Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated the auspicious Sri Ram Navami at its Ashrams and some branches on Thursday 30 March 2023. Preceding Sri Ram Navami was the week-long Ramayan Week, from Wednesday 22 March until Wednesday 29 March 2023, during which daily Satsangs were held at the Society's Ashrams, glorifying Lord Rama. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang on Sri Ram Navami. The programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a Ramayan Recital and a message from our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda.

Both our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda had great love and reverence for Lord Rama, and glorified Him at every opportunity. The Om Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram Mantra holds a special place for devotees of the Society. The Master's reverence for Lord Rama is evident in the following excerpt from his book, Essence of the Ramayana. The Master wrote, "Sri Rama's life was a life of holy obedience, of stainless purity, of matchless simplicity, laudable contentment, commendable self-sacrifice and remarkable renunciation. He paid equal respect to his mother and his stepmothers and revered his Guru".

Divine Life Society of South Africa observed the Day of Descent of Divine Grace on Wednesday 1 March 2023. The evening Satsang at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, included Kirtans, Bhajans, an overview of the significance of the Day of Descent of Divine Grace, an audio recording by Pujya Swami Sahajananda, and a reading on the same theme.

The significance of this important day is captured in the following utterance by Pujya Swamiji in November 2007, "Since the 1st of March I am enjoying 24 hours unbroken peace of mind. Previously there used to be a sharp pain inside, but now there is nothing".

CLICK HERE TO READ DIVINE LIFE MAGAZINE NO.134

As an offering to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, Lord Rama and Sri Hanuman, the 41 Day Sri Hanuman Chalisa recital will commence on Friday, 23 February 2023. The launch of the 41 day recital will take place on 23 February 2023 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commences at 5:30pm followed by 11 recitals of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. The 41 day recital will culminate on the sacred Sri Hanuman Jayanti on Wednesday, 05 April 2023.

If you would like to participate in the 41 day recital, kindly complete the online pledge form below. All signed pledges will be offered at the Shrine on the day of the launch. 

Divine Life Society of S.A. celebrated Mahasivaratri at all its Ashrams on Saturday 18 February 2023. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm and the Satsang concluded the next morning at 5am. Befitting this sacred night, the programme was a veritable spiritual feast with a variety of presentations and devotional offerings to Lord Siva. Melodious Kirtans and Bhajans, performances and presentations by guest artistes, readings, poems, Sanskrit verses in praise of Lord Siva, audio recordings, videos, and the chanting of the sacred Om Namah Sivaya Mantra while circumambulating the Ganga Rani pool, all featured on the programme. Special guest artistes included Sri Solly Pillay, Dr Veena Lutchman, Smt. Siddharthiya Pillay and Smt. Archana Sridhar & troupe.

Sri Swami Sivananda's message in the First Prahara, taken from Glory of Sivaratri captured the Master's profound reverence for Lord Siva. The Master writes, "When creation had been completed, Siva and Parvati had been living on the top of Kailas. Parvati asked; "O venerable Lord, which of the many rituals observed in Thy honour doth please Thee most?" Lord Siva replied: "The thirteenth night of the new moon, Krishna Paksha, in the month of Phalguna (February-March) known as Sivaratri, is My most favourable Tithi. My devotee gives Me greater happiness by mere fasting than by ceremonial baths, and offerings of flowers, sweets, incense, etc".