The auspicious Mahasivaratri was celebrated at all Sivanandashrams on Wednesday, 26 February 2025. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm, followed by the Mahasivaratri Satsang which concluded the next morning at 5am. The multi-faceted programme, which catered for all, comprised readings, Kirtans, Bhajans, musical items, guest artistes, videos, offerings at the shrine and chanting of the sacred Om Namah Sivaya Mantra while circumambulating the Ganga Rani pool. The four Praharas were intensely spiritual and nurtured the spiritual aspirations of devotees, many of whom stayed until the closure.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message on the Power of Namasivaya (Parts 1 and 2) featured in both the First and Fourth Praharas. These recordings by Pujya Swamiji, in which he related the account of an American devotee, Sharon Brown, whose amazing experience exemplified the power of the most sacred Om Namah Sivaya Mantra. Sharon had aplastic anaemia (a disease that attacks the bone marrow). 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. The mere mention of 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 also comprised a track of the video, Wisdom of Sivananda on the power of prayer which portrayed Sri Swami Sivananda’s deep love and reverence for Lord Siva. Guest artiste Kashmira Bhajan, is a student of the Kala Darshan, Institute of Classical Indian Dance and Music, under tutelage of Guru Sri Manesh Maharaj. Her offering, a Kathak Dance to the cosmic dancer, Lord Nataraj, was both inspirational and deeply spiritual. Dhivya Chetty, a young emerging artist, passionately explores various musical forms, including vocals, tabla, keyboards, and violin. She was accompanied by her father who has performed alongside many local and international musicians.

The reading from Glory of Sivaratri from Lord Siva and His Worship by Sri Swami Sivananda, captured the essence of Mahasivaratri. Sri Gurudev said, ‘Sivaratri’ means ‘night of Lord Siva’. The important features of this religious function are rigid fasting for twenty-four hours and vigil throughout the night. Every true devotee of Lord Siva spends the night of Sivaratri in deep meditation, keeps vigil and observes fast. The worship of Lord Siva consists in offering flowers, Bilva leaves and other gifts on the Linga which is a symbol of Lord Siva, and bathing it with milk, honey, butter, ghee, rose- water, etc.

 “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) is known as Sivaratri, and 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’.”

The First Prahara concluded with the recital of the Ganesha Arati – Jay Ganesha Deva, chanting of the Om Namah Sivaya Mantra and offerings. 

The Second Prahara was resplendent with an array of soul-elevating items. Extracts from Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life, highlighted the Master’s deep love for Lord Siva, as is indicative in the following excerpt, entitled The Master’s Worship, “It was the Viswanath Mandir Pratishtha Anniversary Day. A programme of worship was being conducted in the temple. Several aspirants and Sadhus were sitting inside the temple, worshipping the Lord with flowers and bael leaves. The Shiva Lingam was fully covered with a thick shawl of flowers. The Master was circumambulating the temple. As he appeared at the threshold of the shrine, one of the aspirants offered him some flowers and bael leaves with which to worship the Lord. As the Sannyasin outside was going on with his recitation of the Mantras, the Master also joined the devotees in offering flowers to the Lord. This went on for some minutes. In a mood of complete self-forgetfulness, the Master now turned to the Sadhus and aspirants sitting around the Lingam and began worshipping them with the flowers intended for the Lord. There seemed to be not a trace in his eyes or face indicating his recognition of who exactly the individuals were. The eyes seemed to gaze on, but only he could say what he saw”.

The story of Kancha Prabhu, portrays the mundaneness and mysteriousness of attachment and human nature. Instances of this description can be found even today. Those who are ever watchful can see clearly the folly of clinging to mundane things. The story reveals that one cannot take even a single material possession from this world when life departs. 

Srimathi Siddharthiya Pillay, a classically-trained Bharathanatyam dancer, presented a dance based on a Malayalam song praising Lord Siva, wherein she depicted the worship of Lord Siva by a gathering of women in the wilderness of the forest and the Lord's manifestation to his devotees.  Sri Thiru Solly Pillay, founder of Agni-swaram, a group of highly talented musicians, accompanied by the well-known Tansen Nepaul, performed with passion, devotion and intense Bhakti. The songs by Sri Gurudev, a video entitled, Lord Shiva visits Baby Krishna, and singing of melodious Thevarams also featured in this Prahara The readings of Nayanar Saints and the Story of Kannappa Nayanar, An Ode to Arunachala and singing of Arunachala Verses, complemented the Second Prahara as well. The An Ode to Arunachala, the Akshara Mana Malai is an inspired poetical composition by Sri Ramana Maharishi. It is an exceptional outpouring of devotion for the Lord of Arunachala in which the Maharishi assumes the role of a lover (seeker) seeking her beloved (the Supreme Being). It is said that anyone who recites the work with devotion will merge with Lord Arunachaleshwara and attain salvation, the goal of human existence. Melodious Kirtans and Bhajans added to the divine and spiritual ambience of the Second Prahara, which concluded with the Siva Arati, chanting and offerings. 

In the Third Prahara, the Lilas of Lord Shiva were aptly portrayed in the inspiring story, Old Drum, New Palace, an audio recording by devotees of the Society. Jay Udith and troupe of Jai Ho Satsang made their love offerings through melodious Kirtans and Bhajans. A video, Lord Rama sings on Sivaratri, Pujya Swamiji’s audio Kirtans and Bhajans, a video on the Om Namah Shiva Series, and a reading of the story, Chipak Mahadev complemented the Third Prahara. The story Chipak Mahadev, brought to the fore, Lord Siva’s miraculous and mysterious powers bestowed upon ardent devotees. The Prahara concluded with the Sivananda Arati, chanting and offerings.

The Fourth and final Prahara comprised Pujya Swamiji’s audio message (Part 2), recounting the American devotee, Sharon Brown’s experiences and the power of the Om Namah Sivaya Mantra, a video on the Vishnu Puran, recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, Ram Bhajan, and an open-time when devotees were given the opportunity to sing Kirtans and Bhajans. The Fourth Prahara brought the Mahasivaratri celebrations to a great spiritual end with the final chanting, offerings and Arati at 5am.

The Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, extols the virtues and powers of Lord Siva, in the following advice to aspirants:

“Blessed Aspirants,

Lord Siva is the God of Love. His Grace is boundless. He is the Saviour and Guru. He is the Beloved of Uma. He is Satyam, Sivam, Subham, Sundaram, Kantam. He is the Supreme Light that shines in your heart.

Meditate on His Form. Hear His Lilas. Repeat His Mantra ‘Om Namah Sivaya’. Study Siva Purana. Do His worship daily. Behold Him in all names and forms. He will bless you with His Vision”.

As we celebrate another Mahasivaratri, let us reflect, introspect and dive deep into the spiritual realms of our own beings. The importance of the worship of Lord Siva and the popularity and auspiciousness of Mahasivaratri throughout the world cannot be over emphasised. Its glory is ineffable. 

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

Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated the auspicious Maha Kumbha Mela on Sunday, 2 February 2025 at its Sivananda International Cultural Centre, (SICC), La Mercy, as part of its Centenary Celebrations. The Maha Kumbha Mela is currently being observed in Prayagraj, India at the confluence of the sacred Ganga, Yamuna and the subterranean Saraswati rivers. It began on 13 January and ends on 26 February 2025. The Kumbha Mela, which takes place every 12 years on the banks of the holy Ganga River, the most sacred river in India, draws millions of pilgrims. This year marks the Maha or Purna Kumbh which occurs only once every 144 years, and we are truly blessed to see this in our lifetime. The number expected to attend this year is approximately 400 million – the largest gathering of human beings on the planet. Such is the power and glory of Mother Ganga! The origin of the Ganga is ascribed to celestial glory. Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita: “I am the Ganga among rivers”. For devotees, the Maha Kumbha Mela is an opportunity to wash away sins and gain spiritual merit (punya). The alignment of Jupiter, the sun and the moon during the festival is believed to amplify the sacredness and sanctity of the rivers, making them life-giving and soul-cleansing.

At this Maha Kumbha Mela at Sivananda International Cultural Centre, devotees and the public were afforded the opportunity to experience the beauty and grandeur of Mother Ganga, Ganga Arati, the beautiful Ganga Ranis and the expression of faith, so as to promote and uphold our glorious Hindu Dharma. Through the Grace of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, and the vision and efforts of Pujya Swami Sahajananda, Mother Ganga now flows in South Africa at the various Centres of Divine Life Society of South Africa. The holy Ganga pools are regularly consecrated with Ganga Jal, brought from Gangotri in India.

The programme on Sunday, 2 February 2025 comprised a morning Sadhana Programme which included a Ganga Havan and guest artistes from 6am to 8am. Ganga Arati and offering of Ganga Jal at the four sacred pools (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati and Bhagirathi) was from 8am to 9.50am. The Satsang began at 10am and concluded at 12.30pm.

Hundreds of devotees, members of the public, donors and well-wishers from all parts of the country converged at the serene and beautiful Sivananda International Cultural Centre for the morning Sadhana programme in Bhagirathi, which has cascading water features. Many came by buses arranged by local Hindu organisations. After the Invocation, soulful chants of sacred Mantras reverberated during the Ganga Havan, signifying purification, spiritual growth and connection with the divine. The divine energy was palpable and the atmosphere was electric with spiritual fervour.

Guest artiste, Archarya Rathna, Isaiselvamani V. Karthiegasen Pillay and his entourage rendered Kirtans and Bhajans in praise of Mother Ganga. His love-offering at this Maha Kumbha Mela added beauty, divinity and deep spirituality to the event.

Devotees offered Ganga Jal as oblations to the Divine. Colourful stalls with memorabilia, Ganga Jal, a water feature with banners and audio-visual educative material on the Maha Kumbha Mela and Mother Ganga, adorned the forecourt of the Main Prayer Hall, creating a sanctimonious atmosphere.

Sri Swami Sivananda, in the article “The Glory of Ganga” from the book, Mother Ganga, said, “For a Hindu, the word Ganga or Ganges has its own sacred association. Every Hindu thirsts for a dip in the Ganga, and for a drop of Her water at the time of his death. Aspirants and mendicants build their huts on the banks of the Ganga for practising penance and meditation. Bhishma spoke very highly of the glory of the Ganga in his parting instructions to the Pandavas from his bed of arrows. In the Satya Yuga, all places were sacred. In the Treta Yuga, Pushkara was considered the most holy place. In the Dvapara Yuga, Kurukshetra was regarded as the most sacred place. In Kali Yuga, Ganga has that glory. Devi Bhagavatam says: ‘He who utters the Name of Ganga even from hundreds of miles afar is freed from sins and attains the abode of Lord Hari’.

“Ganga is known by various names like Bhagirathi (brought by Bhagiratha), Jahnavi (let out by Jahnu), etc. Sri Sankara, in his praise of Mother Ganga, accounts for Her origin thus: In the beginning, Ganga occupied the vessel (Kamandalu) in which Lord Brahma performed His daily ablution; then She flowed down washing the Feet of Lord Vishnu; and adorning the head of Lord Siva, finally She came down to the earth as the daughter of Jahnu”.

Pujya Swamiji’s message was pregnant with deep spiritual truths and profound advice to devotees. He focused on the importance of the Guru, faith and self-surrender, the Law of Karma, importance of Sadhana, namely Home Satsangs and God’s omnipotence and omnipresence. In highlighting the importance of faith and self-surrender, Pujya Swamiji questioned, “Suppose a calamity happens tomorrow, will we lose our faith? We will not, because we know that the whole universe is permeated by God”. Pujya Swamiji’s assurance in the following words is gratifying, “We in the Divine Life Society, who are disciples of Gurudev should never live in a state of fear or insecurity, because we have God by our side, and we have our Master by our side, and we can turn to him whenever we want”. Pujya Swamiji assured us that Home Satsangs and repetition of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra are sure to protect sincere devotees.

The Guest Speaker, The Honourable Consul General of India in Durban, Dr Thelma John David, alluded to the magnitude of the Kumbha Mela. She said that in the historical context, the Kumbha Mela was celebrated for centuries, connecting millions through shared spirituality. She also highlighted the link between South Africa and India through its rich heritage. She said that for Divine Life Society it is a trifecta of celebrations, as the Society is celebrating Sri Swami Sivananda’s Sannyas Centenary, Pujya Swamiji’s Birth Centenary and the 75th Anniversary of the Society. She commended the Society and Pujya Swamiji’s vision in bringing Mother Ganga to South Africa in the form of Ganga Ranis which are accessible to multitudes.

Kriti Lalla from the Kala Darshan Institute of Classical Music and Dance presented two well executed Kathak dance items in honour of Mother Ganga. Her outstanding performances were graceful, professionally executed and an apt offering to the Divine Mother.

The video on the origin and significance of the Maha Kumbha Mela, aptly captured this mammoth event, and alluded to man’s attempt to attain Moksha through a process of purification by taking a holy dip in the sacred rivers. Vivid visuals and narratives brought to life the atmosphere, ambience, emotions and energy of this event – the largest gathering on the planet.

Of significance is that the Maha Kumbha Mela is not just a religious festival but a symbol of faith, devotion, and cultural heritage. It showcases the spiritual depth of Hinduism and the enduring power of tradition, attracting people from all over the world. On an esoteric level, it has deep spiritual significance for us all, of purification, cleansing – physical, mental and spiritual, a journey of the soul towards enlightenment and spiritual growth. The hundreds who visited Sivananda International Cultural Centre have truly benefited. The nectar of Ganga Rani, the refreshing Bhagirathi, the awe-inspiring Yamuna and Saraswati are sure to have touched the inner fibre of many, who in some small way, have felt the presence of the Divine Mother in her pristine and celestial beauty.

The Swami Sahajananda Community Centre in Forderville, Estcourt was the venue for the launch of Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s Birth Centenary Celebrations on Sunday, 26 February 2025. The event was hosted by the Society’s Estcourt Branch. The day’s programme commenced at 8am with Havan, followed by breakfast. A special “Lamp Lighting Ceremony” commenced at 9.15am, followed by Ganga Arati at 9.30am and Satsang at 10am. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a message from the Society, cultural items, an address by the Mayor of Umtshezi Municipality, the release of a special brochure and a dance item.

The precincts of the Gayatri Mandir and the Sri Swami Sahajananda Community Centre were enveloped in the soulful Mantra chants of the sacred Havan. Representatives of various local Hindu organisations participated in the Havan, which set the tone and created an appropriate ambience for the auspicious launch of Pujya Swamiji’s Birth Centenary Celebrations in Estcourt, the town of Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s birth. Coincidentally, Pujya Swamiji’s 100th birth anniversary this year coincides with the sacred Sri Guru Purnima on 10 July 2025. Indeed, a celestial alignment of great importance and relevance to devotees.

The lighting of 100 diyas (lamps), with the rendition of the Sivananda Arati, was both symbolic and a memorable moment. The audience witnessed, in rapt attention, a unique happening, which signified the presence of divinity, knowledge, wisdom, purity and perfection – all that Pujya Swamiji embodied and personified.

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message gave succinct instructions for self-transformation. He explained that Sri Gurudev taught that we should see divinity in animate and inanimate objects also. Pujya Swamiji said, “However difficult it is, we should try to see God, not only in the forms that are living and moving, but also in inert forms”. He explained that we should see goodness in all and spread positivity, rather than hatred and negativity. If there is hatred and animosity, then it is indicative of something being wrong in one’s Sadhana. We must change our angle of vision for spiritual growth. When one complained to Sri Gurudev, Sri Aurobindo and Sri Swami Yogananda, they all asked the complainant to introspect and make an effort to change. They emphasised self-transformation and did not call in the other person. The message was pregnant with a deep and profound spiritual message for inner reflection, deep self-transformation and Sadhana for spiritual growth.

The message from Divine Life Society of South Africa provided a succinct insight into Pujya Swamiji’s life and legacies, his contributions to the spiritual, social, poverty-alleviation, and educational welfare of all, as well as his humanitarian contributions and initiatives. The focus of the message was on our roles and responsibilities, in order to sustain Pujya Swamiji’s legacies. The following excerpts from the message find resonance in this regard.

“Today, we are all beneficiaries of this immense spiritual legacy if we choose to embrace it. The keys to accessing this wealth are faith, obedience, loyalty, devotion, and a strong desire for spiritual growth. To honour a great soul like Pujya Swamiji, we must practise his teachings, chief amongst which are unconditional self-surrender and obedience. He taught that perfect obedience equates to perfect self-surrender, and that it surpasses mere reverence. By adhering to simple principles in our daily lives, be it at home, on the road, or at work, we can enhance our existence. He emphasised that ‘Obedience is the most important law of life’, urging us to observe health rules, road traffic rules, the rules of establishments and institutions, and to reflect on our daily shortcomings. 

“Our Divine Master's writings will guide us on this journey. Merely associating with a saint or an ashram is insufficient; we must embody the values taught by our Master, namely serve, love, give, purify and meditate, and live a Divine Life prioritising God. Pujya Swamiji exemplified faith and self-surrender, a theme captured in his first book published in 1996. The title is, Faith and Self-Surrender. … Pujya Swamiji revealed that the insights within came directly from Sri Gurudev as he typed the script without drafts. This booklet promises inspiration for all readers amid life's challenges”. 

The Spiritual Darlings’ cultural item, “Pujya Swamiji Says”, comprised enactments of some of Pujya Swamiji’s simple, child-like, yet potent messages that appealed to children and adults. This item was concluded with a musical rendition highlighting the Divine Personality of Pujya Swamiji, the ideal disciple of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda.

We were fortunate that the sacred launch programme took place within the period of the Maha Kumbha Mela. In observance of this, a delightful and symbolic dance traced the origin of Mother Ganga and Her physical route throughout India, and finally to South Africa, brought here by the grace of Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji. Lord Buddha, Sri Swami Sivananda and Paramhansa Sri Ramakrishna too are honoured for they served Ganga Mata as she Graced Bodhgaya, Rishikesh and Calcutta with Her presence. In the dance item, Pujya Swami Sahajananda, who was compared to King Bhagirath by Sri Swami Sivananda in 1955, is acknowledged for bringing Ganga Rani to South Africa. Knowing how Ganga Mata willingly left Her heavenly abode to save the sons of King Sagar, Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji, wanted to save all of us, their own children. They therefore, convinced Ganga Rani to extend Herself from the heavenly Himalayan peaks of Rishikesh to Southern Africa. The dance re-lives Ganga Rani’s journey from heaven, through the various Ashrams in India, to South Africa. Executed in a professional and entertaining manner, the colourful item added to the divinity and sanctity of the occasion.

The Mayor of Umtshezi, the Honourable Mr Lymon Shelembe, in his address, reflected on his association with Pujya Swami Sahajananda, who built the Sivananda Celukuphiwa School in 2002. He indicated that learners took their lessons under trees prior to Pujya Swamiji’s magnanimous gift to the community. The school has subsequently excelled, having created the foundation for several doctors, engineers and teachers. He recalled that when he was seriously ill, Pujya Swamiji sent him Agnihotra ash, to which he attributed his miraculous recovery. The mayor’s reverence and admiration for Pujya Swamiji were overtly evident in his address.

Of great significance in the Satsang programme was the release of our Centenary Brochure, Sri Swami Sivananda’s Ideal Disciple, a 64-page book, encapsulating the life and legacy of Sri Swami Sivananda and Sri Swami Sahajananda. The message read at the release ceremony, was an apt account of Pujya Swamiji’s greatness, humility and unconditional devotion to our Master, Sri Swami Sivananda. The following excerpts of the message pay credence to this theme.

“One of the forms of our Divine Master’s Grace in this country is beloved Pujya Swami Sahajananda. This Grace manifested and continues to manifest at every step of our inner journey. This will become apparent as you go through the pages of the 100th Birth Anniversary Brochure. You will feel the Grace flowing through every word and every act of Pujya Swamiji’s matchless surrender to the Divine Master. One can only turn to our Divine Master and say: ‘Lord, at every step, we thank Thee for Thy Golden Grace of bequeathing beloved Pujya Swamiji to us’. And that is the story of the life of Pujya Swami Sahajananda, that is the story of Divine Life Society of South Africa, and more poignantly, that is the story of the inner journey of all his devotees.

 “Sri Swami Sahajananda’s silent dynamism, magnetic personality and contributions are again evident in Sri Swami Sivananda’s words at Pujya Swamiji’s farewell after his initiation into the holy order of Sannyas on 10 April 1956. The Master said, ‘Swami Sahajananda is styled as the spiritual king of South Africa, Durban. He is also called African Chota Guru. He does not want anything. He is a silent worker. He is a man of renunciation, Vairagya (dispassion) and meditation. He is a very good organiser. He talks little. You have never seen him talking. He thinks much and does much. Such a spiritual Yogi is he. His devotion to his teacher is unique. He has a pure heart. So let us pray for the health of this small Yogi, full of strength. One who can transform the materialistic intellect of the whole of South Africa; what tremendous purity, what tremendous Yogic power, what tremendous meditation and spiritual aura.

 “This publication highlights the life and teachings of Pujya Swamiji, his Guru Bhakti and his total surrender to his Guru, Sri Swami Sivananda. We trust that the articles in this brochure will inspire us to grow in our surrender to the Master and kindle a deep spiritual yearning for the Divine. One can see from the initiatives outlined in the brochure that Pujya Swamiji, as Spiritual Head of Divine Life Society of South Africa, was steadfastly focused on spiritual transformation and realisation, not only for Himself, but also for all devotees and seekers. Every ounce of his energy, every drop of his blood, every thought, every feeling and every sensation, every fibre of his being, went towards the achievement of that goal. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude for this shower of Divine Grace and for making manifest in this country the spiritual writings and vision of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda".

 The launch of Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s Birth Centenary in his home-town of Estcourt was a fitting tribute to this gentle spiritual giant of South Africa. What is the significance of this great occasion for us, you and I?  The following words from the brochure release message find resonance, and are a stark reminder to us all: “That we celebrate Pujya Swamiji’s 100th Birth Anniversary this year, and that we will be celebrating many more of his birthdays in future, makes us reminisce, and take cognisance of our own spiritual growth, our commitment to the Mission, our Guru Bhakti and our responsibility towards sustaining Pujya Swamiji’s legacy beyond his centenary celebrations. We can do these by practising Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s teachings, by increasing our Sadhana, serving the Society unflinchingly. What else? We should study the messages diligently. Precious spiritual jewels are contained in these messages. After a concentrated study let us dive deep within. All the saints and sages tell us that inside each one of us, there is a wealth beyond measure. Let us find that wealth and emulate Pujya Swamiji by enjoying the stupendous peace of God”