The Launch Satsang on 14 March 2024 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, commenced with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm. Devotees who wished to participate in the recital, were invited to make a pledge to Sri Hanuman and Sri Gurudev, by signing a Pledge Form. These pledges were offered at the shrine before Satsang. The Satsang Programme comprised Invocation, a reading of the rules for the 41-Day Recital, and the recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa 11 times. The rules which appear in the Divine Life Society of South Africa Prayer Book, are enumerated below, for the benefit of those who may wish to observe this Vrat now or in the future.
"1. The Sri Hanuman Chalisashould 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 a 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 (as from this prayer book).
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". This is one repetition.
9. On completion of the repetition once, offer one flower to Sri Hanuman.
10. Do the repetition 11 times at each sitting. Each time a repetition is completed, offer one flower. In this way offer all the 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 the picture of 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.
16. Women undergoing the monthly cleansing process should not repeat the Mantra during the period".
Let us all be inspired to have the Bhav of Sri Hanuman, as is evident in the article by Sri Swami Sivananda, "Hanuman", from the book, "Hindu Gods and Goddesses". Swami Sivananda says, "Lord Rama Himself said to Sri Hanuman, "I am indebted to you. O mighty hero! You did marvellous, superhuman deeds. You did not want anything in return. Sugriva got the kingdom. Angada became Yuvaraja. Vibhishana became king of Lanka. But you never asked anything at any time. You threw away even the precious garland of pearls given by Sita. I cannot repay your debts. I will always remain indebted to you. I give you the boon that you will live for ever. All will honour and worship you, like Myself. Your Murti will be placed at the door of My temple and you will be worshipped and honoured first. Wherever My Katha and Kirtan are held, you will be remembered and honoured first. You shall be able to do all that which I Myself cannot do".
