Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC) was the venue of the most auspicious 138th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Sri Swami Sivananda, when approximately 1500 devotees, donors, well-wishers, representatives of sister organisations and members of the public attended. The celebration was a veritable spiritual feast comprising an array of items. The morning Sadhana programme comprised the final recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa 11 times, followed by a Havan. After Ganga Arati, there was a grand March Past, wherein branches of the Society and a sister-organisation participated. This was followed by Satsang.
The 41-Day Recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa commenced on 29 July 2025. Hundreds of devotees participated in this sacred Vrat. The prayerful recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa in the sacred precincts of the serene SICC, added to the sanctity of the occasion. The sacred Havan, invoking the Divine Presence, was an apt conclusion to the Sri Hanuman Chalisa recital, as advised by Pujya Swami Sahajananda. The Havan sanctified the atmosphere, creating peace, harmony, and spiritual upliftment for all present.
A grand Deity Parade on a colourful and decorative float, was a sight to behold. Spiritual Darlings (children) dressed as Deities were resplendent in their finery and make-up. A massive March Past of the Society’s branches and a sister organisation, was a disciplined, devotional procession. To the singing of mellifluous Kirtans, the March Past, a “lap-of-honour” for Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, reflected Bhakti, unity, discipline, and dedication to Guru and God. The March Past was not merely a procession, but a moving prayer, with rows of hearts beating as one in honour of adorable Gurudev, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swamiji.
The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Sri Swami Sivananda’s message, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a message from the Society, the launch of a special Centenary Celebrations’ publication, Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life, Volumes 1 and 2, two dance items and the majestic Sivananda Gymnastic Drill Display.
Sri Swami Sivananda’s message from Questions and Answers, was his response to a devotee’s question, “If the soul is immortal, why does Swamiji celebrate his birthday, which relates to the body?” The Master’s profound response was, “I do not celebrate my birthday. It is the devotees who do it. Celebration of such birthdays is equal to worship of Para Brahman. Worship of the Guru is worship of Para Brahman. The devotees take delight in celebrating the birthday, and they are uplifted and benefited. A spiritual wave is created year after year when the birthday is celebrated, and more and more people get a chance of knowing the existence of the Divine Life Society and my teachings. The celebration of the birthday is an annual reminder to aspirants of the purpose of their life. It is a fillip to their spiritual practices. The pious, receptive attitude prevalent on such an occasion draws forth the Grace of Guru and God upon the devotees. The thoughts of peace, devotion, love, etc., sent out by the innumerable devotees that assemble together to celebrate the birthday, go a long way to promote peace, harmony and spiritual well-being in the country”.
The Master explained further, “It is not without purpose that Hindus celebrate the birthdays of religious leaders, saints and sages. We have Buddha Jayanti, Shankara Jayanti, Mahavira Jayanti, etc. The Hindu calendar is spotted with many such Jayantis and other holy days, so that the observance of these Jayantis and holy days may give people the needed spiritual impetus to strive with increased zeal for the attainment of the purpose of life, namely, God-realisation. The more we have such special, holy days, the more we have the chance of being inspired to intensify our spiritual progress”.
Sri Swami Sahajananda’s audio message was deeply and spiritually instructive and insightful. He focused on the concept of fear. Many of us are fearful of many things and often do not welcome obstacles and challenges, but God has placed us in such conditions for our own growth. Pujya Swamiji said, “Grace means that God wants to take you to him” and that we should “never be afraid at all”, and make the best of every situation. Pujya Swamiji quoted the great saint and luminary, Anandamayi Ma who said that if we do not go willingly to God, then we will be whipped into going to God by challenges and difficulties. He also narrated the story of the juggler who joined a monastery. He heard that one should give what one could to the Divine. The only offering he could make was his juggling. Having offered same to Mother Mary, he had the Grace of Mother Mary. Pujya Swamiji also reassured us that our Divine Master knows what to give and when to give.
The message from the Society highlighted the personality and legacies of Sri Swami Sivananda. This is evident in the following excerpts. “Swami Sivananda’s life blossomed forth with full spiritual energy from the time he was a mischievous little child, like Lord Krishna, and throughout his physical presence on Mother Earth. He was very unassuming, and in Pujya Swamiji’s words, “Gurudev hid himself from the world.” Pujya Swamiji also shared that in time to come people will realise that Gurudev was an Avatar of the Lord. Today we see the influence of beloved Gurudev, the God-Man. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Swami Sivananda’s legacy is its living quality. The institutions he established, the ideals he championed, and the disciples he inspired continue to shed his light into the world. Gurudev was an adept in all the different Yogas. More than 250 books were authored by Gurudev. His literature can be found on every continent today. Gurudev founded Divine Life Society of South Africa with the aim of distributing his message in the form of printed books. This has given devotees a rare opportunity of doing Karma Yoga and serving Gurudev and earning spiritual merit”.
The Master’s catholicity, deep and insightful spiritual realisation, are evident in, “Swami Sivananda was a Master of practical Vedanta - a philosophy not confined to speculation, but lived and experienced in daily life. He taught that the highest spiritual truths must find expression in thought, word, and deed. The realisation of one’s own divinity, he insisted, is inextricably linked to loving and serving others. He encouraged all to adopt a holistic way of living, nourishing the body through proper diet and regular exercise, the mind through study and contemplation, and the soul through daily meditation and prayer. His daily routine, famously disciplined and balanced, became a model for aspirants. “Be good, do good,” he would often say, encapsulating the spirit of his teachings in the simplest terms. He summarised his teachings with the following six words, “Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate and Realise”.
Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life, Volumes 1 and 2, launched during the Satsang, a treasure trove containing anecdotal jewels, transports the reader into the very midst of our Master and his God-like nature. It is a Satsang with our Master in book form, and has become an icon among followers of H.H Sri Swami Sivananda worldwide. This great treatise owes its origins to our very own country, South Africa. It was on this very soil that Sri Swami Sahajananda edited, compiled, printed and himself released this book. Some 45 years ago, on 8 January 1980, the first hardcover edition was launched. On 24 October 2006, Swami Sahajananda wrote the following: “When we reprint a new edition, it will appear in two volumes with soft cover, as this will be easy to handle. Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life is a unique publication. No other book of similar nature can compare with it. In this book one sees our Master exhibiting his unique qualities of love, forgiveness, compassion, etc. To me, our Master was an Avatar but he kept this hidden”.
The beautiful Bharatanatyam Dance items by the Natya Kalalayam Academy of Dance, under the esteemed guidance of Smt. Kantharuby Munsamy - a highly respected Bharatanatyam teacher, choreographer, and cultural icon in South Africa, added immense beauty and divinity to the celebrations.
The Sivananda Gymnastic Drill Display, was launched around 1997 by Sri Swami Sahajananda. The performance at SICC saw participants from Sivanandashram, Sandton, various branches and Ashrams in KwaZulu-Natal, ranging in age from 10 years to senior citizens. It was performed to the Ram Bhajans, Rama Siyapati Ram and Bhajale Ram. Synchronised, uniform, stylised, and graceful group movements showcased the beauty of coordinated effort, where every participant moved in harmony with the others. Each action was meticulously timed, maintaining uniformity in posture, rhythm, and flow, creating a visually striking pattern. Stylisation added an artistic touch, turning simple motions into elegant expressions, while grace ensured fluidity and poise. Together, these elements conveyed discipline, concentration, teamwork, and aesthetic charm, leaving a lasting impression of collective harmony and artistry. The drill was a beautiful offering by the group of approximately 86 participants.
As we draw this sacred 138th Birth Anniversary Celebration to a close, our hearts are filled with gratitude, joy and spiritual inspiration. Over these moments of devotion, prayer and fellowship, we have collectively celebrated the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of our beloved Gurudev, Sri Swami Sivananda, a beacon of divine wisdom, compassion, and selfless service. This grand assembly at SICC has not only deepened our understanding of his timeless teachings, but has also strengthened the bonds of our spiritual family. We have witnessed the power of unity in devotion, the grace that flows from selfless service, and the profound peace that arises when hearts turn toward the Divine.
May the spiritual energy kindled here continue to illuminate our lives. Let us carry forward the ideals of love, humility, and service that Sri Swami Sivananda exemplified, inspiring others in our families, communities, and the wider world. Let us remember that the celebration does not end here. Each prayer offered, each teaching reflected upon, and each act of kindness we perform, is a living tribute to the greatness of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda.
May their blessings guide us always, and may we remain steadfast on the path of Dharma, devotion, and divine service.
