DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRICA

Sivananda Ghat

May 2008

Sri Swami Sivananda

Beautifully illuminated shrine of Lord Rama, Mother Saraswathi, Swami Vishwananda, Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha and Lord Siva at Sivananda Ghat

Sivananda Ghat next to Clare Estate Umgeni Hindu Crematorium

The Ganga pool at Sivananda Ghat with container
into which ashes of the deceased are deposited.

HOW THE ASHES ARE RELEASED INTO THE UMGENI RIVER

1. There are containers with basins on two sides of the Ganga fountain.
2. Water from Ganga is poured into one of the basins.
3. Before the ashes are deposited into the basin by a member of the bereaved family, devotees of the Society repeat some Mantras and the Master's name.
4. While the ashes are being deposited into the basin by a member of the bereaved family, all utter: "Hare Hare Gange, Jai Ma Gange" several times.
5. Other members of the bereaved family also pour some pure Ganga water into the basin from a small brass vessel.
6. The water from the basin, together with the ashes, is then released into the Umgeni River.
7. All then sing the sweet and melodious Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram Mantra in chorus while going round the Ganga fountain eight times.
8. The procedure ends with Shanti Paat, distribution of Prasad and free literature to members of the deceased.
9. Before or after the deposit of the ashes members of the deceased are free to repeat some prayers or perform simple rituals.

STATISTICS

Sivananda Ghat, which was officially opened on 5 June 2005, is having a very good effect on bereaved families as well as those who come to visit the centre. As at 4 July 2008, 4832 ash disposals have been done. We are happy to see that this facility is being used by families from various religious faiths and races. Animal lovers have also been quick to make use of this remarkable and unique facility. Details regarding the disposals are as follows:

Hindus: 4544
Christians: 216
Africans: 7
Whites: 7
Animals: 58

The above figures include disposals from U.S.A. (1), Australia (4), London (3), Canada (1) and Scotland (1).

Sivananda Ghat also offers the facility to conduct rituals for the peace of departed souls. Since inception in June 2005, 1457 rituals have been conducted.

Beautifully illuminated shrine of Lord Jesus Christ at Sivananda Ghat

Procedure For Christian Families

Since Christians also cremate in the nearby crematorium, an illuminated shrine of Jesus Christ has been mounted on the wall next to the shrine of the Deities. Recently two Christian families brought ashes of the deceased.

Devotees of the Society adopt the following procedure in the case of Christian families:

While the ashes are being deposited our devotees and members of the bereaved family utter the following verse, which our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, incorporated in one of his universal Kirtans:

O My Jesus, O Lord Jesus, Hail Hail Jesus, O Saviour Saviour!
O My Mary, O Virgin Mary, Hail Hail Mary, O Mother Mother!

Before or after the deposit of the ashes members of the deceased are free to utter some prayers.

Our Master has written an inspiring account of the life of Lord Jesus. This is distributed to Christians who come to the Ghat as visitors or to deposit ashes of the deceased. Since our Master's teachings are universal in appeal, many Christians also read his writings and feel greatly inspired.

A few months ago a Christian family had a tragic experience when some dear ones were killed in an accident in Cape Town. They were very downhearted and depressed. One of our devotees gave them a copy of our Peace book. After reading it they felt relief at once. After reading one of our Master's books, a Muslim woman also overcame her depression because she could not go to Mecca.

MONTHLY "ALL SOULS DAY"

In accordance with the instructions of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, the first of each month is observed as "All Souls Day" at the Sivananda Ghat. The function commences at 5pm and ends about 6.30pm(Summer times) and from 4.30pm to about 6pm in May, June and July.

1. First illuminated lights are floated in the Ganga fountain at Sivananda Ghat while the Ganga Arati is played over the sound system.

2. This is followed by a short havan performed by a qualified Pundit.

3. Then devotees of the Society and members of bereaved families sing in chorus some extremely sweet and soul-elevating Bhajans while walking around the building.

4. The soul-stirring Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram Mantra is chanted for several minutes at the end of the programme. Bereaved families can repeat this Mantra at home for the deceased. It will bring great peace to departed souls.

5. Seats are provided for the aged and those who find walking strenuous.

6. The function ends with Shanti Paat and distribution of Prasad and spiritual literature.

7. On the same day there is poor feeding in some school or charitable institution in the name of the departed souls for their peace and happiness.

Illuminated lights are floated in the Ganga fountain at Sivananda Ghat while the Ganga Arati is played over the sound system on "All Souls Day".

Havan on "All Souls Day"

Devotees chanting Mantras and singing Bhajans while walking around the Ghat on "All Souls Day"

COMMEMORATIVE BOARD FOR THE DECEASED

Those who wish to remember the deceased can have their names on the Board.
An amount of R125 000,00 (one hundred and twenty-five thousand rands) has to be donated. The Board with names of the deceased was officially opened on 8 September, 2005, the Birthday of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda. Charity like that mentioned above will bring great peace and happiness to departed souls. This is what our Master says in his book, What Becomes of the Soul After Death.

RECENT TRIBUTES

"A divine place to face all trials and troubles with courage and calmness."

"A beautiful way to leave the world. God bless you."

"Very peaceful and pleasant place. Well maintained. Good communication between devotees in charge and the public. It feels like 'heaven'."

"Absolutely brilliant. Shining example of what humanity can achieve and of the potential we possess."

"Inspiring and informative for all seekers of God."

"This is a divine magnet that pulls me closer and closer to the merciful divine lotus feet of Pujya Swamiji Maharaj. Thank you all."

"This place is heaven, Swamiji. You have always given me faith and courage in all that I do and I want to thank you for everything."

"I am a Christian and I believe in my Saviour, Jesus Christ and I respect every religion. This is an excellent set-up. We should have more "set-up" like this."

"Seeing this beautiful ending to one life has assured me that death takes us all to a beautiful place."

"A calm and inspirational place that gives one a soothing sensation in the mind and soul at this trying time. Thanks for making this possible."

"At the Lotus Feet of God Almighty—this vibration is an experience."

" I think that this place is amazing. Only God can do this. I think that this spiritual need is God Himself."

"There is a lot of cheer and light surrounding this place."

"Brings peace of mind and soothes away pain and grief."