On Saturday, 10 April 2021, devotees celebrated the holy life of Pujya Swami Sahajananda who was initiated into the holy order of Sannyas on 10 April 1956 by our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda. After the Sannyas Ceremony in 1956, the Master said, "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 organizer".
In his autobiography, Glory of Guru's Grace, Pujya Swami Sahajananda narrates in the 3rd person, the circumstances leading to this momentous event at the Master's Ashram in Rishikesh on 10 April 1956, "One day, Swamiji went to get some treatment from Swami Venkatesananda for his suppurating sores. At his cottage, he was surprised to see the Master also arriving there after some time to give instructions to Swami Venkatesananda. During the conversation, Swami Venkatesananda suggested that the Master give Swamiji Jnana Sannyas. The Master at once agreed and also decided to have a farewell function for Swamiji. When Swamiji told the Master that it was not necessary, he said, 'No! No! We will have it.' Swamiji was reluctant to take Sannyas, as he felt it would be a hindrance to his work. He used to walk about in the streets of Durban and sell the Master's books. He did so much walking that the soles of his shoes had to be replaced every few months.