Om Namo Bhagavade Sivanandaya
Established in 1949 by Sri Swami Sivananda
This sacred event was celebrated online on Tuesday, 8 September 2020, commencing with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm. The morning session, which commenced at 5am with the final chanting of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, 11 times, saw the culmination of the 41-day recital. This was followed by Havan which was live-streamed from Sivanandashram, Chatsworth. More than 500 devotees signed the pledge form to undertake the 41-Day chanting of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. 1881 devotees viewed the Havan ceremony and participated online.
In respect of the birthday of a saint, the Master said: "Few events are more auspicious than the celebration of birth anniversaries of saints." Regarding the celebration of his birthday, the Master explained: "The devotees take delight in celebrating the birthday and are uplifted and benefited. A spiritual wave is created year after year when the birthday is celebrated, and more and more people get a chance of knowing the existence of Divine Life Society and my teachings. The pious, receptive attitude prevalent on such an occasion draws forth the Grace of the Guru and God upon the devotees. The thoughts of peace, devotion, love, etc., sent out by the innumerable devotees that assemble to celebrate the birthday, go a long way to promote peace, harmony and spiritual well-being in the country."
On 6 September, a special cultural programme, dedicated to the Master, was screened, depicting his life and teachings. There were 550 views. It featured the day-to-day activities of the Master, with a voice over by Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Our children from grades 4 – 7 also participated in various readings.
Sri Ganesha Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesha, is one of the most popular of Hindu Festivals. Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated this auspicious event online on Saturday, 22 August 2020. Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda wrote, "Lord Ganesha is worshipped first in any kind of prayer. His Names are repeated first before an auspicious work is begun, before any kind of worship is begun. Without the blessings and Grace of Lord Ganesha, nothing whatsoever can be achieved. No action can be undertaken without His support. Lord Ganesha is an embodiment of wisdom and bliss. He is the Lord of Brahmacharins. He is foremost amongst the celibates".
Through the grace of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, the Society has contributed towards the establishment of the Sivananda RK Khan Hospital Screening Centre (images below), to assist in the control and eradication of the coronavirus pandemic. This initiative was in partnership with the Divine Health Forum, an NGO doing humanitarian work.
The Society has also contributed towards the establishment of the Sivananda King Dinuzulu Hospital Screening Centre and the Sivananda Wentworth Hospital Flu Clinic, to assist in the control and eradication of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the sacred Birthday of Lord Krishna, was celebrated on Wednesday, 12 August 2020 via an online Satsang. There were 1671 views. The programme commenced at 5.30pm with Ganga Arati and concluded at midnight with the celebration of the Birth of the Lord. Bhagavan Sri Krishna was the Ishta Devata of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda who wrote the following in Lord Krishna and His Lilas: "Lord Krishna was the highest incarnation of the great Lord Vishnu. He was the unique and crowning incarnation of all. He was the world teacher. He was the one Lord of love. His Divine form holds the heart of India captive in chains, even today. The Bhagavata, the Mahabharata, the Vishnu Purana—all proclaim with one voice that there was none to match Sri Krishna in beauty and elegance of form in all three worlds".