Divine Life Society of South Africa launched the 41-Day Recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, 11 times daily, on Friday, 20 February 2026 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills and its Ashrams. The recital will end on the most auspicious Sri Hanuman Jayanti on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. The final recital will be followed by a Havan.

In view of the increase in road accidents, plane crashes, natural disasters and crime, the Society dedicated the 41-day recitation of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa to world peace, safety, protection and spiritual illumination.

At Sivanandashram, the launch commenced with Ganga Arati at 5.30pm. Signed pledges by devotees were offered at the shrine. The Satsang Programme comprised Invocation, a reading of the “Rules for the 41-Day Sri Hanuman Chalisa 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  anyone who wishes to undertake this Vrat.

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 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.
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 this period. 

Sri Swami Sivananda revered Sri Hanuman as the ideal Karma Yogi, a living embodiment of Ram-Nam, and the pinnacle of selfless service (Dasya Bhava). He emphasised that Sri Hanuman’s strength was matched only by his humility and devotion, making him a timeless inspiration for overcoming obstacles and realising God.

Referring to Sri Hanuman, Sri Swami Sivananda said, “He is one of the seven Chiranjivis. He was the only learned scholar who knew the nine Vyakaranas. He learnt the Sastras from the sun-god. He was the wisest of the wise, strongest of the strong and bravest of the brave. He was the Sakti of Rudra. He who meditates on Him and repeats His Name attains power, strength, glory, prosperity and success in life. He is worshipped in all parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra.

“He had the power to assume any form he liked; to swell his body to an enormous extent and to reduce it to the length of a thumb. His strength was superhuman. He was the terror of Rakshasas. He was well versed in the four Vedas and other sacred books. His valour, wisdom, knowledge of the scriptures and superhuman strength attracted everybody who came near him. He had extraordinary skill in warfare.

May the blessings of Sri Hanuman enable us to tread the path of righteousness, Dharma, truth, justice, love, Bhakti, devotion and supreme love for the Lord.