MY JOURNEY, MY DHARMA, AND MY REQUEST FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT

My name is Sharmila Narayan. I was born in Fiji and have spent most of my life in Canada. I am a wife, a devotee of Lord Shiva, a community member, and the Founder and Head Trustee of Hope Mahakaleshwar Foundation.

This is not simply a story about land, buildings, or money. It is a story about faith, perseverance, disability, sacrifice, and a dream that I believe was placed in my heart for a greater purpose.

In June 2020, my husband and I purchased approximately 27 acres of land near Hope, British Columbia. When we first acquired the property, it was largely undeveloped. There was no established home for us, limited services, and significant work was required before the land could support a community project. We left Surrey and moved to the property, beginning a new chapter of our lives.

What many people see today did not exist when we arrived. Every improvement required hard work, investment, and determination. We cleared land, developed infrastructure, brought in services, built structures, and slowly transformed the property while facing numerous challenges along the way.

I have lived with the effects of a serious motor vehicle accident and resulting disability. There were periods when I struggled with pain, mobility issues, and the effects of a concussion. At times, I needed assistance just to attend meetings and manage daily activities. Despite these challenges, I continued working toward the vision because I believed this project would benefit future generations.

My faith in Lord Shiva has been my greatest source of strength. During my journey, I felt a deep spiritual connection to the property and its natural surroundings. Later, during a visit to India, I received an 8.5-foot Shiva Lingam as a donation. Bringing the Lingam to Canada and establishing it on the property became a defining moment in the foundation’s history.

Over the last six years, my husband and I have often worked extraordinarily long hours trying to build and sustain this vision. We invested our savings, borrowed funds, managed contractors, handled development work, organized events, welcomed devotees, and tried to keep the foundation moving forward despite constant obstacles.

To continue development, I obtained private financing and invested substantial funds into the property. Logging, land preparation, infrastructure work, legal fees, professional fees, government requirements, and development expenses all added significant costs. My intention was always to create something lasting for the community and future generations.

At the same time, the property has been affected by ongoing utility and infrastructure activity in the area. For several years, I have been involved in discussions and disputes concerning access, construction activity, compensation, property impacts, safety concerns, and related matters involving Trans Mountain and other utility companies. These matters remain important to me because they have affected my ability to fully develop the property and generate income from the project.

I am currently waiting for the completion of a professional land survey that I commissioned to better understand property boundaries, access areas, utility corridors, bridge locations, and related issues. More than $5,300 has already been paid toward the survey, with additional costs still outstanding. Once the final report is received, it will help provide greater clarity regarding matters that have been under discussion for years.

In addition, the property requires septic and washroom infrastructure, currently estimated at approximately $25,000. Foundation accounting work is still underway through a new accountant and is expected to continue through the coming months. Mortgage obligations, professional fees, and ongoing operating costs continue to place significant pressure on the project.

There were times when I questioned whether I could continue. There were times when finances were extremely difficult and the future felt uncertain. Yet through faith, support from devotees, and determination, we continued moving forward one day at a time.

Today, people visit the property. Devotees come to pray. Community members support the vision. The project has already touched lives, and that is why I do not want to see it lost.

I am not asking the community to rescue me personally. I am asking the community to help preserve a vision that can belong to all of us.

I believe the next chapter should involve stronger community participation, transparency, professional governance, and leadership from the younger generation. My hope is to create a sustainable future where dedicated board members, professionals, volunteers, and community leaders work together to develop approximately five acres as a lasting community asset.

I would be honoured to continue serving as Founder and President while welcoming others who wish to help guide the project forward. This foundation should not depend on one person. It should become a community legacy.

My humble request is for support from devotees, community members, professionals, business owners, elected representatives, government agencies, and anyone who believes in preserving faith, culture, and community service.

If you can contribute through donations, sponsorships, volunteer work, professional expertise, fundraising, leadership, or board participation, your support can help ensure that this vision survives and continues to grow.

I have done my best. I continue to do my best. I am not giving up.

With the support of the community, I believe Hope Mahakaleshwar Foundation can become a lasting spiritual and community centre that serves future generations long after I am gone.

With gratitude, faith, and hope,

Sharmila Narayan

Founder & Head Trustee

Hope Mahakaleshwar Foundation

Born from a Vision, Sanctified by Shiva’s Grace

In 2020, Sharmila saw an 8-foot Shivaling in a divine dream — as if Lord Shiva Himself had called out to her.

Inspired by this sacred experience, she made a vow and offered $1 million to purchase this land.

Today, this land is adorned with 1,008 Shiva Lingams — a living pilgrimage site where devotion takes form.

This holy ground is now protected under the care of the Hope Mahakaleshwar Foundation, secured by law and blessed by Shiva’s grace.

Here, every breath is devotion. Every grain holds the presence of the Divine.

asha Mahakaleshwar Temple was founded by Sharmila Narayan Daughter of  Tangvellu Gounder South Indian  a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, who hails from South India and belongs to the Gounder family.

Her ancestors, originally from India, have lived abroad for over 150 years. Sharmila has faced many struggles in her life, including a life-altering accident that left her unable to walk. Seeking healing, she traveled to India for therapy, where she also visited Ujjain and had the divine blessing of Lord Mahakal.

After her visit, a miraculous improvement in her health began. Filled with gratitude and devotion, Sharmila had the property before going in India 27.3 acre land by the river. It was on this land that she had a vision of Lord Shiva's sacred Shivling, and at that moment, she made a life-changing decision - to build a grand temple dedicated to Lord Mahakal. Thus, the journey of Asha Mahakaleshwar Temple began. Sharmila ji is a devoted follower of Rajneesh Osho and has drawn immense inspiration from his discourses. During her visit to India, she joined Osho's camp in Pune. She first saw Osho at the age of 14 in 1987, and many of his teachings have deeply influenced her since then.