The most auspicious 102nd Sannyas Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda was observed on Monday, 1 June 2026. There was a morning Sadhana programme at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, after which devotees took Darshan at Sahaja Kutir and the Sivananda-Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. Akhanda Chanting commenced at 5am and concluded at 5pm. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm, followed by Satsang. 

The Satsang programme comprised melodious Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message and a reading encapsulating Sri Swami Sivananda’s initiation into the Holy Order of Sannyas.

The reading from the book, From Man to God-man by N. Ananthanarayanan, gave a poignant account of the Master’s arrival in Hardwar, his trek to Rishikesh, the refusal for food at the almshouse, his meeting with the venerable Sri Swami Vishwananda and his initiation as a Sannyasin. Ananthanarayanan writes, “Dr Kuppuswami took the train to Hardwar and went to a rest-house, but someone objected to his stay there. He could not understand what the objection was about, as his knowledge of Hindi was still too poor. He silently left the place and slept on the platform in Hari-ki-Pauri, near the clock tower. 

“From Hardwar he started trekking to Rishikesh. On the way he rested beneath a tree by the roadside. Just then a horse-cart came clattering down the jungle road. As it passed the spot where the mendicant was resting, the pilgrim inside flung a coin towards him. Kuppuswami, then in a mood of intense dispassion and spiritual aspiration, walked away from there without so much as a glance at the coin. Soon he was in Rishikesh, the city of saints. 

“Darkness fell and he slept on the verandah of the Charan Das rest-house, near the Rishikesh post office and adjacent to Ganga Ashram. The next morning he woke up very early, as was his wont, and went about his spiritual practices. At dawn he saw many Sadhus there. Of them, one elderly Sannyasin immediately arrested his attention. His name was Swami Vishwananda. There was a peculiar aura about him. Kuppuswami felt overwhelmed the moment he set his eyes on the monk, he knew not why. He fell at his feet with great love and devotion. Fondly the old monk raised him, embraced him and spoke to him with affection. 

“Later in the day, Kuppuswami went for alms at the Baba Kalikambliwala Kshettar, but they refused to give him food as he was not a Sannyasin. While he was walking back after this refusal, Vishwananda happened to meet him on the way. Straightaway the old Sannyasin felt an urge to initiate Kuppuswami into Sannyas. That very day he gave him the ochre robe. Kuppuswami was now dead; Swami Sivananda Saraswati was born. It was June 1, 1924. 

“The next day, Swami Vishwananda left for his native Varanasi. From there he wrote to his new disciple, giving the briefest of instructions about Sannyasa Dharma. The elaborate religious rite of Vraja Homa was conducted later on by Swami Vishnudevananda, a learned scholar and head of the orthodox Kailas Ashram, near Rishikesh. With that, Swami Sivananda became a fully ordained Sannyasin”. 

Years later, Dr Pattabhi Seetharamayya, a well-known historian and one-time President of the Indian National Congress, asked the Master why he renounced the world, to which the Master replied, "Past impressions”.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on our duty according to Dharma.  He said, “ … life will be chalked out for us by God….If we don’t perform our duty according to our Dharma, it is a failure”. We should do our duty to the best of our abilities. He related the story of a saint and a king. Both disguised themselves and came to a king’s palace when the latter’s daughter was about to choose a marriage partner. When the princess saw the saint, she garlanded him as her preferred bridegroom. When the saint realised what was happening, he threw away the garland and fled into the forest, being pursued by the princess. The saint and his friend, rested under a tree. Birds on the tree regarded them as their guests and sacrificed themselves, by falling into the fire - as food for their guests. The birds fulfilled their Dharma. We too must fulfil our Swadharma. By completing our duty successfully, the mind becomes purified. Pujya Swamiji said that there are rules for Brahmacharis, saints and householders. He explained that the Master was all compassionate and benevolent, and that what we are enjoying now is because of Sri Gurudev’s intense Tapas. We have inherited the Master’s spiritual wealth. 

As we celebrate the 102nd Sannyas Anniversary of  Sri Swami Sivananda, we bow in profound gratitude to a spiritual giant whose renunciation ignited a worldwide movement of service, spirituality and transformation. His initiation into the Holy Order of Sannyas was not merely a personal vow, but a divine commitment to the welfare of all humanity. This sacred milestone challenges us to rise above complacency and become living embodiments of his teachings and legacies. As his devotees and followers, it is imperative that we serve with greater dedication, love without distinction, deepen our spiritual practices, and uphold the highest ideals of truth, purity and compassion. Let us renew our commitment to “Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise”, and become dynamic instruments of Sri Gurudev’s Mission, carrying his radiant message to future generations, thereby helping to build a nobler and more harmonious world.

The sacred Ganga Dussehra was observed at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang.  The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, readings, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, recital of the Ganga Chalisa and a beautiful video which extolled the grandeur, beauty, prowess and divine qualities of Mother Ganga. 

Sri Swami Sivananda says the following about Ganga Dussehra in his book Mother Ganga, “Taking Her course into the interior of the Himalayas, Ganga was about to wash away Rishi Jahnu’s Ashram. Sage Jahnu was naturally more powerful than Her and simply sipped the water. Bhagiratha was much disappointed. He did severe penance again to please Rishi Jahnu.  At last, the sage let Ganga through his ears. Flowing from this outlet, Ganga flowed with entire modesty and all-embracing filial love and motherly affection. By Her Divine Grace, She uplifted all the sixty thousand princes to the highest abode of immortal bliss. This day is celebrated as the most sanctifying Ganga Dussehra”.

Referring to the purity of the Ganga water, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “The water of the Ganges is extremely pure and sanctifying. No germs can flourish in it. This has been tested by various scientists in their laboratories. Rich in minerals, Ganga water cures all kinds of diseases.

“The Ganges is saturated with antiseptic minerals. Even in the West, doctors prescribe Ganges water for rubbing, in the treatment of diseases of the skin. Ganges is not merely a river, but a sacred place. It is possessed of mysterious powers which are not found in any other river in the world. Even scientists have admitted the efficacy of the water”.

The melodious Ganga Chalisa that was recited, is a revered forty-verse devotional hymn that glorifies Mother Ganga as the embodiment of purity, compassion and divine grace. It recounts the sacred descent of the heavenly river to earth through the blessings of Lord Shiva and the penance of King Bhagiratha, symbolising the triumph of devotion and spiritual perseverance. The Ganga Chalisa also teaches that Mother Ganga not only cleanses physical impurities but also purifies the mind and soul, freeing devotees from negative Karma and worldly suffering. Its recitation brings peace, protection, spiritual upliftment, and ultimately Moksha — liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Chalisa also conveys a timeless message of reverence for nature, reminding humanity to honour rivers and the environment as sacred manifestations of the Divine.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on faith and self-surrender as the bases of spiritual development. He said, “…we in the Divine Life Society who are the disciples of Gurudev should never live in the sense of fear or insecurity, because we have God by our sides, and we have our Master by our sides…”. Examples of how Sri Gurudev protects us are clearly available. He said that the Guru is a super human being. Satsang, diet and surrender are important in spiritual development. We should pay off our past Karma and not create new Karma. The Guru can ward off one’s Karma. We should surrender and have absolute faith in the Guru. Satsang and Sadhana are paramount. 

Ganga Dussehra reminds modern humanity of the importance of spiritual purity, moral living and harmony with nature. The festival symbolises the descent of Divine Grace through the sacred River Ganga, teaching that true cleansing is both inner and outer. In today’s stressful and materialistic world, it encourages people to overcome anger, greed and selfishness through prayer, devotion and selfless service. Ultimately, Ganga Dussehra teaches that Sadhana, spiritual wisdom, compassion and self-transformation are essential for lasting peace and enlightenment.

Divine Life Society of South Africa’s Cape Town Prayer Group celebrated its 3rd Anniversary on Saturday, 09 May 2026, in an atmosphere of devotion, unity, and divine joy at the Cape Hindu Cultural Society Centre (CHSC), 6 Jeram Avenue, Rylands. An estimated 120 devotees, donors, well-wishers and members of the public attended the anniversary function, making the occasion memorable and spiritually uplifting. The sacred vibrations created through the Havan, Ganga Arati, chanting of the Divine Name, Kirtans, Bhajans and inspiring messages, filled hearts with peace, gratitude, and Guru Bhakti.

A sacred and soulful Havan was held at 2pm, followed by Ganga Arati. The Satsang which commenced at 4pm, comprised melodious Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from the Society, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, group dances and an Agnihotra demonstration.

The message from the Society alluded to the origins of Divine Life Society in India, and the work of Divine Life Society of South Africa. “The founding Guru of Divine Life Society in India is Sri Swami Sivananda, the great sage of Rishikesh, India, whose spiritual aura spread across India and the world. In 1949, the South African chapter of Divine Life Society was formed by Sri Swami Sivananda, with Sri Swami Sahajananda as the Secretary. The Society has since grown to 18 Branches, inclusive of 8 Ashrams and Prayer Groups countrywide.

“Some of the core objectives of Divine Life Society of South Africa are upholding our glorious Hindu Dharma, poverty alleviation projects, assistance to Hindu Temples and organisations, dissemination of spiritual literature, holding of Satsangs, Yoga Camps and a host of other spiritual activities. To date, the Society has completed in excess of 700 humanitarian infrastructure projects. We acknowledge with deep gratitude the generosity of our devotees, donors, patrons and well-wishers, whose contributions make all this possible. Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda wrote, ‘True charity is the desire to be useful to others without the thought of receiving anything in return. Charity is a great purifier of the heart. It is the last door that admits one to the Kingdom of God. The deeds of charity done by noble men are ever remembered. Charity opens to one the door to heaven’”.

The message further encouraged all to attend weekly Satsangs and spiritual gatherings, and inspire especially children, to embrace and preserve the values of Sanathan Dharma. Daily repetition of the Divine Name and Satsang  are strongly encouraged for spiritual strength and protection. 

Two Bharatanatyam dance items by the Aradhana School of Dance, dedicated to the presiding temple deity where the dance is performed, and to Lord Rama, were presented. The beautifully rehearsed dances were spiritually stimulating, well-choreographed and meticulously executed.

The Agnihotra demonstration focused on its significance, method and benefits. Agnihotra is a simple yet profound Vedic fire ritual performed daily at sunrise and sunset. It is regarded as a sacred practice that harmonises the individual, nature and the Divine. A copper pyramid, dried cow dung cakes, clarified butter ghee and paddy rice offerings, accompanied by sacred Mantras, are the essential ingredients. The practice symbolises purification, gratitude, self-discipline and harmony with cosmic rhythms. Saints confirm that Agnihotra promotes peace of mind, emotional balance, spiritual upliftment, and a spiritually charged atmosphere within the home, environment, nature and community. Though rooted in the Vedic tradition, its universal message of purity, devotion and reverence for nature, inspires people of all backgrounds to awaken the divine light within themselves, and is therefore practised world-wide.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on prayer and faith. Pujya Swamiji alluded to unconditional faith and self-surrender to God. He said that God’s power works mysteriously. “Prayer must be done with faith. After you pray you must try and keep the mind quiet”. He also advised that one must be patient during prayer. “Allow God to solve it in His own manner”. God sees everything from a cosmic point of view. The Guru and God will help one at the right moment. Whenever a sincere prayer goes out, the power of God, which is the same as the power of the Guru, works instantly and mysteriously and with scientific precision. Pujya Swamiji advised that we must be highly receptive and have faith. 

We offer heartfelt gratitude to the officials of Divine Life Society of South Africa Cape Town Prayer Group, and all who contributed to the success of the 3rd Anniversary function. Sincere appreciation goes to the dedicated organisers, volunteers, donors, devotees, musicians and all attendees whose devotion, unity, and selfless service created such a spiritually elevating atmosphere. May the divine vibrations generated through the Havan, Ganga Arati, Satsang, chanting, and Agnihotra continue to inspire peace, harmony, and spiritual awakening in every home and heart. Let us not regard this anniversary as merely a special occasion, but as a reminder of the importance of regular participation in Satsangs, prayer services and spiritual activities, through which faith is strengthened, values are nurtured, and lives are transformed. 

May the Grace of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda guide and bless us always.