Sri Swami Sivananda

Sri Guru Purnima, one of the most auspicious days in the calendar of a devotee, was observed on Friday, 15 July 2011. The day began at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills at 6am with Ganga Arati and Invocation, followed by Darshan at Sahaja Kutir, Pujya Swami Sahajananda's sacred room and Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. About 300 devotees braved the morning cold to pay homage to the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, Pujya Swami Sahajananda and all Brahma Vidya Gurus. Akhanda chanting commenced after the morning session and continued until 3pm.

In the afternoon, about 1800 devotees from various parts of the country gathered at Sivananda International Cultural Centre, La Mercy. Satsang included an inspiring reading from the Divine Master on the significance of the Guru, an audio message by Pujya Swamiji, a beautiful dance rendition by Sivananda Dance Academy done to live music by Smt Mahenthri Pillay, and soul-awakening Bhajans & Kirtans.

In his audio message, Pujya Swamiji heralded the greatness of the Guru by stating that in the God-realised Guru, God appears before you in flesh and blood. Pujya Swamiji also spoke about the glory of Guru’s Grace, and how Sri Gurudev’s Grace had worked to transform his nature. Pujya Swamiji also gave some examples on how the Guru Grace guides and protects us at all times.

It was a day charged with an almost electric atmosphere, and the presence of the Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji was felt by many. During this auspicious period, mass grocery hamper distribution was also conducted by the Society in the name of our Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji, with 1 000 grocery hampers valued at R150 each being distributed to needy families via the various branches of the Society in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. On this memorable and auspicious day, we offer our reverential obeisance and gratitude to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji for providing us with the best facilities in the world for our spiritual growth.

PICTURES OF SRI GURU PURNIMA
Ganga Arati at Morning Session	Devotees taking Mother Ganga's Darshan
Darshan at Sahaja Kutir	Darshan at Sahaja Kutir
Queue leading to Pujya Swamiji's Room	Darshan at Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre
Darshan at Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre	Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre
Ganga Arati at Ganga Rani: SICC	Ganga Arati at Ganga Rani: SICC
Ganga Arati at Ganga Rani: SICC	Satsang in Prayer Hall: Male Wing
Satsang in Prayer Hall: Female Wing	Supper Prasad being prepared in Kitchen
Dance by Sivananda Dance Academy	Dance by Sivananda Dance Academy