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Sri Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated at all Sivanandashrams, at certain Branches and Prayer Groups. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, the final recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa was done from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. A sacred Havan was conducted at 4.30pm. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised melodious Kirtans, Bhajans, Sri Hanuman Arati and a reading based on Sri Swami Sivananda’s writings on Sri Hanuman. 

Sri Swami Sivananda’s message encapsulated Sri Hanuman’s devotion, loyalty and unconditional Bhakti to Lord Rama. His indomitable will, tenacity and prowess are unmatched. The Master said in Hindu Fasts and Festivals, “Sri Hanuman is worshipped all over India, either alone or together with Sri Rama. Every temple of Sri Rama has the murti or idol of Sri Hanuman. Hanuman was the Avatara of Lord Shiva. He was born of the Wind-God and Anjani Devi. He is also called by the names Pavanasuta, Marutsuta, Mahivara, Bajrangabali and Pavankumar.

“Hanuman was the living embodiment of the power of Ram-Nam. He was an ideal selfless worker, a true Karma Yogi who worked desirelessly. He was a great devotee and an exceptional Brahmachari or celibate. He served Sri Rama with pure love and devotion, without expecting any fruit in return. He lived only to serve Sri Rama. He was humble, brave and wise. He possessed all the divine virtues. He did what others could not do - crossing the ocean simply by uttering Ram-Nam, burning the demon-king’s city of Lanka, and bringing the Sanjeevini herb to restore the life of Lakshmana. He brought Sri Rama and Lakshmana from the nether world after killing Ahiravana.

“Hanuman possessed devotion, knowledge, spirit of selfless service, power of celibacy, and desirelessness. He never boasted of his bravery and intelligence.

“Sri Rama Himself said to Sri Hanuman, ‘I am greatly indebted to You, O mighty hero. You did marvellous, superhuman deeds. You do not want anything in return. Sugriva has his kingdom restored to him. Angada has been made the crown prince. Vibhishana has become king of Lanka. But you have not asked for anything at any time. You threw away the precious garland of pearls given to you by Sita. How can I repay My debt of gratitude to you? I will always remain deeply indebted to you. I give you the boon of everlasting life. All will honour and worship you like Myself. Your idol will be placed at the door of My temple and you will be worshipped and honoured first. Whenever My stories are recited or glories sung, your glory will be sung before Mine. You will be able to do anything, even that which I will not be able to!’

“Thus did Sri Rama praise Hanuman when the latter returned to Him after finding Sita in Lanka. Hanuman was not a bit elated. He fell in prostration at the holy Feet of Lord Rama.

“Sri Rama asked him, ‘O mighty hero, how did you cross the ocean?’”

“Hanuman humbly replied, ‘By the power and glory of Thy Name, my Lord’.”

“Again, Sri Rama asked, ‘How did you burn Lanka? How did you save yourself?’”

“And Hanuman replied, ‘By Thy Grace, my Lord’.”

“What profound humility Hanuman embodied in himself!”

The Sri Hanuman Arati played during the Satsang, is a devotional Bhajan sung in praise of Sri Hanuman, which glorifies Sri Hanuman as the embodiment of strength, unwavering devotion, courage, and selfless service to Lord Rama. It reflects heartfelt reverence as devotees pray for protection, inner strength, removal of obstacles, and Grace to cultivate humility and devotion. Its significance lies in uplifting the mind, deepening faith, and reminding aspirants to surrender the ego and serve the Divine with purity, just as Sri Hanuman did.

The Master’s profound words have relevance to us all, “There are many who want wealth in return for their services. Some do not want wealth, but they cannot resist name and fame. Others do not want any of these, but they want approbation. Still others want nothing, but they boast of their deeds. Hanuman was above all these. That is why he is recognised as an ideal Karma Yogi and an unsurpassed adept in Bhakti. His life is full of object lessons. Everyone should try his best to follow the noble example of Hanuman”.

May the blessings of Sri Hanuman, our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda be upon us all.

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The most auspicious Ram Navami was celebrated at all Sivanandashrams, several Branches and Prayer Groups of the Society. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm, followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised melodious Kirtans and Bhajans, reading of a message by Sri Swami Sivananda, a Ramayana recital and a beautiful item by our Spiritual Darlings (children).

In his message, Sri Swami Sivananda, referring to the impeccable character of Lord Rama, said, “Deep and unfathomable like the ocean, firm and steadfast like the Himalayas, valiant like Vishnu, He was the joy of Kaushalya. Though fierce like fire on the battlefield, He was calm like the cool breeze of the Mandara Hills, patient^- like Mother Earth, bounteous like Kubera, the God of Wealth, and righteous like Dharma, the Lord of Justice Himself. In pain or grief of His people, His heart swiftly sympathised with the sufferer. In the festive scenes which held them in joy, He, like a father shared their joy. By His honour and heroism, as well as by His gentleness and love for His subjects, He endeared Himself to the heart of His people. 

“Think of Lord Rama, and your entire being is pervaded by a thrill of joy and peace - the joy and peace that belongs to Rama Rajya. Forget not that Lord Rama who took the human form out of mere play and in order to place before man an ideal of human perfection, was in reality the Supreme Brahman Himself”.

Referring to the intimate relationship between a Bhakta and the Lord, the Master said, “Whatever be your attitude towards the Lord, if you think of Him and Him alone intensely, Moksha is certain. Narada states this fact very clearly in his Bhakti Sutras. Even Vaira-Bhakti, where intense hatred for the Lord is produced, leads one to His Lotus-Feet. In this kind of Bhakti, the mind is pervaded by the thought of the Lord so fully that the one who hates the Lord sees Him alone everywhere. What then to say of those who have intense loving devotion to His Feet! No doubt about it; it leads one to eternal bliss and supreme peace”.

The Master’s potent advice to ardent aspirants resonates with wisdom, when he said, “Establish the Rama Rajya in yourself; when each individual thus converts himself into a walking, talking and moving Ram Rajya, then the entire world will be converted into one huge Rama Rajya.

“The essentials of Rama Rajya have been wonder­fully laid before you in the Ramayana. Truth, purity, an indomitable will to conquer evil, an unshakable faith in and adherence to Dharma, obedience, forbearance, sympathy and love - these constitute Lord Rama. With the birth of these in you, be sure that Lord Rama has enthroned Himself in your heart. Ramayana is replete with lessons which every aspir­ant should learn and assimilate”.

The Master’s description of the relationship between Lord Rama, Sri Hanuman and Lakshmana, attests to unconditional devotion, loyalty and service. He advised, “Hanuman and Lakshmana should be your ideals of service. Utter selflessness and total dedica­tion to the Lord, and thenceforward carrying out His Will as an instrument in His hands - that is the secret of success through work. Body, mind and soul, are all laid at His Feet; friends, family, nay, the entire world dwindles into an airy nothing before Him. It is then that you enjoy supreme felicity. You become an Apta­kama; you have obtained whatever there is to be obtained. No more are you assailed by wants and desires. Fear, cowardice and other evils which have their root in greed disappear. You can work wonders”.

In his advice to women, the Master said that every woman should get before herself the ideal of Sita, and that Pativrata Dharma is the only Dharma for a woman. He explained, “If a woman sticks to this one Pativrata Dharma, she gets Mukti easily. Her might then becomes unchallengeable. Even Gods will bow to her, and the elements will obey her commands. O fashionable woman, O immodest lady, turn away from the path which leads to ruin; follow Sita's example. You will be ever remembered, even as Sita is”.

Sri Swami Sivananda said that Lord Rama’s Rama Rajya was based on truth. Dharma was its foundation. Shastras were the guiding principles. Rishis, Yogis, Munis and Brahma Jnanis were the guiding lights. The Vedas were always respected and followed. Therefore, Rama Rajya endured and pros­pered. And, it is even now spoken of as the most perfect form of government. He affirmed, “Here is a lesson for all the rulers of the world. If you base your government on true religion, on Dharma and on eternal verities, the government will be an ideal one, and all your subjects will enjoy peace and prosperity; if you build it on shifting sands of materialism, then the structure will collapse, destroying the inhabitants. Learn a good lesson from the Ramayana. Abandon the path that your perverted intellect impels you to tread”. 

The soulful Ramayana recital, the sincere and the beautiful children’s offering, melodious Kirtans and Bhajans created a deeply spiritual atmosphere on this sacred occasion.

Sri Swami Sivananda taught that Ram Navami is not merely the celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, but the awakening of the divine consciousness within one’s own heart. He emphasised that true observance lies in living the ideals of Lord Rama, namely truth, purity, compassion, self-discipline, and unwavering adherence to Dharma. For ardent spiritual aspirants, this sacred day is not merely a celebration, but a call to awaken the “Rama” within -the inner light of purity, discipline, compassion, and unwavering devotion to duty. It inspires seekers to conquer negative tendencies, cultivate virtue, and walk the path of selflessness and surrender to the Divine. By reflecting on Lord Rama’s life, aspirants are guided toward inner harmony, moral strength, and ultimately, union with the Supreme. 

May the blessings of Lord Rama, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda be upon us all.

CLICK HERE TO READ DIVINE LIFE MAGAZINE NO.146

A special Satsang was held on Sunday, 1 March 2026 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, to commemorate the sacred “Day of Descent of Divine Grace”. 

In 2007, Pujya Swami Sahajananda wrote about this auspicious day:

“I myself had the Grace of our Divine Master when an unusual power of his descended in me. It happened on 1st March this year. When the power descended there was a little disturbance in the beginning, but within a few days it settled down. Now there is no change in the descent of the power. I could not believe that the Master would grant me such Divine Grace, a Grace that I do not deserve. If devotees saw my attitude some five years ago and my attitude now, they would be quite surprised that such a tremendous change could take place”.

On Sunday, 1 March 2026, Ganga Arati commenced at 9.40am followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans and an audio message by Pujya Swami Sahajananda.

In the audio message, Pujya Swamiji said that Sri Gurudev created, planned and shaped his life and all aspects of the Society, indicative of Pujya Swamiji’s complete and total surrender to the Divine Master. Pujya Swamiji traced his early life, when the Master destined that Pujya Swamiji should get a second-class pass in the matriculation examination, which later led him to renounce the material world and his studies to pursue a spiritual life. Referring to the Master, he said, “Intuitively I knew that Gurudev was a God-realised saint”. He also recounted his first meeting with the Divine Master in Rishikesh, his yearning for his friends back home, the level of his dispassion, the Master’s taciturn nature at that time, his keenness to learn Yoga Asanas, singing of Kirtans and Bhajans, and the Master’s cryptic instruction, “Learn to type and to make tea”, which implied, “to serve”, which Pujya Swamiji accomplished with distinction. 

The reading from “Conversations with Gurudev” from Guidance in Daily Life, written by Pujya Swamiji and published in 1998, is an intimate account of a conversation between Pujya Swamiji and Sri Gurudev. The conversation appears in its entirety as follows:

“Swamiji: Gurudev, when we ask for material things you fulfil our wishes quickly, even without thinking, like Lord Siva. But when we ask for spiritual transformation, you are very hard on us, Gurudev. Again, like Lord Siva sitting with His closed eyes on the Himalayas, you seem to ignore us.

Gurudev: This is because spiritual treasures are valuable and more lasting. They are not like things that perish.      

Swamiji: Gurudev, you remarked to one of our devotees who came to you from South Africa, ‘I know when to give and what to give’. Your Divine Grace works in mysterious ways, Gurudev. It is unpredictable, especially when it comes to spiritual transformation.

Gurudev: Yes, the mystery of Divine Grace can only be understood through Divine Grace.

Swamiji: Gurudev, parts of my nature resisted transformation for many years. I was in despair and always had a lurking fear that it will never be possible, because I had heard that even some great spiritual personalities did not achieve a complete transformation of their external nature. They did not achieve the integral transformation as described in your books and teachings, that is, a transformation amidst all the distracting and frustrating situations of daily life.

Gurudev: Such a radical transformation is possible only through the Guru’s Grace.

Swamiji: I can well believe it, Gurudev. No amount of vows and resolutions helped me to overcome some of my cardinal defects. When I gave up every effort and felt helpless, your Divine Grace manifested. Gurudev, I woke up one morning with the distinct feeling that I was a changed being, that some great power of yours had descended upon me and was effecting the transformation. Gurudev, when I realised what was happening, tears of gratitude began pouring for several weeks, as I felt I was not worthy to receive such Grace. I marvelled to note with what precision and perfection your power was working. The higher knowledge seemed to be descending in me.

From time to time, you were giving me a formula to repeat, together with my Mantra, so that what you were giving could be stabilised. Gurudev, the distracting external conditions did not change a bit. The attitude of those around me was the same. But the miracle I noticed was that it was I who was changing.

Gurudev, kindly permit me to add something more. Over the years I knew all along that those around me were all your own forms, and that their frustrating actions were meant to help me in my spiritual progress. However, this intellectual acceptance did not help me much, Gurudev. But when your divine power descended upon me, the positive results were at once noticeable.

Gurudev: Yes, that is how Divine Grace works. Its ways are mysterious. It will work according to its own way and not the way you want. Perfect faith and self-surrender will allow it to work unhindered.

Swamiji: Gurudev, I regret to state that as the months went by, I found that sometimes I was losing the marvellous gifts that you were so graciously bestowing upon me, even though I was so unworthy of it. At such times I would feel extremely downcast and think that death would be preferable than to lose what you were giving. Gurudev, I also found that Divine Grace or Guru's Grace is not only difficult to get, but once got, it is even more difficult to maintain.

Gurudev: Yes, such precious spiritual gifts need special care and vigilance to protect them.

Swamiji: Gurudev, thanks to your boundless love and compassion, the transformation became more stabilised after about three years. This you made possible through the formulae that you gave me to repeat from time to time. Still, Gurudev, I need your Grace and protection at every step to keep vigilant at all times.

Gurudev: Yes, my Grace shall be ever with you”.

Thus ends the profound conversation between Sri Gurudev and his ideal disciple, Pujya Swami Sahajananda. 

On this most auspicious day, and on Pujya Swamiji’s 70th Sannyas Anniversary, we thank Pujya Swamiji for his supreme sacrifice and dedication. Every cell of his sacred body and every drop of his pure blood were consecrated towards moulding us and preparing us for God-realisation, either in this birth or in births to come. 

We express our eternal gratitude to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swamiji.

Click to download the Centenary Celebrations Report

The most sacred Mahasivaratri was celebrated with deep devotion, discipline and spiritual intensity, reflecting the sacred significance of this most auspicious night dedicated to Lord Siva. Celebrations were held at all Divine Life Society of South Africa Ashrams, some of its Branches and Prayer Groups. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm, followed by Satsang until 5am the following morning. Structured across four Praharas, the programme comprised Ganga Arati, Kirtans, Bhajans, chants, children’s items, videos, audio messages, readings, guest artistes and offerings, giving devotees a spiritual feast. 

This report provides a gestalt of the sacred night’s programme at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills.

In the first Prahara, the reading, “Glory of Sivaratri” by Sri Swami Sivananda was both inspirational and educational. The Divine Master says that Sivaratri, the night of Lord Siva, is observed through strict fasting, night-long vigil, meditation, and worship of the Siva Linga with offerings such as Bilva leaves and the sacred bathing of the Lingam with various items like milk, water, honey, ghee, and curd. Lord Siva declares this night, the thirteenth of the dark fortnight of Phalguna, as most sacred, valuing sincere fasting and devotion above elaborate rituals. He narrates the story of a hunter who unknowingly worshipped Lord Shiva on Sivaratri by offering Bilva leaves, thereby earning Divine Grace and liberation. This episode illustrates the profound sanctity, mercy, and spiritual power of Mahasivaratri.

Pujya Swamiji’s audio messages on the Power of Namasivaya (Parts 1 and 2) featured prominently on the programme and made indelible impressions on many. Pujya Swamiji related the account of an American devotee, Sharon Brown, whose amazing experience exemplified the power of the most sacred and potent Om Namah Sivaya Mantra. Sharon had aplastic anaemia (a disease that attacks the bone marrow). Desolate and in desperation, she sought Divine help and was advised by a devotee of Swami Muktananda of New York to chant the Om Namah Sivaya Mantra. Simply mentioning the Mantra instilled miraculous, curative waves in her. On simply hearing the Mantra even once, Sharon experienced extraordinary exhilaration. The Mantra and the world appeared as one, and the fear of death faded by the power of its repetition. At one point, she felt that cancer came to her as a blessing so as to bring her into contact with the Mantra. She said that through the chanting of the Om Namah Sivaya Mantra, poison can be turned into nectar. Sharon experienced innate peace, bliss and courage during the illness as well as during the operation that was performed on her. To her, the Mantra was a “living form of God” and the “supreme truth”. The audio recording was an excellent example of the power and potency of the sacred Om Namah Sivaya Mantra.

The first Prahara further inspired devotees through classical dance, Bhajans, Kirtans, a video presentation, a delightful item by the Sunday School Spiritual Darlings and the Ganesha Arati, culminating in collective chanting of the Om Namah Sivaya Mantra and Ganga Arati.

The second Prahara again sustained the devotional momentum through soul-stirring Bhajans and Kirtans by guest artists and devotees. Readings such as “Chipak Mahadev”, extracts from Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life and an Ode to Arunachala added depth and scriptural reflection. Musical items including Thevarams, alongside Sri Gurudev’s audio renderings, evoked profound spiritual resonance. 

The reading, “An Ode to Arunachala” and the singing of Arunachala Verses were deeply inspiring. In the reading, “Kannapa Nayanar” from the book, 63 Nayanar Saints by Sri Swami Sivananda, one learns that Tinnanar, son of the hunter-king Nagan, was a former birth of Arjuna, reborn to attain liberation through pure devotion to Lord Siva. Though a hunter by Dharma, he was inwardly pure and free from vices. Drawn by past impressions, he worshipped Lord Siva at Kalahasthi with childlike love, offering meat, water from his mouth, and flowers worn on his head. These were acts shocking to ritualists but born of deep devotion. When he saw the Lord’s eyes bleeding, he sacrificed his own eyes to heal Him. Pleased, Lord Siva revealed Himself, named him Kannappa, and granted him liberation, showing that total self-surrender is the highest form of devotion.

In the article “The Master’s Worship” from Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life, one learns of the Master’s deep devotion to the Lord. On the anniversary of the Viswanath Mandir Pratishtha, the Master joined devotees in worship, offering flowers to the Siva Lingam. Soon, in a state of complete self-forgetfulness, he began worshipping the surrounding sadhus and aspirants with the same flowers, seeing the Divine in all beings. In another episode, a man suffering from tuberculosis approached the Master with anxiety. Listening with compassion, the Master reassured him, prescribed simple breathing, healthy living and faith, and gave him the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra as the greatest tonic. Citing instances of its healing power, the Master inspired hope, peace, and renewed confidence in the visitor.

The reading, “Lord Siva’s Assurance” was a potent reminder of the Lord’s assurance and compassion. In reference to the observance and its benefits, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “The two great natural forces that afflict man are Rajas (the quality of passionate activity), and Tamas (that of inertia). The Sivaratri Vrata aims at the perfect control of these two. The entire day is spent at the Feet of the Lord. Continuous worship of the Lord necessitates the devotee’s constant presence in the place of worship. Motion is controlled. Evils like lust, anger and jealousy, born of Rajas, are ignored and subdued. The devotee observes vigil throughout the night and thus conquers Tamas also. Constant control is exercised over the mind. Every three hours a round of worship of the Siva Lingam is conducted. Sivaratri is a perfect Vrata. Lord Siva assured Parvati as follows: ‘There is no ritual, O Parvati, which can compare with this simple routine in sanctity’.”

Bhajans, Kirtans, sacred Mantras and readings nurtured inner stillness. Audio and video presentations, including the play reading, “Old Drum New Palace” and Sri Swami Sivananda’s DVD Wisdom of Sivananda, added to the timeless beauty, wisdom and glory of Mahasivaratri, thereby reinforcing long-lasting spiritual values.  In the fourth Prahara, Pujya Swamij’s singing, the reflective messages and soulful Kirtans and Bhajans, as well as the recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, Ram Bhajans, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Om Namo Bhagavate Sivanandaya chanting imbued the closing hours with peace and spiritual fulfillment. The programme concluded with Arati and Shanti Paat, marking a serene and auspicious conclusion to the sacred vigil.

Amongst the guest artistes who performed during the celebration were: 

• Srimathi Nicholyn Archary, founder and principal of Natyakshetra Dance School, who trained in Bharatanatyam at the renowned Kalakshetra College of Fine Arts in Chennai. She was awarded a prestigious scholarship by the Consulate General of India for advanced training.
• Sri Manesh Maharaj has devoted his life to the practice and propagation of Kathak and Shastriya Sangeet. Through his institute, Kala Darshan Institute of Music and Dance, he has been nurturing and mentoring students of Indian performing arts for over 26 years. He is a graduate of the prestigious Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in India.
• Kashmira Bhajan, who has been under Sri Maneh Maharaj’s  guidance for the past 18 years, also featured on the programme. Kashmira has performed leading roles in numerous productions choreographed by Shri Manesh Maharaj, and continues to emerge as a compelling and accomplished Kathak dancer. 
• Sri Jay Udith and his group added immense colour to the programme through their divine offering. An accomplished musician, Jay Udith studied both western and eastern music, and is proficient in playing, amongst other instruments, the piano and sitar. 

The Mahasivaratri all-night vigil was a spiritually elevating experience, meticulously organised and reverently executed. Through collective worship, sacred music, scripture, and remembrance of the Guru, devotees were drawn into a powerful current of devotion and inner renewal. Those who attended, and more especially those who went through the entire night, are sure to have benefited spiritually. The programme stood as a living expression of faith, unity and the timeless message of divine life.