of Hindus irrespective of their origin, to organize and support activities for the study, practice and development of the Hindu Dharma, Culture and Sabhyata (Civilization).
​
Advancement of Education: to establish and conduct Hindu religious and educational programs for the benefit of the Hindus and general public.
Golok Dham Ashram, India
His Divine Grace ‘Dharmaratna’ Swami Shri Gopal Sharan Devacharya Ji Maharaj (Guruji) founded Shri Golok Dham Ashram in Vrindavan, UP. In 2004, with the blessings of his own Guruji, Param Gurudev Swami Shri Lalita Sharan Devacharya, he opened Shri Golok Dham Ashram in Brijwasan, Delhi. This became the headquaters for Golok Dham. Guruji founded the Ashrams in order to teach Vaishnavism throughout the world.
Guruji is of the Nimbarka Sampradaya, one of the four traditional Vaishnava lineages. Guruji and his followers worship Sri Radha-Krishna, who is the eternal and perfect union of male and female, the Absolute.
Golok Dham Ashram, Brijwasan, Delhi was built over a 14 year period and was designed to honor Hinduism's traditions. The heart of the 5 acre complex, is the temple of Shri Radha-Krishna, the Supreme God. The Ashram includes a Yagshala (a place to perform havans), a Gaushala (housing for cows), Bhakta Nivas (apartments for visitors), Sant Nivas (place for visiting Swamis) and Kutir (Guruji's residence). In addition, there is a place for the many Brahmcharis that live at the ashram. They partake in sadhanas and religious training, as well as take care of the ashram's many needs.
Golok Dham Ashram provides for the spiritual needs of all visitors. The Brijwasan Ashram is located very close to the international airport, making it easy for Guruji's many international followers to visit him and the beautiful and tranquil Ashram.
Guruji's mission is to promote Hinduism and good Hindu practices around the world. He wishes to keep Hindus living outside of India united with their culture and roots. To this extent, Guruji constantly travels around the world, visiting devotees and teaching them the Hindu traditions.
Guruji has not only created a positive influence on Hindus worldwide, but also on the society at large. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip attended the opening ceremony for the Sri Lakshmi Narayna Mandir in Bradford, UK in 2007. It was the first time the monarch has attended the dedication of a Hindu temple. Guruji presented Her Majesty with a shawl.
Guruji's goal is to help build 108 Hindu Mandirs (temples) around the world. Although many of the mandirs are not part of his own organization, Guruji provides any help he can in establishing the Mandir. He provides advice, assistance, and personally performs the sacred Pran Pratista Ceremony himself.
Guruji has been recognized as a great contributor to the Hindu Society. In 2009, Hinduism Today recognized Guruji as "Hindu of the Year". Click here to read the article, Hindu of the Year 2009.
​
For more information about Golok Dham, please visit their website www.golokdham.org