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.

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.