The most auspicious Varalakshmi Vratam was observed at all Sivanandashrams. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised a reading, Kirtans, Bhajans and the Lakshmi Arati.

In the reading from Yoga Lessons for Children by Sri Swami Sivananda, the Master extolled the characteristics and glory of Mother Lakshmi. He said, “The Vedas describe Mother Lakshmi as the Goddess of riches. God manifests in the form of wealth. There is material as well as spiritual wealth. Mother Lakshmi provides us with both, but some think of Her as a symbol of material wealth only. It is true that She will grant us this if we desire. But we should pray to Her for something lasting, something more precious and worthwhile – it is spiritual wealth of God. Mother Lakshmi also gives joy. She makes life on earth bearable. Without Her, life on earth would be a journey of pain and suffering”. 

In respect of Her Divine qualities, the Master said, "She appears to the world as a Goddess of peace. When we pray to Her, there is peace in the universe – peace among nations and mankind, and freedom from conflicts and wars. The Divine Mother takes care of the welfare of Her children and blesses the world with good health”.

Sri Swami Sivananda said that every home is the dwelling-place of Mother Lakshmi, and that at sunset, when the lamps are lit, we pray to Her and ask Her to bless our homes. To earn the blessings of Mother Lakshmi we have to pay attention to three important aspects of our lives at home. These are cleanliness, hospitality and charity. If we practise these virtues, we will obtain the Grace of Mother Lakshmi in abundance and will never suffer from any want. He explained further, “The Mother is pleased with a home that is spotlessly clean. She blesses such homes with Her sweet Presence. She is not present in homes that are kept untidy and unkempt. So, we should learn to take very great care of the material things which she represents and has given us”.

The esoteric meaning of Mother Lakshmi’s grandeur, is encapsulated in, “Mother Lakshmi is depicted in pictures as being richly dressed. She wears ornaments of gold. The elephant seen at Her side represents pomp and grandeur. She stands on a lotus and holds two lotus flowers in full bloom, representing fullness in all aspects, both material and spiritual.  This theme is further enunciated in, “The higher nature of the Mother is really spiritual wealth – a pure heart, sweetness of manners, behaviour and speech, service to the Guru, etc. Pray to Mother Lakshmi to grant you the divine spiritual wealth instead of material things. You will then enjoy everlasting peace and happiness”.

The Lakshmi Arati that was sung is a devotional hymn praising Maa Lakshmi and expresses deep reverence to Her as the beloved of Lord Vishnu and as the source of happiness, prosperity, virtues and spiritual blessings. The Arati praises Mother Lakshmi’s radiant and beautiful form and recalls Her emergence during the churning of the cosmic ocean. She is described as the bestower of wealth, nourishment, success and fulfilment, while Her Grace brings auspiciousness to the home and removes fear and anxiety.

An important message of the Lakshmi Arati is that true prosperity is not merely material wealth. Where Mother Lakshmi’s Grace is present, there should also be righteousness, good qualities, peace, contentment and devotion. The devotee therefore seeks Her blessings not only for financial well-being but for a harmonious and virtuous life. Singing the Arati with faith and devotion will cultivate gratitude, positivity, peace of mind, prosperity and spiritual strength. Ultimately, it is a prayer that Divine Grace may illuminate our homes, purify our hearts and enable us to use our blessings for the welfare and service of others.

May the Master’s potent description of Mother Lakshmi as a Goddess of peace, resonate boldly today, more than ever. May Her blessings permeate our lives in all respects. May our Master’s assurance that the Divine Mother takes care of the welfare of Her children and blesses the world with good health, peace and prosperity, also find resonance in each of us. 

The Mahasamadhi Anniversary Satsang was held on Friday, 7 August 2026 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised a reading, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, Kirtans and Bhajans. 

The reading entitled, The Great Soul Enters the Cosmic - Sri Swami Sivananda attains Mahasamadhi, extracted from Path to God-Realization, published by Divine Life Society of South Africa, Durban, Vol. XII. September-October 1963, records the final days of a life dedicated to spiritual service and the upliftment of humanity. Sri Gurudev had been unwell since 25 June 1963, when signs of physical disability became apparent. Specialists were summoned from Delhi, Lucknow and Dehradun, while continuous medical care was provided. Despite his age, diabetes and physical debility, his recovery initially appeared remarkable. By early July, he was strong enough to sit on the veranda of his Kutir facing the Ganga, where devotees were permitted to receive his Darshan. 

The attending physicians considered his recovery “almost amazing”, and he regained his ability to speak and enquire about devotees. On 10 July, he blessed some devotees, wishing them “health, long life, peace and prosperity and divine blessedness”. As late as 12 July, his condition remained good and devotees rejoiced at reports of his steady improvement. However, on 13 July his condition deteriorated unexpectedly. Despite medical attention, his temperature rose, breathing became difficult and his condition rapidly worsened. The article poignantly observes, "Providence had already decided otherwise". Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati Maharaj, the revered spiritual Master and founder of the Divine Life Society, entered Mahasamadhi at 11.15pm on Sunday, 14 July 1963, in his Kutir on the banks of the Ganga at Sivanandanagar, in the Himalayan foothills – a great loss not only to devotees and India, but the world at large. He left;behind an enduring legacy of spiritual wisdom, service and devotion.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on faith and self-surrender which are pre-requisites on the spiritual path. He said that “Everything belongs to God” and that whenever calamity strikes, the effect will not be great if we realise this. He also said that “God realisation is tremendous, it is stupendous”, for which we have to pay the full price. Pain, sorrow and anxiety should not assail us. Pujya Swamiji related his own fear when he was to be initiated into the Holy Order of Sannyas. However, Sri Gurudev brought about an instant transformation and he became courageous, saying, “Gurudev infused that power in me”. On another occasion there was a fire in the paper room at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Pujya Swamiji had no fear. The damage caused by the fire was minimal. He alluded to a book, The Last Great Mysteries of the World in the Ashram library, that taught him about the important virtue of dispassion. He advised that we should all go through trials without fear, and that we are all in a marvellous period for our spiritual progress.

Sri Swami Sivananda’s life was, and still is, a beacon of divine light, selfless service and boundless love. As we commemorate his 63rd Mahasamadhi, we are reminded that a great Master never truly leaves us. His immortal teachings, his dynamic legacy through his writings, work, Ashrams and countless devotees, and the profound work and wisdom shared by Pujya Swami Sahajananda, continue to guide our footsteps. May we have unconditional faith and self-surrender, and give our all to the Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji, and walk the path of righteousness, Dharma and truth with courage and conviction, knowing that Sri Gurudev's and Pujya Swamiji’s Grace watch over and inspires all seekers of Truth.

The most auspicious Guru Purnima was observed on Wednesday, 29 July 2026. There was a morning Sadhana programme at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, commencing at 6am. Ganga Arati at Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC), commenced at 3.45pm followed by Satsang at 4.30pm. Akhanda Chanting took place at both Ashrams.

The Satsang programme comprised Sri Swami Sivananda’s Guru Purnima message, two audio messages of Sri Swami Sahajananda, a message from the Society, a dance, and melodious Kirtans and Bhajans. 

Sri Swami Sivananda’s Guru Purnima Message extracted from Hindu Fasts and Festivals written by Sri Swami Sivananda, captured the significance of Guru Purnima and its observance. The Master said, “The full moon day in the month of Ashad (July-August) is the extremely auspicious and holy day of Guru Purnima. On this day, sacred to the memory of the great sage, Bhagavan Sri Vyasa, Sannyasins settle at some place to study and discourse on the thrice-blessed Brahma Sutras composed by Maharishi Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic philosophical study and investigation. Sri Vyasa has rendered unforgettable service to humanity for all times by editing the four Vedas and writing the eighteen Puranas, the Mahabharata and the Srimad Bhagavata… In honour of this divine personage, spiritual aspirants perform Vyasa Puja on this day, and disciples worship their spiritual preceptors. Saints, monks and men of God are honoured and entertained by acts of charity by the householders with deep faith and sincerity. 

“…Spiritual aspirants seriously begin to put into actual practice all the theory and philosophy that have been stored up in them through systematic and patient study. They commence or resolve to intensify with all earnestness, their practical spiritual Sadhana right from this day. 

“This day of worship of one's preceptor is a day of pure joy to the sincere spiritual aspirant. Thrilled by the expectation of offering their reverent homage to the beloved Guru, aspirants await this occasion with eagerness and devotion. It is the Guru alone that breaks the binding cords of attachment and releases the aspirant from the trammels of earthly existence.

“The best form of worship of the Guru is to follow his teachings, to shine as the very embodiment of his teachings, and to propagate his glory and message”.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message on Guru Purnima highlighted the sacred Guru-disciple relationship, when he said that it is only in India that you find this peculiar Guru-Parampara relationship. He contrasted this with the Desert Fathers, who attained spiritual realisation but did not pass their wisdom to disciples. He explained that “our scriptures are never tired of singing the glory of our Gurus”, and affirmed that a true Guru can bestow illumination upon a worthy disciple instantly. Describing this divine bond, he said, “The great relationship between the Guru and disciple is something marvellous, something wonderful, something that cannot be described in words. It is our tradition...our Gurus are very great…you can never understand the internal state of a God-realised saint. Drawing from the lives of Lord Buddha who performed intense Tapas, our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and Mother Mirra, Pujya Swamiji illustrated the transformative power of devotion, humility and surrender. He said that Sri Aurobindo attained illumination after sitting with a Guru who was “not an enlightened person”, while Mother Mirra demonstrated complete discipleship because “she completely surrendered to him” (Sri Aurobindo). Pujya Swamiji also said that the Guru can do anything in an instant because of his Sadhana and Divine powers, inspiring us to have firm faith and surrender completely to the Guru.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s second audio message, rich with spiritual insight, centred on his unwavering devotion to Sri Gurudev and the transforming power of the Guru’s grace. He remarked that if he were to write a book, it would be titled, The Mysteries and Marvels of the Guru’s Grace, explaining that the Master had chosen him as an ideal “specimen” through whom his divine marvels could be demonstrated. Acknowledging the Guru’s complete guidance, he said, “Whatever came, came from Gurudev”. Recalling his request for Sannyas, he noted Sri Gurudev’s caution: “Sannyas is made of sterner stuff”. Reflecting on an apparent academic setback when he did not perform as well as he expected to in the matriculation examination, he said, “What appeared as a great tragedy then was a great blessing”, revealing his total surrender to the Guru’s will. He also recounted discovering the book, Practice of Karma Yoga, in a Vedic Bookshop in Durban. This book inspired his search for his Guru, and his steadfast faith in Sri Gurudev.

The message from the Board of Management paid tribute to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, Pujya Swami Sahajananda, donors, devotees and well-wishers. The Society’s update highlighted the remarkable growth of its spiritual, educational and humanitarian activities through the Grace of Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji. Since 1974, 716 projects have been completed, including assistance to Hindu organisations and temples, while 12 051 learners graduated from the Society’s sewing schools. The Society’s printing presses, described as its heart, has distributed more than one million spiritual books over the past decade, especially to young people, helping to instil ethical and spiritual values. Sivananda Ghat continues to provide solace and dignity to grieving families, with 38 271 ash immersions and 10 004 Shraddha rituals conducted to date. Alongside these initiatives, regular Satsangs, prayer services, health clinics, grocery hamper distribution, and the maintenance of Ashrams and centres continue to uplift communities. Devotees were encouraged to regard service as a privilege, strengthen their daily Sadhana, and renew their dedication through fresh spiritual resolves. Echoing this call, Pujya Swami Sahajananda reminded seekers, “If you want God then everything will come right”. The report concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to devotees, donors and volunteers whose selfless service sustains the Mission, and with Sri Gurudev’s reassuring message that whatever has happened, is happening, or will happen, is “by the will of God and… for the best,” inspiring faith, peace and unwavering trust in the Divine.

A delightful dance, a dedication to Lord Siva, performed by Deveshni Mudaly, was executed with finesse, professionalism and beauty, adding to the divinity of the Satsang.

As the sacred vibrations of Guru Purnima continue to resonate in our hearts, may we renew our commitment to walk the path illuminated by the Guru with unwavering faith, humility and devotion. Sri Swami Sivananda reminds us, "The Guru is the dispeller of darkness and ignorance”, while Pujya Swami Sahajananda continually urged devotees to live lives of selfless service, harmony and steadfast loyalty to the Guru's teachings. May this blessed occasion inspire us to deepen our spiritual practices, cultivate love and unity, and become instruments of peace and compassion. By living the ideals of the Guru, we not only transform ourselves but also contribute to the upliftment of humanity. 

May the Grace of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda ever guide, protect and inspire us on the path of Divine Life.

Divine Life Society of South Africa launched the 41-Day Recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, 11 times daily, on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills and its Ashrams. The recital will end on the most auspicious, 139th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Sri Swami Sivananda on Sunday, 6 September 2026. The final recital will be followed by a Havan and a stadium function.

Sri Swami Sivananda said the following about Sri Hanuman in his book, Essence of the Ramayana:

“When Sri Rama ascended to His supreme abode, Sri Hanuman also wished to follow Him. But the Lord asked Him to remain in this world as His representative and attend all the assemblies of men where discourses on His deeds were held and heard, and help His devotees in cultivating devotion.

“Hanuman ranks first amongst the heroes of the world. His heroic deeds, wonderful exploits and marvellous feats of strength and bravery cannot be adequately described. His sense of duty was extremely laudable. He had great skill in all military tactics and methods of warfare. His crossing the sea of thirty miles in one leap and lifting the crest of a mountain in the palm of the hand, His carrying of the brothers on His shoulders from the nether world to Lanka are all astounding, superhuman feats which baffle human description.

“He conquered innumerable difficulties which cropped up in His way through His courage, patience and undaunted spirit. He made untiring search to find Sita. At the time of danger, He exhibited marvellous courage and presence of mind. He was steady and firm in His actions. He was always successful in His attempts. Failure was not known to Him. He gave up His life in the service of the Lord. He had not a tinge of selfishness in His actions. All His actions were offerings unto Lord Rama. No one reached the peak in Dasya Bhava like Sri Hanuman. He was a rare jewel among devotees, the supreme head among Pundits, the king among celibates and the commander among heroes and warriors.

“Where Hanuman is, there are Sri Rama and Sri Sita, and wherever Sri Rama and Sri Sita are praised and their deeds recited, there Hanuman is”.

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 should anyone wish 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. 

May the blessings of Sri Hanuman be upon us all

The 63rd Mahasamadhi Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda was observed on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills.  A morning Sadhana programme commenced at 6am and concluded at 6.25am. Akhanda Chanting was from 5am until 5pm.

The Satsang programme in the evening comprised a reading, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, melodious Kirtans and Bhajans and a DVD of the Master’s messages.

The reading entitled, The Great Soul Enters the Cosmic: Sri Swami Sivananda attains Mahasamadhi, extracted from Path to God-Realization, published by Divine Life Society of South Africa in September-October 1963, was a riveting account of Sri Gurudev’s final moments on the earthly plane. Even on this last evening, the Master’s habitual humour and spontaneous, gracious hospitality were manifest during the visit of the doctor from Dehradun. As he tapped him for his reflexes, the Master jokingly told him, "Your military training has made you rough. You are being hard on my body”. 

The reading vividly captured the Master’s failing health and love for Mother Ganga, as is indicative in, “Though he had difficulty in swallowing even liquid diet, he surprised the attending disciples on this last evening by asking for fresh Ganges’ water and gulping down half a glass of it without any apparent difficulty. He loved the Ganges, and satisfied himself upon his last day by quenching his thirst from the fresh water of the Ganges' ice-cold flow.

“The last rites of His Holiness were carried on in the traditional mode that is followed in regard to monks of the Paramahamsa Order. The body, seated in meditation pose with hands interlocked, was borne in a palanquin. There was an expression of serene repose and majestic calmness in the face. Earlier, during the entire past 36 hours, a continuous stream of devotees and disciples from far and near came into his humble little Kutir on the bank of the Ganges. They all went into the inner cave-like room where he had spent most of his life, and where he lay on his sick bed during the illness that proved to be the last. He had been made to sit up, as is the custom, and the devotees offered their obeisance and took a last look at him, who was so very dear to them all. It was with great difficulty that many could bring themselves to wrench their last gaze away from him…

“His body, clad in ochre robes, was borne aloft in a palanquin (Palaki) decorated with flowers, after the sacred bath given to the body with the various articles of ‘Abhisheka’ and with the holy waters of the Ganges, right on the bank of the Ganges…Wending its way along the side of the Ganges, the procession, to which thousands had thronged from Rishikesh and the neighbourhood, turned into the hill-side road and climbed up the path leading to the Ashram's temple—Sri Viswanath Mandir. A place for his Samadhi had been got ready by the side of this temple, and to the resounding chant of God's Divine Name and Sri Sivanandaji Maharaj ki jai, his mortal remains were solemnly lowered in the vaulted chamber prepared on the ground-floor of the Guru-Murti Temple. The chamber was then filled up, according to customary procedure, with adequate quantities of salt camphor, sandalwood, incense and other fragrant ingredients. With the completion of the Samadhi-kriya (holy burial ceremony), the chamber was closed up, and a lamp placed upon the spot, together with a pot filled with the holy water of the sacred Ganga. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on Sri Gurudev’s writings and his literary charity to the world. The Master saw the dissemination of spiritual knowledge as his core responsibility. He said that the “written word will go to the homes and remain there”, and that eventually thousands will benefit from his writings, for “Mother Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning imparted power and glory to his every word”. Sri Aurobindo also said that he infused his power in his own writing. Pujya Swamiji also adopted Sri Gurudev’s example of making the dissemination of spiritual knowledge his fundamental duty, and said that all other activities of the Society are secondary. Sri Gurudev’s letter dated 8 August 1950 heaped tremendous praise on the booklet Light, Power and Wisdom, that Pujya Swamiji printed, describing it as exquisite and grand, and that he will advertise it in the journal in Rishikesh.

The DVD entitled Sri Swami Sivananda’s Messages focused on Raja Yoga and Sadhana. The Master describes Raja Yoga as “an exact science” that seeks to “control all thought-waves or mental modifications” through the purification and mastery of the mind. Known as Ashtanga Yoga, it comprises eight limbs, beginning with Yama (self-restraint) and Niyama (right observances), which form the ethical foundation for spiritual growth. By cultivating virtues such as truthfulness, non-violence, purity, contentment and self-surrender, the aspirant develops inner peace and prepares the mind for concentration, meditation and ultimately Samadhi, the highest state of spiritual realisation. Sri Swami Sivananda teaches that “you must know the technique of thought-control” and the principles of “right living, right thinking, right speaking and right acting”. He concludes with the inspiring exhortation: “Practise Raja Yoga, control the thoughts, discipline the mind, meditate regularly and attain independence, immortality, freedom and perfection”. In respect of Sadhana, the Master taught through delightful Kirtans, the benefits of Sadhana and prayer. He said, “Sadhana is stilling the mind and fixing it on the Lord”. 

The sacred observance of Sri Swami Sivananda's 63rd Mahasamadhi Anniversary is far more than a remembrance of his leaving his mortal being. It is a reaffirmation of the timeless ideals that continue to illuminate the path of countless seekers. Through prayer, chanting, inspiring readings, Pujya Swami Sahajananda's illuminating message and Sri Gurudev's own teachings, devotees were reminded that the Master's physical departure marked the beginning of his universal spiritual presence. His call to "Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise", remains as relevant today as ever. May this commemoration inspire us all to deepen our Sadhana, disseminate spiritual wisdom, and strive to embody Sri Swami Sivananda's message of Divine Life and selfless service, and aspire to God-realisation in our daily actions and lives.