Devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public gathered in their hundreds to observe Sri Swami Sivananda’s 61st Mahasamadhi according to the English calendar, on Sunday, 14 July 2024 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commenced at 9.30am followed by Satsang at 10am. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a reading from the book From Man to God-Man by N. Ananthanarayanan, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, and a DVD on the last few days before the Master left his mortal body.

Despite the Master’s advanced ill-health, his mental state and spirit of compassion were still evident during the period prior to his Mahasamadhi. Excerpts from the reading appear herewith. 

“On July 14, Colonel Puri came to examine the Master. As he tapped with his rod to test the reflexes, the Master said, ‘Doctors are very cruel.’

‘Yes, Swamiji, what can be done? It is our duty,’ said the doctor, and added, ‘Swamiji, you will be all right shortly.’

‘Yes, I must,’ said the Master, ‘I have many things to do.’ 

‘You will do, Swamiji, but with a handicap.’ The Master heard the doctor's words clearly and gave him a steady look. Then in his unfailing hospitality saw to it that the doctor was offered uppama, coffee and books. He finally concluded with a farewell and an Om Namo Narayanaya. 

“After the doctor had left, and before he could take his own food, the Master developed fever and began to shiver. The breathing hardened. He took two or three spoonsful of Horlicks, and at about 3pm asked for water. As was the usual practice the disciples wanted to give him barley water or jeera water, but he wished to have Ganges water, pure and simple. The water was brought. The Master, who had experienced difficulty in taking the smallest quantity of solid or liquid, gulped down half a glassful of Ganges water without apparent trouble-and with that the Being that was Swami Sivananda laid aside its mortal vesture. It was now 11.15pm. 

“The time the Master chose to merge with the Supreme proved to be a holy Muhurta of extreme auspiciousness. It presented an exalted planetary position on the last limit of Uttarayana, and just before the commencement of the ‘Southern Path’. An expert horologist, who was also a capable astrologer, had mentioned only upon the morning of that fateful Sunday, that round about midnight there was going to be such an unparalleled and auspicious planetary conjunction that any Yogi who was getting ready to depart would never miss it. The prediction proved correct and the Master chose the moment”.

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message focused on the transitory nature of the physical world and external conditions, the need for steadfast meditation, and Sri Gurudev’s last days in his mortal body. Referring to physical discomforts during his meditation when ants were troubling him, Pujya Swamiji said, “The lesson I have learnt is that everything is perishable. Don’t place any faith in either buildings or anything else”. He said that wherever we go, we are likely to encounter problems. Referring to challenges during meditation, Pujya Swamiji said that when we meditate, we must try and obliterate everything that affects meditation. Addressing Sri Gurudev in the first person, Pujya Swamiji said, “You left on the 14th of July and 10 days later Papa Swami Ramdas left the physical body. And you gave all the indication that you are going to go, but no one knew. You took the calendar and selected the date”, indicative of Sri Gurudev’s imminent departure from the earthly plane. Despite Sri Gurudev’s physical absence, his mercy and compassion are indicative in Pujya Swamiji’s words, “you’ve established yourself in our hearts”. This is abundantly true for even today, decades after Sri Gurudev left his mortal body, strangers, foreigners, children, the old and infirm, intellectuals and laymen have turned to the Master for comfort, solace and spiritual enlightenment. Pujya Swamiji said that during Sri Gurudev’s Birth Centenary celebrations, devotees have been sending “waves of devotion” to Gurudev, in various forms. Pujya Swamiji’s parting advice was that we have to have extreme loyalty to Gurudev, and then we will all get what we want. Comforting words, indeed, for our salvation lies at the feet of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda.

The DVD showed the Master’s last days before his Mahasamadhi, the reverence displayed by devotees, his Mahasamadhi, procedures and rituals pursuant to his leaving his mortal body. The crowds present during his last rites, the reverential attitudes of those present and the onlookers that lined the streets of Rishikesh, were indicative of the magnitude of the Being that is Sri Swami Sivananda. Interspersed with Kirtans, and some of the Master’s profound teachings, the riveting visuals are sure to have left many in the congregation with feelings of sadness and solemnity. 

The all-compassionate, omniscient and all-merciful Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda merged in God on 14 July 1963, leaving behind numerous followers all over the world, one of the foremost disciples being Sri Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of Divine Life Society of South Africa, to spread his great gospel of love and service, of spiritual growth and transformation, and of the brotherhood of man. 

The glowing tribute of Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of the world-renowned Self-Realisation Fellowship, and author of the famous spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, stands out.  He said, “The life of the great Rishi, Swami Sivananda, serves as a perfect example of selfless activity. He blesses India and the world by his presence".

The Aryan Hall in Raisthorpe, Pietermaritzburg, was the venue for the Society’s Centenary Celebrations hosted by the Pietermaritzburg Branch on Saturday, 6 July 2024. Approximately 550 devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public graced the function, that began at 7am and concluded at around 3pm.

There were three sessions. Session one was from 7 to 9am, and comprised chanting, Pranayama, meditation and Havan. The second session, comprising Ganga Arati and Satsang, was from 9.30am to 12.40pm. The third session, a cultural programme, commenced at 1pm and concluded around 3pm.

The soulful chants of sacred Mantras and Ganga Arati were a beautiful prelude to the Satsang programme. The concept of Ganga Arati, was perhaps new to many, and afforded them the opportunity to pay obeisance to Mother Ganga.

The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from the Society, a play, “People versus Sivananda”, and a children’s item, “Gurudev Says”. 

The message from the Society focused on the reasons for the Centenary Celebrations, Sri Swami Sivananda’s teachings and legacies, and the enormous work of Divine Life Society of South Africa under the leadership of its Spiritual Head, Sri Swami Sahajananda. The message also gave pertinent advice on Mantra chanting, the importance of attendance at Satsangs and the benefits of prayer. The children’s item, “Gurudev Says”, done to the accompaniment of nursery rhymes, brought to the fore the Master’s lofty teachings in a simple and entertaining manner.

One of the highlights of the Satsang programme was a court-room drama, “People versus Sivananda”. A court had to be convened because some of the critics of Sri Swami Sivananda leveled accusations, namely, breaking traditional rules, mass education on the sacred scriptures and kidnapping. Swami Sivananda was tried in abstentia. One of the complainants was a pundit who complained that Swami Sivananda had made sacred texts available to all castes, the masses, and even in English. He complained further that Swami Sivananda told people that they could chant Mantras and know God, that sacred Mantras can also be written, that he is a strong proponent of Karma Yoga. He tells people that an ounce of practice equals a ton of theory. People don’t want to do any more rituals. They give their money to the Swami. Shopkeepers are complaining because the Swami has opened an alms house. The pundit’s income has also dropped drastically. A doctor testified that the Swami has recently started eye camps and her company has seen a serious reduction in profits. A father testified that the Swami kidnapped his son who had joined Swami Sivananda’s Ashram. 

For the defence, various persons testified. Some said that the Swami taught them yogic exercises which improved their lives. Children from a prayer circle in New York also testified in favour of the Swami and sang the glories of Swami Sivananda. They began singing Swamiji’s songs in their own tunes. A grandmother testified that Swami Sivananda, stayed up all night at her house, attending to her.  She was of the view that doctors usually do not do this, as they provide medication, charge fees and leave. Another testified that the Swami carried him on his back when he was sick. To him, the Swami was Narayana himself. A young woman testified that she became an unmarried mother and everyone rejected her. She was destitute and on the verge of suicide. Then this divine father took her in, gave her shelter, and saved her life. After the birth of her baby, the Swami found a family to care for the baby. To her, the Swami was God in disguise. A young man who was turned down by the air force, contemplated suicide, when a voice said to him, “Don’t do that. You are meant for greater things”. That voice belonged to Swami Sivananda. The man was A. P. J. Abdul Khalam, a nuclear scientist and past President of India. A school-teacher who lived a normal life, testified that he came across a book, The Practice of Karma Yoga by Swami Sivananda, which changed his life, resulting in him following the path of renunciation. He further attested that through the Grace of the Swami, projects that uplifted the poor were undertaken, and that the poor are fed daily. Thousands of children now have a chance in life because of him. He further said, “Kidnapping, accusing him of kidnapping? How fortunate that father is, how lucky is that child to be in my Master’s arms. Today, even if parents have 3 or 4 children, they want them all to be barristers and doctors. Can’t they see that even this is a form of vanity? How glorious are his methods! To take care of our bodies, he teaches us the secrets of good eating, exercise and Ayurveda! Likhit Japa helps us with concentration and meditation. The more we use the Divine Name, the quicker the Name will come to us in our time of need. I am told that the doctors are complaining of a loss of income. Would these doctors take in persons who are living on the streets, unwashed, diseased, lepers that the world has thrown away? Their own families have thrown them away, but my Master will take them in. I am his always. Srinivasan …. Sahajananda”.

Finally, a man in blue appeared nonchalantly, saying, “To this Swami. My very own Sivananda. He has made all of my books famous. He has made all of my books easy to read and understand… and so practical…. Surely you have heard of my books, my lord. There are many. The Ramayana, the Mahabharata. I am sure you have heard of them. I see that you are using one of them - that's my Bhagavad Gita”. Upon enquiring of his name, the man replied, “M.M Giridhari… Murali Manohar Giridhari”.

Surprised, that the man n blue was indeed the Lord, the judge says, “How dare I judge this, Swami Sivananda? Did I not just have Darshan of the Lord because of him? Not guilty! Not guilty!”.

The day’s programme after lunch comprised an array of cultural items. Sri Kugendran Moonsamy, a renowned vocalist who was trained in India, enthralled the audience. He was accompanied by Parusha Naidoo on the tabla, and Sivanesan Naidoo on the harmonium and keyboard. The Sai Baba Foundation of Pietermaritzburg rendered beautiful Kirtans and Bhajans. In addition, the Ved Dharam Sabha and Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, both of Pietermaritzburg, made their love offerings of Kirtans, Bhajans and musical items. The large number in the audience appreciated the mellifluous music, rendered with love, devotion and professionalism. 

The Pietermaritzburg Branch is complimented on a well-organised function, befitting the Centenary Celebrations of the Society. The enormous preparations, well-crafted programmes, attention to detail, sumptuous breakfast, lunch Prasad, afternoon refreshments, and warm hospitality are greatly appreciated. Devotees have done Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda proud.