HAGERSVILLE—What was once a quiet church on Sherring Street North in Hagersville has now become a hub for Hindu culture and spirituality.
The Maa Ambika Devi Shaktipeeth Hindu Heritage Centre has officially opened its doors, offering a dedicated space for religious and cultural practices to flourish and connect communities.
Located in the former Hagersville Christian Reformed Church on Sherrington Street North, the centre blends history with heritage, honouring both its roots and its new purpose.
Monia Sharma and her sister Kiran Sharma, the visionaries behind the project, immigrated to Canada from India in 1983.
Last fall, the sisters finalized the purchase of the historic church building and embarked on an ambitious transformation project.
While a few changes were made to align the space with its new purpose, the sisters were mindful of preserving elements that would make everyone feel welcome. Some of the church’s original pews remain, offering familiar seating for visitors who prefer them.
The heritage centre draws its name from the sacred Maa Ambika Devi Shaktipeeth Temple, dedicated to Sati, the Hindu goddess of marital felicity and longevity. Sati is revered as an aspect of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and her story forms the foundation of the 51 Shakti Pithas—sacred sites scattered across the Indian subcontinent.
According to Hindu beliefs, after Sati immolated herself in protest of her father Daksha’s insult toward her husband, Lord Shiva. Grief consumed Shiva as he carried her body across the cosmos.
To ease his sorrow, Lord Vishnu used his divine Sudarshana Chakra to dismember Sati’s body.
Fifty-one fragments fell across regions, creating the Shakti Pithas. Each site represents a specific part of Sati’s body, and the temple in Hagersville is named after the site believed to house her left leg.
Ambika, another name for Adi Shakti—the mother of the universe—is also revered as Bhagavati or Chandi.
The Sharmas explained that they had visited multiple Shakti Pithas to collect sacred items such as holy water and tilkum, which are believed to help the centre bring blessings and fulfil desires.
The opening of the Maa Ambika Devi Shaktipeeth Hindu Heritage Centre comes with great anticipation, and the sisters are eager to share their space with the broader community.
The centre’s inaugural public event will take place on January 12, beginning at 3 p.m., with a Lohri celebration.
Lohri is a lively Punjabi festival primarily celebrated in Northern India, marking the end of winter and the arrival of the harvest season. Central to the festival is the lighting of a bonfire, symbolizing warmth, renewal, and gratitude for nature’s abundance. Families and friends traditionally gather around the fire, singing folk songs and performing energetic dances like bhangra and gidda. Offerings such as sesame seeds, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn are thrown into the flames as tributes.
Kiran explained that children often participate by singing traditional songs and asking for Lohri treats from family and friends, receiving sweets or money in return. Beyond its agricultural roots, Lohri also marks personal milestones and significant “firsts,” such as the birth of a child, a newlywed couple’s first Lohri, or, in this case, the opening of a new community space.
“The timing of our first event couldn’t be more fitting,” said Monia. “Lohri is all about togetherness, celebration, and marking new beginnings. It’s a festival that transcends barriers, and we want everyone—regardless of faith, age, or background—to feel welcome here.”
The sisters hope that the Maa Ambika Devi Shaktipeeth Hindu Heritage Centre will serve as more than just a place of worship—it will be a cultural hub for future generations, fostering education, understanding, and a sense of belonging. They envision the centre as a bridge, connecting the rich traditions of Hindu culture with the diverse Canadian cultural mosaic.
The space will also give a chance for Hindu culture to be passed onto the next generations. Kiran noted that their children had no problems learning about Canadian culture or religious practises but they want to pass on what they learned from their parents.
“We wanted to follow father’s footsteps,” said Kiran, who explained how their father sponsored a room in a temple in India where visitors and pilgrims to the temple could stay.
As preparations for the Lohri celebration continue, Monia and Kiran extend an open invitation to the Hagersville community and beyond. “This space is not just ours—it belongs to everyone who walks through these doors,” said Kiran.
The January 12 celebration promises vibrant music, traditional dances, delicious food, and the warm glow of the Lohri bonfire. More importantly, it symbolizes a new chapter for Hagersville—a chapter of cultural harmony, spiritual connection, and shared celebration.
For more information about the centre and upcoming events, visitors are encouraged to reach out to the Maa Ambika Devi Shaktipeeth Hindu Heritage by calling Monia at 905-906-5449.
