Om Namo Bhagavade Sivanandaya
Established in 1949 by Sri Swami Sivananda
The 73rd Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa, as well as the 17th Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat was celebrated on Sunday, 5 June 2022.
Pujya Swami Sahajananda stated many times, "We are not tired of reiterating that the formation, growth and present status of Divine Life Society of South Africa is due entirely to the Grace of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda". Regarding the activities of the Society, the Divine Master gave his assurance in his own handwriting: God will look after the divine work. Lord will look after everything.
Some of the main aims of Divine Life Society of South Africa are the dissemination of our Master's literature, humanitarian relief aid projects and the promotion of our glorious Hindu Dharma. Pujya Swamiji worked seven days a week to get the books distributed far and wide. This momentum is being maintained by our press as it continues to churn out the Master's books by the thousands. We are most grateful to all our donors, patrons, well-wishers and devotees who continue to sustain and nurture our Master's Mission in South Africa.
On Wednesday, 1 June 2022, the 98th Sannyas Anniversary of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda was celebrated online, as well as at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. The morning online programme was held from 6-6.25am with Ganga Arati and a short invocation. The evening online programme commenced with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm.
On 1st June 1924, Sri Swami Vishwananda, observing the burning dispassion in the then Dr Kuppuswamy, initiated him into the Holy Order of Sannyas, as Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati. Every year on the first of June, we celebrate and observe this most sacred anniversary, this momentous event when our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, entered into Sannyas. No greater homage to the Master can be conceived than a sincere determination to lead the life that he himself led, a grand life of deep devotion to God.
Ganga Saptami or Ganga Jayanti is celebrated to worship Goddess Mother Ganga. The festival marks the rebirth of Mother Ganga on earth. Devotees offer prayers and take a dip in the holy waters of Ganga at the pilgrimage sites in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) and Triveni Sangam (Prayagraj). Divine Life Society of S.A. celebrated Ganga Saptami on Saturday, 7 May 2022.
In the book, Lord Siva and His Worship, our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda states, "The Ganga is the most sacred river of India. Lord Krishna says in the Gita: 'I am the Ganga among rivers'.
Sri Hanuman Jayanti (the birthday of Sri Hanuman), was celebrated on Saturday, 16 April 2022, at DLS Ashrams and branches. Satsang was also conducted online. This auspicious day also saw the culmination of the 41-day recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, 11 times daily which commenced on 7 March 2022. On 16 April, the Sri Hanuman Chalisa was recited 108 times at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, commencing at 5am as well as at a few branches. Chanting of this sacred Mantra was also done online for 108 times.
Pujya Swami Sahajananda recommended that, on the completion of the 41-day recital, a Havan should be performed. Accordingly, the Society live-streamed the Havan ceremony at 3pm.