The Stonebridge Branch of Divine Life Society of South Africa hosted a spiritually uplifting and historic official opening and consecration of its newly built Sivananda Shrine and ECD (Early Childhood Development) classroom block, and the Society’s Centenary Celebrations on Sunday, 30 November 2025, at Phoenix Pioneer Primary School. Devotees, well-wishers, dignitaries, donors, and members of the wider community gathered in large numbers to witness this landmark moment in the spiritual journey of the branch.
The morning commenced with a sacred Havan to the chants of powerful and soulful Mantras, symbolically invoking divine blessings for the Sivananda Shrine and all who will worship there. After breakfast, devotees participated in the serene and elevating Ganga Arati, setting a deeply devotional tone. For many, participation in the Ganga Arati was a novel and unique experience.
The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from the Society, an address by the principal of Phoenix Pioneer Primary School, a dance, a power-point presentation on the formation and growth of the branch, a play and the official opening of the new Sivananda Shrine. Among the guests were the principal of Phoenix Pioneer Primary School, Mrs Neesha Chetty, the School Governing Body, Pundit N. Rabilall of Radio Hindvani, donors, sister organisations and devotees who travelled from near and far.
The message from the Board of Management highlighted the significance of the Centenary milestones and the legacies of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. The message contained the following instructions by our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda in respect of the opening of a Branch of the Society.
“Every one of you should make yourself into a centre of Divine Life; and I wish every member of the Society to be the builder of unity, the distributor of peace and the radiator of joy, by translating into your lives its profound principles and all spiritual verities. May your Branch be ever vibrant with the Name of God, and conduct constant spiritual meetings to obtain the plenitude of power, the fullness of life and the wholeness of joy.
“Pour yourself out in working for the helpless and doing good to humanity, without any expectation of reward or remuneration or even a word of appreciation or kindness. Wear out your lower self, and God will crown you with the Supreme State of Awareness-Delight.
“Have an adamantine faith in the goodness of God. Let your souls sing of His glory with all intensity. This, indeed, is the key to solving all your problems and will unlock in you all the mysteries of life. Learn to connect this even with all day-to-day affairs, and you will see your life being molded by unseen, Divine Hands”.
Referring to the commitment of devotees of the branch and their perseverance, Board of Management said, “Many years of toil and hardship have resulted in this beautiful Sivananda Shrine. It is indeed a gift from our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda to a band of sincere devotees who, after much struggle for many years and in the face of undaunting challenges, have finally triumphed over their obstacles. We are greatly indebted to devotees of Stonebridge Branch and the greater Phoenix community for making this dream come true. Congratulations Stonebridge Branch on this historic achievement”.
Mrs Neesha Chetty, Principal of Phoenix Pioneer Primary School, in her address highlighted the strong partnership between the school and the Society, and the collaborative effort that made the Sivananda Shrine and ECD facility a reality. She was deeply appreciative of the construction of the ECD block and saw the Sivananda Shrine as a strong spiritual force in shaping the lives of children and the community. Her catholicity, willingness to support the Society and her determination to improve the lot of the Stonebridge community are laudable.
A graceful devotional dance presentation by a youth, Diyavhna (Diya) Deoraj, in honour of Lord Shiva, captivated the audience. Her dance was a simple but beautiful offering, indicative of the role of the youth of the branch in its activities.
A well-researched power-point presentation traced the history and growth of Stonebridge Branch. Of significance is its humble beginning. In 1976, owing to the Group Areas Act, a senior devotee, Chatterpal Haripersad (Sonnybhai) and his family were forced to move from into a block of flats in Stonebridge. He conducted Satsang in his lounge. Below him, another devotee, Smt Pushpa, unknown to him, listened to his Bhajans and Kirtans and invited him to conduct Satsang in her lounge. Soon neighbours joined, and these families began to follow the Satsang format of Divine Life Society of South Africa. This is how the Stonebridge Branch began. Soon the word spread, and other community members joined in, and the group outgrew its initial Satsang venue. Phoenix Pioneer Primary School was approached. The group used a classroom and set up a mobile shrine for weekly Satsangs.
A delightful play, “Home Sadhana”, was enacted by female devotees of Tongaat Branch.This play was presented in the hope that devotees will engage in home Sadhana. Pujya Swami Sahajananda introduced home Sadhana to inspire families to create spiritual vibrations in the home. The play highlighted some distractions to Sadhana, namely, the harmful effects of excessive television viewing, cellular phones, listening to disco music and other common vices. Aspects of home Sadhana that were focused upon were, chanting the Divine Name, Likhit Japa, Dining Room Kirtans, and benefits of singing Kirtans and Bhajans. The profound message of the play is encapsulated in the following excerpt from the play, “Let us repay our debt of gratitude to our Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji for the bounteous gifts they have bestowed upon us by following this spiritual routine. During our prayers, let us send healing energies across the world to all those in dire need of help. There are no problems that cannot be solved by prayer, no sufferings that cannot be overcome by prayer, no trials that cannot be met with prayer. Pujya Swamiji taught that the Name of the Lord will solve every problem without exception”. The excellent performance by the cast, clarity of enunciation and articulation, the interactive dialogue and rapport, the brilliance of the message, and the sincerity in the enactment, are worthy of praise.
Dignitaries and senior devotees proceeded to the new building for the “ribbon-cutting ceremony” and unveiling of the plaque, signifying the official opening of the Sivananda Shrine, a historic moment in the lives of devotees of Stonebridge Branch.
This blessed function marked a glorious milestone in the Centenary Celebrations of Divine Life Society of South Africa, honouring Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, and preserving the sacred life and legacy of Pujya Swami Sahajananda in this country.
The consecration of the Sivananda Shrine finds resonance in the message from the Society’s Board of Management. “It is our firm belief that the secret to the success of Stonebridge branch lies in serving the people of Phoenix. This is one of the core teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda - to SERVE. Our Master has given us golden opportunities to serve with love, to serve with humility, zeal and enthusiasm. In this way Stonebridge Branch will win the hearts of old and new devotees, not only in Phoenix but in the larger community of Durban. The community must find in the Sivananda Shrine a haven of peace. The public must come here again and again in search of this peace which is a panacea for all ills. Our Divine Master says, ‘The more energy you expend in elevating and serving others, the more divine energy will flow into you’. Needless to say, we will then become fit instruments to promote the work of the Master and Pujya Swamiji in this province. During these turbulent times, this Sivananda Shrine must offer strength, solace and inspiration, and strengthen the moral fibre of all those in need. Such are the sparkling ideals that we must set forth before us”.
Deepest appreciation and gratitude to devotees of Stonebridge Branch for an excellent function, their remarkable dedication, meticulous planning, and their overwhelming effort that made this function such an outstanding success. From the careful preparation of every item to the warm hospitality, disciplined coordination, and serene spiritual atmosphere, everything reflected their love for Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Their determination, perseverance and commitment are praiseworthy. Their spirit of harmony, unity, teamwork and tireless service transformed this event into a memorable and elevating experience for all.
