The auspicious Sri Krishna Janmastami was observed at all Sivanandashrams and some Branches and Prayer Groups on Thursday, 3 September 2026. Ganga Arati at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, commenced at 5.30pm, followed by Satsang, which ended at midnight. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, videos, a guest artiste, audio recordings, a children’s item, readings and messages.

In the reading, “The Departure of Uddhava” by Sri Swami Sivananda, a deeply moving account of the final meeting between Lord Krishna and His devoted disciple Uddhava is recounted. The narrative beautifully illustrates the essence of devotion, surrender, remembrance of the Divine and the inseparable relationship between the Guru and the disciple. It offers a timeless lesson for every seeker: the physical presence of the Master may pass, but the Guru’s teachings, Grace and Divine presence remain eternally alive in the hearts of sincere devotees.

In response to Uddhava’s questions on devotional practice, Lord Krishna gives a message of profound simplicity and universal relevance: “Whatever is offered with love, I will gladly accept”. The teaching reminds spiritual aspirants that devotion is not measured by external grandeur, but by the sincerity and love with which an offering is made. The Lord further directs Uddhava towards the power of His Divine Name, declaring that the chanting of the Name is accessible to all and can lead the devotee towards liberation. The story emphasises that listening to the Divine story, narrating it and chanting the Lord’s Name are themselves powerful forms of spiritual practice. Perhaps the most profound teaching is when Uddhava asks where he will find Sri Krishna after His departure. The Lord replies that He will be found in temples, but adds an even deeper truth: “My temples are in the hearts of My devotees”. He therefore directs Uddhava to seek Him wherever devotees congregate and wherever His Name is chanted and His stories are recited.

In the second part of the narrative, Uddhava struggles to leave his beloved Master. Lord Krishna nevertheless reminds him that the time has come for them to part physically and gives him His sacred Padukas as a symbol of His continuing presence and Grace. Uddhava finally proceeds towards Badrikashrama, carrying the precious Padukas upon his head and the presence of his Master within his heart. The story concludes with Uddhava experiencing an extraordinary vision of Lord Krishna and attaining profound inner peace. He ultimately reaches Badrikashrama and spends the remainder of his life according to the instructions given by his beloved Master.

Sri Swami Sivananda, in the book, Hindu Fasts and Festivals, explained that Sri Krishna Janmastami celebrates the divine birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and one of Hinduism’s most beloved manifestations of the Divine. Traditionally observed with fasting, prayer, Kirtan, the chanting of sacred Mantras and midnight worship, the festival is marked by great spiritual joy. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated, while devotees gather to glorify the Lord and remember His divine Lilas. The Master further explained that Lord Krishna’s life, teachings and wondrous deeds are recorded in sacred scriptures such as the Srimad Bhagavatam and the Bhagavad Gita. His Divine descent is associated with the restoration of righteousness, the destruction of evil and the revelation of the supreme wisdom of Yoga, Bhakti and Vedanta to humanity through His teachings to Arjuna. Additionally, Sri Krishna is celebrated as the embodiment of divine love, wisdom, beauty and bliss. His enchanting flute, compassion for devotees and countless Lilas have inspired millions throughout the ages. The essence of His worship is pure devotion (Bhakti), through which the heart becomes filled with divine love and is freed from worldly bondage.

The Satsang programme was further embroidered with an array of items, catering for all tastes, age groups and aspirations. The play reading, “Krishna’s Jewels” written by Sri Swami Sivananda, amplified the theme of love of an ardent devotee for the Lord. This was evident when a robber, Kala, received the Lord’s Darshan and vision because of his intense and passionate desire to see the Lord and have His Darshan, although his intention was to rob the Lord and Balarama of Their jewels. The all-compassionate Lord gave Kala the benefit of His Divine Darshan, indicating that even a sinner can reach the Lord through love, devotion and a burning desire to have His Darshan. 

A skilful violin rendition to the Bhajan “Achyutam Keshavam” by guest artiste, Drishti Maharaj, a recitation of verses from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita with meanings, the Cradle Bhajan – Jaya Nandalala, a video on Lord Krishna, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s singing of Sri Krishna Bhajans, musical items by Spiritual Darlings and an extract from Sri Gurudev’s video, Wisdom of Sivananda, containing potent and profound messages from the Master, added to the sanctity and divinity of the Satsang. 

The Sivananda Arati glorifying the divinity of the Master, and the Sri Krishna Arati are heartfelt offerings of devotion, love, gratitude and surrender to both Lord Krishna and Sri Swami Sivananda. Through the Aratis, devotees seek Grace, protection, wisdom, peace and spiritual strength. The Sri Krishna Arati celebrates Lord Krishna as the loving Lord, protector of devotees and guide of humanity. Ultimately, both the Aratis are a prayer to surrender our thoughts, actions and lives to Him and awaken the divine love and God-consciousness within our hearts.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio recording was the touching story of Sudama, the humble Brahmin and childhood friend of Lord Krishna. The two had studied together as disciples of Guru Sandipani, and despite the passage of many years and the vastly different circumstances into which life had placed them, their bond of friendship remained untouched. Although he and his wife endured extreme poverty, Sudama remained steadfast in his devotion to God. He never sought assistance from Lord Krishna, who had by then become the prosperous King of Dwaraka. Persuaded by his wife, Sudama eventually set out to visit his childhood friend. With nothing worthy of a king to offer, his wife lovingly prepared a small bundle of rice obtained from their neighbours. When Sudama arrived at Lord Krishna’s magnificent palace, he was received not as a poor Brahmin but as a beloved friend. Lord Krishna embraced him with immense affection, washed his feet and lovingly honoured him. Sudama felt embarrassed by the poverty of his offering, but Sri Krishna joyfully accepted the humble bundle of rice and ate from it with great delight. Rukmini gently intervened when He reached for another handful, for each morsel symbolised the immense blessings being bestowed upon Sudama. Sudama spent the night in the presence of his beloved friend, absorbed in happiness, yet he didn’t ask for wealth or assistance. His heart sought only the love and companionship of Lord Krishna. Upon returning home, he discovered that his humble dwelling had been transformed into a magnificent home and that abundance had replaced poverty. The story beautifully demonstrates that true friendship transcends wealth and status. It reminds us that God looks not at the value of an offering, but at the love and devotion with which it is given. Sudama’s humility, faith and complete surrender teach us that when devotion is pure, the Grace of God often comes unasked and in ways beyond our imagination.

In the reading, “Bala Lilas of Sri Krishna” (Part1) from Lord Krishna, His Lilas and Teachings by Sri Swami Sivananda, the Master explains how Sri Krishna’s childhood was filled with playful, divine mischief. As a naughty boy, he often stole milk, butter, and curd from the Gopis, cleverly using mortars to reach hanging pots and sharing the spoils with monkeys. One day, his mother, Yashodha, left him to tend to boiling milk. Little Krishna broke a milk pot and ran off to feed butter to the monkeys. When Mother Yashodha tried to tie him to a husking-stand as punishment, every rope she used mysteriously fell short by a few inches. Witnessing her exhaustion, Baby Krishna lovingly relented and allowed himself to be bound. Later, the creator, Lord Brahma tested Sri Krishna by hiding his cowherd friends and calves. To maintain harmony, Sri Krishna multiplied himself, perfectly assuming the forms of all the missing boys and calves for an entire year. When Brahma returned, he was bewildered to see everyone present, suddenly perceiving each child and calf as a four-armed form of Lord Krishna. Realising the Lord's supreme power, Brahma humbly apologised.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is thus not merely a celebration of the Lord’s Divine birth, but a profound journey into the very heart of Bhakti. Through Uddhava, Sudama, Kala and the enchanting Bala Lilas, devotees were reminded that the Lord responds to sincere love, humility and surrender, irrespective of worldly status or circumstance. His assurance, “Whatever is offered with love, I will gladly accept”, resounded throughout the Satsang as a timeless call to every seeker, every devotee and every child of God. We were left with one supreme message: Sri Krishna lives wherever His Name is chanted, His stories are heard and a heart of pure devotion becomes His temple.

May Sri Krishna, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda bless us all.

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.