The 63rd Mahasamadhi Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda was observed on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills.  A morning Sadhana programme commenced at 6am and concluded at 6.25am. Akhanda Chanting was from 5am until 5pm.

The Satsang programme in the evening comprised a reading, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, melodious Kirtans and Bhajans and a DVD of the Master’s messages.

The reading entitled, The Great Soul Enters the Cosmic: Sri Swami Sivananda attains Mahasamadhi, extracted from Path to God-Realization, published by Divine Life Society of South Africa in September-October 1963, was a riveting account of Sri Gurudev’s final moments on the earthly plane. Even on this last evening, the Master’s habitual humour and spontaneous, gracious hospitality were manifest during the visit of the doctor from Dehradun. As he tapped him for his reflexes, the Master jokingly told him, "Your military training has made you rough. You are being hard on my body”. 

The reading vividly captured the Master’s failing health and love for Mother Ganga, as is indicative in, “Though he had difficulty in swallowing even liquid diet, he surprised the attending disciples on this last evening by asking for fresh Ganges’ water and gulping down half a glass of it without any apparent difficulty. He loved the Ganges, and satisfied himself upon his last day by quenching his thirst from the fresh water of the Ganges' ice-cold flow.

“The last rites of His Holiness were carried on in the traditional mode that is followed in regard to monks of the Paramahamsa Order. The body, seated in meditation pose with hands interlocked, was borne in a palanquin. There was an expression of serene repose and majestic calmness in the face. Earlier, during the entire past 36 hours, a continuous stream of devotees and disciples from far and near came into his humble little Kutir on the bank of the Ganges. They all went into the inner cave-like room where he had spent most of his life, and where he lay on his sick bed during the illness that proved to be the last. He had been made to sit up, as is the custom, and the devotees offered their obeisance and took a last look at him, who was so very dear to them all. It was with great difficulty that many could bring themselves to wrench their last gaze away from him…

“His body, clad in ochre robes, was borne aloft in a palanquin (Palaki) decorated with flowers, after the sacred bath given to the body with the various articles of ‘Abhisheka’ and with the holy waters of the Ganges, right on the bank of the Ganges…Wending its way along the side of the Ganges, the procession, to which thousands had thronged from Rishikesh and the neighbourhood, turned into the hill-side road and climbed up the path leading to the Ashram's temple—Sri Viswanath Mandir. A place for his Samadhi had been got ready by the side of this temple, and to the resounding chant of God's Divine Name and Sri Sivanandaji Maharaj ki jai, his mortal remains were solemnly lowered in the vaulted chamber prepared on the ground-floor of the Guru-Murti Temple. The chamber was then filled up, according to customary procedure, with adequate quantities of salt camphor, sandalwood, incense and other fragrant ingredients. With the completion of the Samadhi-kriya (holy burial ceremony), the chamber was closed up, and a lamp placed upon the spot, together with a pot filled with the holy water of the sacred Ganga. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on Sri Gurudev’s writings and his literary charity to the world. The Master saw the dissemination of spiritual knowledge as his core responsibility. He said that the “written word will go to the homes and remain there”, and that eventually thousands will benefit from his writings, for “Mother Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning imparted power and glory to his every word”. Sri Aurobindo also said that he infused his power in his own writing. Pujya Swamiji also adopted Sri Gurudev’s example of making the dissemination of spiritual knowledge his fundamental duty, and said that all other activities of the Society are secondary. Sri Gurudev’s letter dated 8 August 1950 heaped tremendous praise on the booklet Light, Power and Wisdom, that Pujya Swamiji printed, describing it as exquisite and grand, and that he will advertise it in the journal in Rishikesh.

The DVD entitled Sri Swami Sivananda’s Messages focused on Raja Yoga and Sadhana. The Master describes Raja Yoga as “an exact science” that seeks to “control all thought-waves or mental modifications” through the purification and mastery of the mind. Known as Ashtanga Yoga, it comprises eight limbs, beginning with Yama (self-restraint) and Niyama (right observances), which form the ethical foundation for spiritual growth. By cultivating virtues such as truthfulness, non-violence, purity, contentment and self-surrender, the aspirant develops inner peace and prepares the mind for concentration, meditation and ultimately Samadhi, the highest state of spiritual realisation. Sri Swami Sivananda teaches that “you must know the technique of thought-control” and the principles of “right living, right thinking, right speaking and right acting”. He concludes with the inspiring exhortation: “Practise Raja Yoga, control the thoughts, discipline the mind, meditate regularly and attain independence, immortality, freedom and perfection”. In respect of Sadhana, the Master taught through delightful Kirtans, the benefits of Sadhana and prayer. He said, “Sadhana is stilling the mind and fixing it on the Lord”. 

The sacred observance of Sri Swami Sivananda's 63rd Mahasamadhi Anniversary is far more than a remembrance of his leaving his mortal being. It is a reaffirmation of the timeless ideals that continue to illuminate the path of countless seekers. Through prayer, chanting, inspiring readings, Pujya Swami Sahajananda's illuminating message and Sri Gurudev's own teachings, devotees were reminded that the Master's physical departure marked the beginning of his universal spiritual presence. His call to "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise", remains as relevant today as ever. May this commemoration inspire us all to deepen our Sadhana, disseminate spiritual wisdom, and strive to embody Sri Swami Sivananda's message of Divine Life and selfless service, and aspire to God-realisation in our daily actions and lives.

The 101st Birth Anniversary of Pujya Swami Sahajananda was celebrated on Friday, 10 July 2026 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. There was a morning Sadhana programme from 6am until 6.25am, after which devotees had Darshan at Sahaja Kutir, Pujya Swamiji’s sacred Kutir and the Sivananda-Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. Akhanda Chanting took place from 5am until 4pm.

In the evening, Ganga Arati commenced at 5pm, followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised melodious Kirtans and Bhajans, readings of three letters from Sri Swami Sivananda to Pujya Swamiji, Pujya Swamiji’s audio message and a delightful children’s presentation.

The three letters from Sri Swami Sivananda had potent and powerful messages, pregnant with blessings, encouragement and praise for Sri Swami Sahajananda. The letter dated 21st November, 1954 praised the spiritual work being done in Durban, calling it ‘transformative’.  He said, “You have made Durban the Lord’s Turban, the Crown of Divine Life, Vaikuntha or Kailasa on earth”. He extended blessings to all devotees and supporters. The core of the letter was advice on spiritual living. Sri Gurudev commended Srinivasan’s example, saying, “Your noble self’s life is inspiring”, and urged detachment from ego and identity, evident in, “Be a witness. Do not identify yourself with the name ‘V. Srinivasan’ or this photograph. Let others do whatever they like”. He emphasized that lived example is more powerful than theory, when he said, “A great Sadhak’s or saint’s life is greater inspiration to people than volumes of dry theory on Yoga and Vedanta. In the life-story of a saint are the secrets of Yoga and Self-realisation”.

In the letter dated 6th March 1961, the Master expressed appreciation for the progress of the Divine Life Society’s South African Branch in Durban. He acknowledged the building plans, publications and overall work, and encouraged Sri Swami Sahajananda to continue despite hardships. He said, “Very shortly there will be another duplicate of the headquarters in every respect. The will of the Lord is working through you to work out a grand plan in the near future…It is Divine Grace and Kripa. Never shall anyone engaged in good work ever have a fall. The Lord protects His devotees like the mother who protects her new born babe”. He continued, “Draw strength, power and inspiration from meditation. Wear the armour of Viveka-Vairagya. Rest peacefully in the Self”.

The letter of 10th March 1962 is the Master’s response to Pujya Swamiji’s self-analysis letter. He commended Pujya Swamiji’s spiritual progress, calmness and self-surrender. He also gave a practical instruction that Sri Swami Sahajananda remain in Durban rather than touring. On Pujya Swamiji’s spiritual attainment he said, “It delights me beyond measure to go through your critical and analytical study of your mind, Sadhana and personality.  It is the fruit of your ungrudging self-surrender, hard selfless work, sincere and steady application in Sadhana that has enabled you to reach this stage of Sadhana and evolution. The Master continued, “Very few Sadhaks have attained the state of calmness, steadiness and fixity as you have done”. On the result of surrender, the Master said, “With the surrender of the lower Self to the higher Self and that to the Divine there is an end of all pain and suffering. It is all one flood of joy and inner light to the Sadhaka”.

Sri Swami Sivananda’s blessings, praise for Pujya Swamiji’s selfless service in Durban, his emphasis on Sadhana, self-surrender, meditation and the belief that Divine Grace protects those doing spiritual work, are encouraging, and reminiscent of Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s complete and unflinching loyalty, perseverance and dedication to the Master’s Mission in South Africa.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on self-surrender to the Divine, acceptance of one’s conditions and self-transformation. He said that we are responsible for our present conditions, determined by our Samskaras. We should therefore not complain, and that “We should work out our past Samskaras and not try to create new ones”. If we are placed at a certain place or under certain conditions, then it is good for one. Even if we have the ideal conditions, we may be dissatisfied. We must surrender to the Divine Power and accept that this power determines our lives. We should surrender to God’s Will wherever we are. If both faith and reason are absent, we will encounter difficulties on the spiritual path. We have to make the effort to transform ourselves. If we have “a strong desire for God, then everything works itself out…. but to get that desire for God requires Grace… It is God who can give us inspiration to realise Him”.

A delightful children’s presentation comprising a Kirtan, a Ramayan reading, messages and a birthday song, were presented with innocence and child-like love.

The celebration of Pujya Swami Sahajananda's 101st Birth Anniversary was a reaffirmation of the timeless ideals that he lived with unwavering self-surrender to Sri Swami Sivananda and to God. Pujya Swamiji's greatest legacy is not merely the magnificent institutions he established, but the countless lives he transformed through his example of humility, discipline, compassion and selfless service. The letters from Sri Swami Sivananda, stand today as enduring testimony to the extraordinary disciple that Pujya Swamiji became. He was a saint whose life was marked by complete Guru-bhakti, steadfast Sadhana, fearless perseverance and total surrender to the Divine Will. The Master's words of praise and encouragement were prophetic, for the "grand plan" that he foresaw has unfolded magnificently through Divine Life Society of South Africa. What began as the dedicated efforts of one humble disciple, has blossomed into a vibrant spiritual, educational and humanitarian movement that continues to serve thousands across South Africa and beyond.

As devotees reflected on his sacred life on this auspicious occasion, we are reminded that Pujya Swamiji's mission is far from complete. His greatest tribute will not be found merely in annual celebrations, but in devotees who continue to live his ideals with sincerity and dedication. May his radiant example continue to inspire present and future generations to cultivate purity of heart, steadfast faith, selfless service and unwavering devotion to God and Guru. In doing so, they will ensure that the spiritual light kindled by Sri Swami Sivananda, and so magnificently nurtured by Pujya Swami Sahajananda, will continue to illumine humanity for generations.