Divine Life Society of South Africa joined the world in commemorating the Pran Pratishtha of the historic Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Monday 22 January 2024, led by Prime Minister of India, the Honourable Narendra Modi.

Lord Rama has been glorified extensively by our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, and is the Ishta Devata of Pujya Swami Sahajananda. Hence, devotees of Divine Life Society of South Africa hold Lord Rama in great reverence and close to their hearts.

In his article in a chapter from the book Essence of Ramayana, Swami Sivananda says:

"Rama was Lord Hari Himself, incarnate on earth for the destruction of Ravana. He was well accomplished, beautiful and endowed with royal marks. He was the foremost of those who were skilled in the use of bows and arrows. He was born of the Ikshvaku line. He had his sway all over the world...

The first event of Divine Life Society of South Africa's Centenary Celebrations (2024 – 2025), was hosted by our Rydalvale, Westham and Stonebridge Branches at the Rydalvale Ramayan Mundalee (Shree Raam Mandir) in Phoenix on Sunday 11 February 2024. The Celebration was attended by approximately 450 - 500 devotees, well-wishers, members of the public, members of other Hindu organisations, and donors.

It is important to preface this report with the reasons for the Society's Centenary Celebrations. A 100 years ago on 1st June 1924, His Holiness, Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati was ordained as a Sannyasin. His spiritual aura spread across India and the world, and in 1949, Divine Life Society of South Africa was formed by our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, with Sri Swami Sahajananda as the secretary. Hence, the Society is celebrating the centenary of Sri Swami Sivananda's Sannyas Anniversary, and the 75th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa in 2024. In 2025, the Society will celebrate the 100th Birth Anniversary of Sri Swami Sahajananda.

PUJYA SWAMI SAHAJANANDA'S 16TH MAHASAMADHI ANNIVERSARY: SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2023 (ENGLISH CALENDAR)

Divine Life Society of South Africa observed Pujya Swami Sahajananda's 16th Mahasamadhi Anniversary on Sunday 10 December 2023 (English calendar) at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Hundreds of devotees, well-wishers and donors paid homage to one of the great saints of South Africa. Amongst the guests were Mr and Mrs Vivek Katare (Consulate and Community Affairs) from the Indian Consulate, Durban.

The programme commenced with a morning Sadhana Programme from 6am to 7am, which included the recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa three times, for peace, protection and the well-being of the entire world. Devotees paid obeisance at the sacred Sahaja Kutir, Pujya Swamiji's Kutir and the Sivananda-Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. This was followed by breakfast and a tour of the Society's printing presses and the Sivananda Expo. It was in the printing presses where Pujya Swamiji worked tirelessly for 58 years printing Sri Swami Sivananda's books and distributing these to all parts of the country and across the world, with distinction.

Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrates its anniversary on three days. Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, sent three letters to Sri V Srinivasan (later Sri Swami Sahajananda) to start a branch in this country. The first letter was sent on 18 October 1949, the second on 11 November 1949, and the third on 5 June 1951. Hence, the 74th Anniversary of Divine Life Society of South Africa was celebrated on Saturday 11 November 2023 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. The programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, an audio message by Pujya Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of the Society, and the reading of three letters written to Pujya Swamiji by Sri Swami Sivananda, urging him to open a Branch of the Society in South Africa (including the letter dated 11 November 1949).