The 20th Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat, the 76th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa and Ganga Dussehra were jointly celebrated at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills on Thursday, 5 June 2025. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised a message from the Society, readings, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a DVD on Mother Ganga, Kirtans, Bhajans and the Ganga Chalisa. 

The message from the Society paid tribute to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, to Pujya Swami Sahajananda, and to all devotees, donors, well-wishers and volunteers, for their sterling contributions and selfless service over the past 76 years. The following relevant excerpts attest to these. “On this the 76th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa, we offer our humble obeisance to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji for their Divine Grace and blessings in providing us with this magnificent Ashram, and for rescuing us from the trammels of worldly life so that we may grow in spirituality, and work out some of our past Karma in this birth.

“We offer our deep gratitude and appreciation to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji, for their visionary leadership in providing us with the unique facilities at our Sivananda Ghat, which was inaugurated exactly 20 years ago today. The Sivananda Ghat is providing great comfort and solace to bereaved families, giving them the opportunity to perform their religious duties to the departed in a dignified and safe manner, lending itself to closure as well. Over the last 20 years, in excess of 41 690 ash disposals and 11 270 rituals have been completed at the Sivananda Ghat since inception”. At the Sivananda Ghat, Ganga Arati was performed daily at 10am from 1 to 5 June 2025 and lamps on boats were floated to mark the 20th Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat.

In respect of Ganga Dussehra, the message from the Society highlighted its spiritual significance, as is evident in, “Today marks Ganga Dussehra as well, and we offer our humble obeisance to Mother Ganga on this auspicious day, marking her descent to the earth plane, where She continues to reside in the form of the River Ganga. Our eternal gratitude to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji for bringing Ganga Mata to South Africa in the form of our Ganga Ranis. Pujya Swamiji reminded us also that the Ganga River is only her physical form, and that Ganga Mata is a great Goddess. It is said that Mother Ganga places all the sins of man deposited in Her at the lotus feet of a saint. Sri Muniji of Parmath Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, during his visit to our Ashram, stated that it is not that Swamiji brought Ganga Mata to South Africa, but rather that Ganga Mata came to Swami Sahajananda in South Africa”. 

Excerpts of our Divine Master’s letter dated 5 June 1951 to Pujya Swamiji requesting a branch of Divine Life Society be opened in this country, are reproduced herewith. Sri Gurudev said, “Words cannot adequately describe the sincerity of your devotion and your ardent zeal and enthusiasm to disseminate spiritual knowledge. Keep the Divine flame within you growing strong daily. May it guide the rest towards Eternal Bliss”. The Master continued, “An interesting feature in the spiritual path is that the world looks frightening to an aspirant at the outset; but, once he takes to chanting His Name and does total surrender unto Him, everything appears as His Lila. Having installed Him firmly in your heart, what is there to worry you? March boldly with majestic steps towards Him. There He stands to give you a warm welcome and to bless you with peace, joy and immortality”. 

In his handwritten instruction in the same letter, the Master said, “Kindly send a copy of your photo, postcard size in black and white. Kindly open a branch of DLS in South Africa and do some silent work”. 

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message focused on his relationship with the Master, his unconditional loyalty to Sri Gurudev and his instruction to open a branch in this country. He said to the Master that he should go back (while on a visit to Rishikesh) as he didn’t have the necessary qualifications, to which the Master replied, “They will come”.  He also alluded to the early beginnings of his spiritual life, when he went to the Umgeni Road Temple with his two friends and conducted the evening Satsangs, in some instances alone. The Master assured him that if he was sincere, then people will join him later on.  Pujya Swamiji was reluctant to open a branch, but the Master told him, “Don’t be rebellious”. Pujya Swamiji said that Sri Gurudev knew that he was trying to escape from his responsibilities. In 1949, Pujya Swamiji had asked for Sannyas initiation but the Master said, “Kindly wait. Please wait. Sannyas is made of sterner stuff”. Pujya Swamiji indicated that Grace of the Guru comes through an enormous amount of Tapas and unconditional loyalty. He went to Sri Gurudev with just one mission, and that was his desire to realise God. This assurance was given to Pujya Swamiji by both Sri Gurudev and Swami Ramdas. Pujya Swamiji’s unconditional love and devotion to Sri Gurudev are overwhelmingly evident in this short audio message.

The reading on Ganga Dussehra from Mother Ganga by Sri Swami Sivananda, traced the origins of Mother Ganga, the curse of Kapila, Bhagiratha’s penance and how Lord Siva received the Ganga. On the latter topic, Sri Gurudev said, “Again Bhagiratha did rigorous penance for a full hundred years. It is needless to say that Lord Siva, the protector of all His devotees, was immensely pleased with the king and readily accepted to check and control Ganga through His matted locks. With surge, fury and foam, Ganga began to descend from celestial regions. Flashes of lightening, thunders from clouds, and the uncontrollable flow seemed as if a deluge was about to devour the whole world. But Lord Siva coolly received Her in His matted locks and let Her drip over Him”.

The reading was complemented with a beautiful DVD on Mother Ganga, highlighting Her majestic beauty, prowess and Her protective nature over ardent devotees as the bestower of Bliss and joy. Goddess Ganga is considered a Divine Mother who blesses devotees with Grace, well-being, and prosperity.

The Ganga Chalisa, recited during the Satsang, is a devotional hymn of forty verses dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Personified as a Goddess and revered as a purifier of sins, the Ganga Chalisa seeks blessings, purification, and spiritual emancipation. The Ganga Chalisa begins with respectful salutations and praises of Goddess Ganga, having descended from the heavens to earth, flowing from the matted locks of Lord Shiva. Her Divine Nature is evident when Ganga is described as the source of purity and salvation. Her waters cleanse sins, cure diseases, and bring spiritual liberation to those who bathe in Her or even chant Her name. It also recounts mythological stories and its spiritual benefits when worshipping or remembering the sacred river with devotion, leading to the removal of sins and granting Moksha or liberation. It is also a call for devotion when the devotees ask Mother Ganga to remove their inner impurities, guide them towards righteousness, and bless their lives with peace, devotion, and spiritual prosperity. 

The three-fold celebration is indeed a unique occasion in the annals of the history of Divine Life Society of South Africa. No doubt this is a rare and spiritually potent occasion, when the calendar aligns to bring together three major spiritual observances on the same day, namely the 20th Anniversary of Sivananda Ghat, 76th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa and Ganga Dussehra. For devotees, this convergence can be considered highly sacred and transformative, offering them an unparalleled opportunity for Sadhana, spiritual growth, merit, and inner purification. The rare confluence of these three major spiritual events in our calendar on one day is not merely a calendrical coincidence, but a celestial invitation to immerse oneself in the divine. For the devotee, it represents a window of divine grace - a moment to pause, purify, and propel forward on the path of spiritual evolution.

The Sivananda Wisdom Group (SWG) was officially launched at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, in October 2024. Its mission is to offer a welcoming platform where devotees, well-wishers, and members of the public may come together weekly. The Sivananda Wisdom Group plays an essential role in the spiritual and social lives of our seniors although there are no age restrictions for membership. Each week, members come together in fellowship to reflect on the rich heritage of Hindu Dharma and to try to live the teachings of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Further, the sacred teachings and enduring legacy of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda are promoted.  The nurturing of spiritual, ethical, and moral values, promotion of basic life-skills and health awareness, and social and spiritual cohesion within the community are fostered. Since its first gathering on 2 October 2024, attendance has steadily grown to 34 members.
 

On Wednesday, 14 May 2025, a special Havan and Cultural Programme was held at 8.45am, commemorating the launch of the Sivananda Wisdom Group. The sacred chanting of Mantras by the Ashram’s two Pundits created a divine and uplifting atmosphere on a tranquil autumn morning. Approximately 55 attendees, including Sivananda Wisdom Group members, devotees, and special guests, participated in this spiritually enriching observance. 

 Following the Havan, a beautiful music session unfolded. Guest artiste Ravinath Maharaj rendered melodious Bhajans and Kirtans. His heartfelt and mellifluous singing was warmly received and appreciated. The Sivananda Wisdom Group’s Bhajan team leader also sang inspiring Kirtans and Bhajans, enhancing the devotional mood.
 

Among the distinguished attendees were Dr. Satya Prakash Khatana, a senior official from the Government of India, and his wife, Smt. Sharda. Dr. Khatana serves as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in India. Smt. Sharda is a lawyer. Both guests expressed heartfelt appreciation and gratitude. Also in attendance was Dr. Tilly Moodley, Director of Quality Promotion and Assurance (QPA) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. 
 

The programme concluded with breakfast, heartfelt camaraderie, and glowing appreciation from all who attended. After breakfast, guests visited the printing press and Sivananda Expo Centre which houses displays and artefacts of the Society’s history, related especially to the printing presses.

The 101st Sannyas Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda was celebrated on Sunday, 1 June 2025 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. There was a morning Sadhana programme from 6am until 6.30am. Devotees thereafter took Darshan at Sahaja Kutir and the Sivananda-Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. Ganga Arati commenced at 9.30am and Satsang began at 9.50am. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a reading, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message and a DVD presentation.

The reading from the book, From Man to Godman by N Ananthanarayanan, gave us an indication of the hardships that Sri Gurudev experienced in his journey towards Sannyas, his dispassion and yearning for God. The following excerpts give credence to these assertions. 

“Soon he was in Rishikesh, the abode 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 early, as was his wont, and went about his spiritual practices. At dawn he saw numerous Sadhus there. Of them, one elderly Sannyasin immediately arrested his attention. His name was Swami Vishwananda. There was a peculiar aura about him. He knew not why, but the moment he set his eyes on the monk, Dr Kuppuswami felt overwhelmed. 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, Dr 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, Swami Vishwananda happened to meet him on the way. Straightaway the old Sannyasin felt an urge to initiate Dr Kuppuswami into Sannyas. That very day he gave him the ochre robe. Dr 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 brief instructions about Sannyasa Dharma. The 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”.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda, in his audio message, addressing the Master in the first person, said, “Whatever you did, you did to perfection. There was no half-heartedness like we do. Even later on you said that ‘I never did anything in halves. ‘Whatever I did, I did in perfection’. Perfection is your name”. He extolled the Master’s dispassion, spirit of service and deep compassion. With reference to the Master’s teachings, he said, “Today you are sharing with us the nectar of your teachings”.  The Master served unconditionally, and gave peace and joy to all. Pujya Swamiji alluded to the Master’s opulent lifestyle in Malaya and liking for tasty food, “but all that was given up” in his search for higher truths. The Master distributed some of his possessions when he left Malaya, and clean disappeared without entering his house. That is the burning dispassion the Master had. Pujya Swamiji asks whether we have that type of dispassion today in our search of God?  He said that he likes to believe that God came in the form of Swami Vishwananda and initiated the Master into Sannyas. The message, deep in meaning, gives us an indication of the child-like innocence with which Pujya Swamiji offered his all to the Master.

The DVD, Swami Sivananda’s Message focused on the glory of the Upanishads and the nature of the Atman which is absolute, indestructible and beyond harm. He said, “The Upanishads teach the philosophy of absolute unity”, and that the “Atman is all-pervading and infinite…The Atman is consciousness in all beings”. It is far from the ignorant and worldly people but near for the aspirant. The Atman is the support of all beings”. To realise the Atman, one must purify the heart through service of humanity. He further states, “The knower of Brahman becomes fearless” and that sorrow is distant for one who is in tune with the Atman. The Master urges us to renounce all desires, and egoism. He also urges us to, “Perform religious rites and daily duties without expectations of fruits”. His potent message to all aspirants and householders must be taken seriously, for as he says, “Desire for liberation will destroy all earthly desires”. These profound thoughts and teachings of the Master are indicative of the depth of his realisation, the extent of his spirituality and his strong desire to uplift humanity.

That we are following the Master’s teachings today, and are on the spiritual path, can be attributed to the enormous and deep Tapas and Sadhana of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. We owe deep gratitude to these luminaries and are eternally thankful to them. Indeed, in an age of materialism, passion, worldliness and greed, Sri Swami Sivananda is a blazing light of renunciation, wisdom, and universal brotherhood, giving hope to fallen humanity. An anonymous disciple once said, "Swami Sivananda was not just a saint, he was a spiritual force that transformed countless lives. His compassion was boundless, and his wisdom infinite”. Sri Swami Sivananda is the epitome and embodiment of divine love and selfless service. To be in his divine presence, even though not physically, or to be at his abode, is to experience peace, contentment, joy and bliss. Let us be worthy disciples of this God-man and live by his teachings.  

May the Grace of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya swami Sahajananda be upon us all!

The twenty-sixth Centenary Celebrations’ function of Divine Life Society of South Africa was hosted by Verulam Branch on Sunday, 25 May 2025, at Kraydeb Conference Centre, Everest Heights, Verulam. Approximately 450 devotees, well-wishers, donors, members of the public and sister-organisations paid homage to Sri Swami Sivananda and to Pujya Swami Sahajananda, whose 100th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year. The life and legacies of this august disciple, this gentle giant of South Africa, Sri Swami Sahajananda and the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda are glorified through the Centenary Celebrations.

The sacred Havan commenced at 8am with the beautiful and soulful chants of Mantras. The Ashram’s three Pundits chanted Mantras in unison, creating deeply soulful and harmonious melodies. Approximately 200 persons attended the Havan. Ganga Arati commenced at 8.30am. Perhaps a first-time experience for many, queues of devotees took Darshan of Mother Ganga at the sacred Ganga Rani. Satsang was from 10am to 12 noon. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a message from the Society, a children’s item, an Agnihotra demonstration and a colourful dance. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio-recorded message focused on the power of prayer, the relationship between the devotee and the Guru, the mental state of mind in prayer and the importance of faith. Pujya Swamiji said that faith is the basis of all spiritual progress. We should have unconditional faith in God and the Guru. We should complain less, be receptive to the Guru’s instructions and teachings and be patient. The mind should not be agitated. We should pray and wait and the answers to our prayers will come, as God knows our past, present and future, and knows what is best for our evolution based on the cosmic point of view. The potent message, rich in meaning and assurances, is an apt panacea for ardent seekers and aspirants in this difficult age. 

The message from the Society traced the life, legacies and contributions of Sri Swami Sahajananda, as is evinced in, “The fact that all of us are here today, and that millions of households around South Africa and many countries around the world have a copy of one or more of Sri Swami Sivananda’s books, is because of this one life that we are celebrating today. After taking the Master as his Guru, Pujya Swamiji never questioned or doubted anything that Sri Gurudev said or did. He lived only to propagate the Divine Master’s work and to do the Divine Master’s will. With supreme self-surrender, he offered his all to Sri Gurudev, so much so that they became one. Pujya Swamiji decrypted the phrase “learn to type and make tea” (which was the original instruction our beloved Sri Gurudev gave to Pujya Swamiji) and found the treasure that it held. Beloved Gurudev stated that he works through Swami Sahajananda. Pujya Swamiji made himself a perfect instrument for the Lord to work through. Millions of books were published and distributed, and silently scores of service activities and nation-building projects went on unnoticed for decades.

“Today we are all beneficiaries of this great spiritual wealth if we so desire. All that is required of us is faith, obedience, loyalty, devotion, and keen aspiration for spiritual progress. How do we honour a great being like Swami Sahajananda? We must be obedient. Pujya Swamiji stated that perfect obedience is the same as perfect self-surrender, and that obedience is greater than reverence. 

“Pujya Swamiji lived a life of faith and self-surrender, and coincidently this is the title of the first book that Pujya Swamiji had written in 1996. We invite all to obtain a copy of this booklet from our bookstall. It is filled with great power. Pujya Swamiji said that the knowledge came directly from Sri Gurudev within, as he typed the booklet on the computer without any draft. It is sure to inspire and uplift all readers in this age of so many challenges in daily life. The other booklet entitled Glory of Hinduism is available free of charge – please take one copy per family”.

Agnihotra, or “The Fires of Heaven”, performed at the exact time of sunrise and sunset, has untold spiritual benefits, benefits for the environment and the world at large. Pujya Swami Sahajananda encouraged the performance of daily Agnihotra. The demonstration provided a background to Agnihotra, its methodology, Mantras with pronunciation and benefits. 

The Spiritual Darling’s (children’s) item, “Pujya Swamiji Says”, a delightful, informative and enlightening item, which focused on some of Pujya Swamiji’s short, cryptic and inspiring sayings, was meant to teach valuable life lessons. Beautifully dressed as Deities, the children made their entrance into the hall to the rendition of a Ram Bhajan that captured the ambience with beauty and sacredness.  Enunciated with innocence, clarity and meaning, the messages came across clearly. No doubt, the warm applause after the item was an indication of its impact.

Telicia Naidoo, Kajal Raghubir and Yaditha Singh made a wonderful offering through a colourful Kathak dance dedicated to Lord Rama, the harbinger of Dharma, compassion and peace. Through the sacred verse, Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari from the Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas, the dancers sought to invoke the Divine Blessing of Sri Ram, and remove inauspiciousness from our lives.

We express sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Verulam Branch for the divine experience of the most recent Centenary Celebrations of the Society. The peaceful ambience, the uplifting Kirtans and Bhajans, and the inspiring and enlightening messages reminded us of the profound wisdom embedded in the Divine Master’s teachings and our Sanatana Dharma. The programme was excellently crafted to inspire, teach and rejuvenate one’s spirit. Each chant, each word of prayer, each moment of resonating divinity and blissful silence took us deeper within, closer to our true selves and to the Divine. To the officials, devotees, Spiritual Darlings and all participants who made this sacred gathering possible, thank you for your tireless efforts, devotion, and love. Your commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda are truly inspiring. 

Satsangs and spiritual gatherings are not just a retreat for the soul; they are a reminder of our higher purpose, our unity, and our eternal connection with the Divine. May the blessings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda continue to guide us all on the path of righteousness, love, inner peace and spiritual illumination.