It was on 1 August 2017 that the 41-day Sri Hanuman Chalisa was launched at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Of interest is the fact that this spiritual event attracted the attention of devotees from Germany, Holland and New Zealand.

Sri 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 was humble, brave and wise. He said to Ravana, "I am a humble messenger of Sri Rama. I have come here to serve Sri Rama, to do His work. By the command of Sri Rama, I have come here. I am fearless by the Grace of Sri Rama. I am not afraid of death. I welcome it if it comes while serving Sri Rama."

Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda wrote, "See how humble Hanuman was! How deep was his devotion to Sri Rama! He never said, "I am the brave Hanuman. I can do anything and everything."

Herewith some guidelines from Pujya Swami Sahajananda: "The Sri Hanuman Chalisa is very powerful and very effective for the removal of all mental problems. It brings good health, success and prosperity. It cures diseases, counteracts evils forces, and the effects of 'black magic', which are so prevalent today. It was recommended to us by Pujya Mother Krishnabai, one of the greatest of living saints. Those who wish to recite it for the purposes stated above, must follow these instructions for the performance of the 41-day puja.

1. The Sri Hanuman Chalisa should be repeated regularly for 41 days, either in the morning or in the evening.
2. Have a bath and wear clean clothes.
3. Sit in any comfortable posture in front of the picture of Sri Hanuman.
4. Keep some fruit as Prasad in a little tray.
5. Keep 11 flowers in another small tray.
6. First commence repeating some Guru Mantras.
7. After the repetition of the Guru Mantras, commence the Sri Hanuman Chalisa from 'Sri Guru Charana Sarojaraja ...'
8. Complete the repetition till the end, until 'Hridaya Basahu Sura Bhoop Sita Ram".
9. On completion of the repetition once, offer one flower to Sri Hanuman.
10. Do the repetition 11 times at one sitting. Each time a repetition is completed, offer one flower. In this way offer all 11 flowers.
11. After the completion 11 times at one sitting, repeat some Shanti Mantras, prostrate and get up.
12. The fruit can be distributed to all as Prasad.
13. While sitting in the posture, do not change it or look around. Keep the eyes closed and concentrate on Sri Hanuman, or concentrate on his picture with eyes open.
14. On completion of the Mantra 11 times for 41 days, perform Havan with the help of a qualified pundit, and do some puja in a Hanuman Temple with the guidance of a priest.
15. You can also do poor feeding or some charity on completion of the Yajna.

The recital of 41-Day Sri Hanuman Chalisa will conclude on Sunday, 10th September 2017, coinciding with the 130th Birth Anniversary celebrations of our Divine Master to be held on Sivananda Stadium. The chanting will take place in the Prayer Hall from 6 – 7am, followed by Havan at 8am. May the blessings of Sri Rama, Sri Hanuman, and our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda be upon you and your family always!