Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s 18th Mahasamadhi Anniversary according to the Sanskrit calendar, was observed on Friday, 21 November 2025 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, with Ganga Arati commencing at 5.30pm, followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, an audio message by Pujya Swamiji and a reading, Sri Gurudev’s tribute to Pujya Swamiji on the eve of Pujya Swamiji’s departure and after Pujya Swamiji’s Sannyas initiation on 10 April 1956. The following are excerpts of the report of the function that was held after the Sannyas initiation ceremony, taken from Sivananda Day-to-Day, published by the Yoga-Vedanta Forest University.
“The function tonight was opened by Gurudev with Kirtan. This was followed by the reading and presentation of a Farewell Address to Swami Sahajanandaji. Gurudev then gave a twenty-minute speech bringing out the divine qualities of Swami Sahajananda. Then several inmates of the Ashram spoke, paying tribute to Swami Sahajananda for the various virtues he possessed. Swami Jyotirmayanada, Rev. A Thitadhdmma of Thailand, Swami Krishnananda, Swami Swaroopananda of Germany, Swami Venkatesananda, and Swami Prajnananda spoke in English, and Swami Gurusarananda spoke in Sanskrit. Swami Santananda sang a song composed by himself in honour of Swami Sahajananda. Replying to the farewell addresses, Swami Sahajananda also gave a short speech attributing his spiritual progress to Gurudev's Grace. The function closed with Arati and distribution of sweetmeats”.
Referring to Pujya Swamiji’s noble qualities, the Master, in his address, said, "So we rejoice today heartily, because we have amidst us a noble personality, a spiritual personality, a Bala Yogi, a Bala Swami, Sri Swami Sahajananda. Whenever a noble function takes place, the Devas are pleased. So, we had a very good shower today, and now we have a cool atmosphere. So, we are able to celebrate the function joyously. You may ask, 'Why there is no rain of flowers?' That also there is. The Devas rain flowers.
The Master continued, "Swami Sahajananda is styled as the spiritual king of South Africa, Durban. He is also called the African Chota Guru. He does not want anything. He is a silent worker. He is a man of renunciation, Vairagya and meditation. He is a very good organiser. He has organised some 20 branches of the Divine Life Society in South Africa. His friend Bhika Chiba is also as good as Swami Sahajananda.
"He is a strong pillar of the Divine Life Society…. I am a rupee-eater: I am Swami Sahajanandaji's rupee-eater. I want money for printing paper, art paper, for hospital, etc. Sahajanandaji supplies the money…Swami Sahajananda is spiritual king of Durban, a great organiser, a great supporter, a pillar of the Divine Life Society”.
Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on the concept of fear. He narrated some of his childhood experiences when he displayed fearlessness. He also said that one cannot escape the effects of one’s Karma. Pujya Swamiji advised that we should have no fear, and that the Guru can prolong one’s life and ward off one’s Karma. He said, “I don’t like Divine Life people having fear”. We should be brave and courageous. He further explained that if we do the wrong things, then fear will ensue. We must do the right things and then there will be no room for fear. He narrated an incident when he went to India and a teacher friend had given Pujya Swamiji a piece of gold to be taken to India. When questioned at customs in India, he admitted that he had a piece of gold. He therefore had no difficulty because of his honesty. He further advised that we should go to the root of fear, and we should “do everything scrupulously well”. Adverse forces are active and affect us, attempting to take us away from the spiritual path. We should therefore be fearless and do the right things always.
Divine Life Society of South Africa, nurtured under Pujya Swamiji’s gentle but firm guidance, has become a beacon of spiritual light, moral upliftment, and compassionate service across South Africa and beyond. Its humanitarian projects, educational initiatives, Ashrams, Branches, Satsangs, spiritual literature and numerous initiatives continue to uplift communities, heal hearts, and inspire righteousness in all who encounter its sacred work.
Sri Swami Sahajananda’s presence lives on in every prayer sung, every child educated, every home blessed with peace, and every devotee uplifted by Sri Swami Sivananda’s divine teachings. Sri Swami Sivananda’s and Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s lives and legacies remind us that true greatness lies not in recognition, but in selfless labour done silently for the welfare of humanity. Pujya Swamiji Sahajananda’s 18th Mahasamadhi is therefore a time for deep personal reflection and sincere introspection.
We bow with profound respect to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji. May their radiant examples continue to guide us on the path of purity, devotion, and service.
