Devotees gathered at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills for the morning Sadhana programme from 6am until 6.25am. Thereafter, all had Darshan at Sahaja Kutir and the Sivavananda-Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. There was Akhanda chanting from 5am until 5pm. Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang, which comprised Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, Kirtans, Bhajans, a DVD presentation and a reading.

During the Satsang, the reading, entitled, “I am Born” from Autobiography of Swami Sivananda, traced the early life of the Master until his medical college days. Some of the excerpts follow herewith. “I was born to Srimati Parvati Ammal and P.S. Vengu Iyer, as their third son, on Thursday the 8th September, 1887, at the time of sunrise, when the Star Bharani was in ascendance. My elder brother, Sri P.V. Veeraraghava Iyer, was the personal assistant to the Rajah of Ettiapuram. My other brother, Sri P.V. Sivarama Iyer, was an Inspector of Post Offices. My uncle Appaya Sivam was a great Sanskrit Scholar. He was much revered by the people in the Tirunelveli District. He has written many philosophical books in Sanskrit. Kuppuswamy was the name given to me by my parents.

“Born in the family of devotees, saints and philosophers as a pet child, I was brought up carefully by my parents and received very good training. People used to admire my wonderful physique, well-developed chest and sinewy arms. The Rajah of Ettiapuram was all admiration for my well-developed body, my good manners and habits. I was bold, courageous, carefree and amiable by nature. In former days, especially in villages, there was no room for developing any evil habit at all. The environment and atmosphere were highly favourable for progress in education and culture. I was unusually active as a boy and had a highly pushing nature.

“Even now I clearly remember, that when Lord Ampthill, the then Governor of Madras, came to Kurumalai Hills in 1901 for hunting, I was chosen to read the Welcome Address. I also sang a beautiful Welcome Song in English at the station platform of Kumarapuram, next to Koilpatti Railway Station. In the School Annual Prize Distribution, I used to get a lot of books as presents. Once I got the Globe Edition of Shakespeare and Macaulay’s Speeches and Writings. I passed my Matriculation Examination in 1903 from the Rajah’s High School, Ettiapuram. Then I joined the S.P.G. College, Trichinopoly, of which the Rev. H. Packenham Walsh was then Principal, who is now a Bishop.

“I was a tremendously industrious boy in the school. During my studies at the Tanjore Medical Institute, I never used to go home during the holidays. I would spend the entire period in the hospital. I had free admission into the operation theatre. I would run about here and there and acquire knowledge of surgery which only a senior student would possess. An old Assistant Surgeon had to appear for a departmental test; he used to make me read his text books for him. This enabled me to compete with the senior students in theoretical proficiency. I was first in all subjects.

“I had heard of an enterprising assistant in the Mannargudi Hospital. I wanted to become like him. With all humility I may mention that I possessed greater knowledge than many doctors with covetable degrees. At home my mother and brothers would persuade me to take up some work in some other line, but I was adamant in my resolve to stick to the medical line, as I had a great liking for it. All my leisure hours were spent in studying all kinds of medical books.

“In the first year of my study in the Medical School I could answer papers which the final year student could not. I topped the class in all subjects. I studied Osler’s medicine with Dr. Tirumudiswami in my first year. That was a rare privilege for me. Lt.-Col. Hazel Wright, I.M.S. loved me. Dr. Jnanam admired me as an ornament of the Institution. Even during holidays, I worked in the Hospital and learnt many new lessons.

“I hit upon a plan that I should start a medical journal. I soon worked out the details. I got from my mother one hundred rupees for the initial expenses. I used to approach Ayurvedic physicians for articles on Ayurveda. I myself used to write articles on various themes and publish them in the Ambrosia under different pseudonyms.

“The Magazine quickly gained popularity soon after its inception in 1909. Distinguished contributors started contributing to it. Once my mother wanted to celebrate some festival and was in need of about one hundred and fifty rupees to meet the expenses. I was ready with this sum.

“The Ambrosia journal was successfully run for four years until I sailed for Malaya. It was of demi-quarto size, thirty-two pages each issue, and was quite beautifully got up. The material that its contents presented to the reader every month was attractive and highly useful to all medical practitioners. A significant spiritual touch could be felt in the pages of the Ambrosia. Unlike other medical journals, the entire outlook was based on the teachings of the sages of yore. Spirituality was ingrained in me even in my youth”.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message was deep in meaning and knowledge. He drew a parallel between the Desert Fathers and our Hindu saints. The Desert Fathers did not hand down their knowledge and teachings to disciples as is the case with Hindu saints. The link between a Guru and disciple is stronger than filial bonds, and is difficult to be explained. This then is evident in the strong Guru-disciple link in the East. Sri Gurudev asked Swami Vishnudevananda to go to the West as there were Indian souls who have incarnated there, and that they were Indian souls in western bodies. In the case of Hindu disciples, “The homage that he pays to his Guru cannot be expressed in words”. The necessity of a Guru is paramount and “only direct experience will tell whether you need a Guru or not”. He also narrated the story of the mad Muslim boy who was cured by drinking water that was used to wash Papa Swami Ramdas’s Feet, given to the boy by Mother Krishnabai. Our love for the Guru is natural. A God-realised Guru is a tremendous being and “can give salvation to the whole world”.  Pujya Swamiji paid homage to Sri Gurudev and all the great saints, and attested to the greatness of our Master and the Guru-disciple relationship. 

In Sri Swami Sivananda’s message on Karma Yoga in the DVD, he said “half-hearted service is no service at all”.  The Master emphasised that “the goal of life is God-realisation”, and that we should give the mind to God and hands to work. We should prepare the mind for Karma Yoga, as the mind will distract us as it expects something as a reward for our actions. The correct mental attitude is important in Karma Yoga. We should divinise all work, even in the workplace. He quoted the case of the butcher who realised God in his shop. He said that “selfishness is the bane of society and the root cause of human suffering”.  The latter part of the DVD had a song by Sri Gurudev on the theme of Karma Yoga, and was a fitting conclusion to this potent and inspiring lesson. 

The annual celebration of Sri Swami Sivananda’s birthday is not merely a commemoration of his birth, but a spiritual reminder and a call to live his teachings in our daily lives. For spiritual aspirants, this occasion is a beacon of inspiration. It urges us to re-dedicate ourselves to discipline, to deepen our meditation, to strengthen our devotion, and to cultivate the divine virtues that Sri Swami Sivananda so perfectly embodied: love, service, humility, and God-consciousness. For householders, this day carries a special message: he taught us that spirituality is not confined to the forest or the monastery, but it must flourish in the home and the workplace. Every act of love, patience, sacrifice and duty, when done in the spirit of service to God, becomes a form of worship. His birthday reminds us to infuse our family and work lives with higher values, to live simply, to give generously, and to bring harmony and devotion into our lives.

Let us not only celebrate Sri Swami Sivananda’s birthday with prayers and offerings, but let us resolve to live his immortal message: “Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realise”. By walking in his footsteps, we can all transform our lives into a radiant expression of divine joy and peace.

May the blessings of our beloved Sri Swami Sivananda guide and bless us always.

Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC) was the venue of the most auspicious 138th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Sri Swami Sivananda, when approximately 1500 devotees, donors, well-wishers, representatives of sister organisations and members of the public attended. The celebration was a veritable spiritual feast comprising an array of items. The morning Sadhana programme comprised the final recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa 11 times, followed by a Havan. After Ganga Arati, there was a grand March Past, wherein branches of the Society and a sister-organisation participated. This was followed by Satsang.

The 41-Day Recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa commenced on 29 July 2025. Hundreds of devotees participated in this sacred Vrat. The prayerful recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa in the sacred precincts of the serene SICC, added to the sanctity of the occasion. The sacred Havan, invoking the Divine Presence, was an apt conclusion to the Sri Hanuman Chalisa recital, as advised by Pujya Swami Sahajananda. The Havan sanctified the atmosphere, creating peace, harmony, and spiritual upliftment for all present. 

A grand Deity Parade on a colourful and decorative float, was a sight to behold. Spiritual Darlings (children) dressed as Deities were resplendent in their finery and make-up. A massive March Past of the Society’s branches and a sister organisation, was a disciplined, devotional procession. To the singing of mellifluous Kirtans, the March Past, a “lap-of-honour” for Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, reflected Bhakti, unity, discipline, and dedication to Guru and God. The March Past  was  not merely a procession, but a moving prayer, with rows of hearts beating as one in honour of adorable Gurudev, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swamiji.  

The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Sri Swami Sivananda’s message, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a message from the Society, the launch of a special Centenary Celebrations’ publication, Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life, Volumes 1 and 2, two dance items and the majestic Sivananda Gymnastic Drill Display. 

Sri Swami Sivananda’s message from Questions and Answers, was his response to a devotee’s question, “If the soul is immortal, why does Swamiji celebrate his birthday, which relates to the body?” The Master’s profound response was, “I do not celebrate my birthday. It is the devotees who do it. Celebration of such birthdays is equal to worship of Para Brahman. Worship of the Guru is worship of Para Brahman. The devotees take delight in celebrating the birthday, and they are uplifted and benefited. A spiritual wave is created year after year when the birthday is celebrated, and more and more people get a chance of knowing the existence of the Divine Life Society and my teachings. The celebration of the birthday is an annual reminder to aspirants of the purpose of their life. It is a fillip to their spiritual practices. The pious, receptive attitude prevalent on such an occasion draws forth the Grace of Guru and God upon the devotees. The thoughts of peace, devotion, love, etc., sent out by the innumerable devotees that assemble together to celebrate the birthday, go a long way to promote peace, harmony and spiritual well-being in the country”.

The Master explained further, “It is not without purpose that Hindus celebrate the birthdays of religious leaders, saints and sages. We have Buddha Jayanti, Shankara Jayanti, Mahavira Jayanti, etc. The Hindu calendar is spotted with many such Jayantis and other holy days, so that the observance of these Jayantis and holy days may give people the needed spiritual impetus to strive with increased zeal for the attainment of the purpose of life, namely, God-realisation. The more we have such special, holy days, the more we have the chance of being inspired to intensify our spiritual progress”.

Sri Swami Sahajananda’s audio message was deeply and spiritually instructive and insightful. He focused on the concept of fear. Many of us are fearful of many things and often do not welcome obstacles and challenges, but God has placed us in such conditions for our own growth. Pujya Swamiji said, “Grace means that God wants to take you to him” and that we should “never be afraid at all”, and make the best of every situation. Pujya Swamiji quoted the great saint and luminary, Anandamayi Ma who said that if we do not go willingly to God, then we will be whipped into going to God by challenges and difficulties. He also narrated the story of the juggler who joined a monastery. He heard that one should give what one could to the Divine. The only offering he could make was his juggling. Having offered same to Mother Mary, he had the Grace of Mother Mary. Pujya Swamiji also reassured us that our Divine Master knows what to give and when to give.

The message from the Society highlighted the personality and legacies of Sri Swami Sivananda. This is evident in the following excerpts. “Swami Sivananda’s life blossomed forth with full spiritual energy from the time he was a mischievous little child, like Lord Krishna, and throughout his physical presence on Mother Earth. He was very unassuming, and in Pujya Swamiji’s words, “Gurudev hid himself from the world.” Pujya Swamiji also shared that in time to come people will realise that Gurudev was an Avatar of the Lord. Today we see the influence of beloved Gurudev, the God-Man. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Swami Sivananda’s legacy is its living quality. The institutions he established, the ideals he championed, and the disciples he inspired continue to shed his light into the world.  Gurudev was an adept in all the different Yogas. More than 250 books were authored by Gurudev. His literature can be found on every continent today.  Gurudev founded Divine Life Society of South Africa with the aim of distributing his message in the form of printed books. This has given devotees a rare opportunity of doing Karma Yoga and serving Gurudev and earning spiritual merit”.

The Master’s catholicity, deep and insightful spiritual realisation, are evident in, “Swami Sivananda was a Master of practical Vedanta - a philosophy not confined to speculation, but lived and experienced in daily life. He taught that the highest spiritual truths must find expression in thought, word, and deed. The realisation of one’s own divinity, he insisted, is inextricably linked to loving and serving others. He encouraged all to adopt a holistic way of living, nourishing the body through proper diet and regular exercise, the mind through study and contemplation, and the soul through daily meditation and prayer. His daily routine, famously disciplined and balanced, became a model for aspirants. “Be good, do good,” he would often say, encapsulating the spirit of his teachings in the simplest terms. He summarised his teachings with the following six words, “Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate and Realise”. 

Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life, Volumes 1 and 2, launched during the Satsang, a treasure trove containing anecdotal jewels, transports the reader into the very midst of our Master and his God-like nature. It is a Satsang with our Master in book form, and has become an icon among followers of H.H Sri Swami Sivananda worldwide. This great treatise owes its origins to our very own country, South Africa. It was on this very soil that Sri Swami Sahajananda edited, compiled, printed and himself released this book. Some 45 years ago, on 8 January 1980, the first hardcover edition was launched. On 24 October 2006, Swami Sahajananda wrote the following: “When we reprint a new edition, it will appear in two volumes with soft cover, as this will be easy to handle. Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life is a unique publication. No other book of similar nature can compare with it. In this book one sees our Master exhibiting his unique qualities of love, forgiveness, compassion, etc. To me, our Master was an Avatar but he kept this hidden”.

The beautiful Bharatanatyam Dance items by the Natya Kalalayam Academy of Dance, under the esteemed guidance of Smt. Kantharuby Munsamy - a highly respected Bharatanatyam teacher, choreographer, and cultural icon in South Africa, added immense beauty and divinity to the celebrations. 

The Sivananda Gymnastic Drill Display, was launched around 1997 by Sri Swami Sahajananda. The performance at SICC saw participants from Sivanandashram, Sandton, various branches and Ashrams in KwaZulu-Natal, ranging in age from 10 years to senior citizens. It was performed to the Ram Bhajans, Rama Siyapati Ram and Bhajale Ram.  Synchronised, uniform, stylised, and graceful group movements showcased the beauty of coordinated effort, where every participant moved in harmony with the others. Each action was meticulously timed, maintaining uniformity in posture, rhythm, and flow, creating a visually striking pattern. Stylisation added an artistic touch, turning simple motions into elegant expressions, while grace ensured fluidity and poise. Together, these elements conveyed discipline, concentration, teamwork, and aesthetic charm, leaving a lasting impression of collective harmony and artistry. The drill was a beautiful offering by the group of approximately 86 participants.

As we draw this sacred 138th Birth Anniversary Celebration to a close, our hearts are filled with gratitude, joy and spiritual inspiration. Over these moments of devotion, prayer and fellowship, we have collectively celebrated the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of our beloved Gurudev, Sri Swami Sivananda,  a beacon of divine wisdom, compassion, and selfless service. This grand assembly at SICC has not only deepened our understanding of his timeless teachings, but has also strengthened the bonds of our spiritual family. We have witnessed the power of unity in devotion, the grace that flows from selfless service, and the profound peace that arises when hearts turn toward the Divine.

May the spiritual energy kindled here continue to illuminate our lives. Let us carry forward the ideals of love, humility, and service that Sri Swami Sivananda exemplified, inspiring others in our families, communities, and the wider world. Let us remember that the celebration does not end here. Each prayer offered, each teaching reflected upon, and each act of kindness we perform, is a living tribute to the greatness of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. 

May their blessings guide us always, and may we remain steadfast on the path of Dharma, devotion, and divine service.

Sri Ganesha Chaturthi was celebrated at all Sivanandashrams and at a few Branches of the Society on Tuesday, 26 August 2025. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans and a reading.

Sri Swami Sivananda explains in Hindu Fasts and Festivals, that Lord Ganesha cursed the moon that no one should look at it on Ganesh Chaturthi Day. Sri Gurudev said, “If anyone does, he will surely earn a bad name, censure or ill-repute. However, if by mistake someone does happen to look at the moon on this day then the only way he could be freed from the curse would be by repeating or listening to the story of how Lord Krishna cleared His character regarding the Syamantaka Jewel. This story is quoted in the Bhagavatam”.

A summary of the reading, “The Story of the Jewel Syamantaka”, is that a radiant gem originally belonged to the Sun-God, Surya. Whoever possessed it would never face famine or calamity, and it would produce eight measures of gold daily. It also protected the owner if he was virtuous, but it would bring ruin if possessed by the unrighteous. Satrajit, a nobleman and devotee of Surya, received the Syamantaka Jewel as a boon from the Sun-God. His brother, Prasena, once wore the jewel and went hunting but he was killed by a lion. The lion was then slain by Jambavan (the great bear-king who fought in Lord Rama’s time), who took the jewel and gave it to his child. 

When Prasena did not return, rumours spread that Lord Krishna had coveted and killed Prasena to steal the jewel. To clear his name, Lord Krishna set out to find the missing man. He followed the trail, found Prasena’s body, and discovered that Jambavan possessed the jewel. Lord Krishna entered Jambavan’s cave and fought with him fiercely for 28 days. Eventually, Jambavan realised the Lord’s true identity as Lord Rama (whom he had served in the past). He surrendered, offered the jewel, and also gave his daughter, Jambavati in marriage to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna brought the jewel back to Satrajit, who was filled with shame for having doubted Him.

To make amends, Satrajit offered Lord Krishna both the jewel and his daughter, Satyabhama in marriage. The Lord accepted Satyabhama but refused to keep the jewel, leaving it with Satrajit to avoid jealousy and conflict.

Satrajit was later murdered by Shatadhanva, who coveted the Syamantaka Jewel. Lord Krishna pursued Shatadhanva, slew him, but again refused to keep the jewel, returning it instead to its rightful family.

The story highlights how greed and suspicion bring destruction, while truth and righteousness ultimately triumph. It also shows Lord Krishna’s nature: though falsely accused, He proved His innocence through action and upheld detachment, refusing to keep the jewel despite having every right to do so. Though, later conflicts arose over the gem, Lord Krishna consistently refused to keep it, showing that truth, humility, and detachment overcome greed and false accusation.

May we find resonance and deep meaning in Sri Swami Sivananda’s message on Lord Ganesha. He said, “On the Ganesh Chaturthi day, meditate on the stories connected with Lord Ganesha early in the morning, during the Brahmamuhurta period. Then, after taking a bath, go to the temple and do the prayers of Lord Ganesha. Offer Him some coconut and sweet pudding. Pray with faith and devotion that He may remove all the obstacles that you experience on the spiritual path. Worship Him at home, too…

“Take fresh spiritual resolves and pray to Lord Ganesha for inner spiritual strength to attain success in all your undertakings.

“May the blessings of Sri Ganesha be upon you all! May He remove all the obstacles that stand in your spiritual path! May He bestow on you all material prosperity as well as liberation!”