DIVINE MASTER'S 135TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY (08 SEPTEMBER 2022)

8 September is a significant date for the Divine Life Society as it marks the Birth Anniversary of the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda. This year (2022) marks his 135th Birth Anniversary. Our programme commenced at 5am, with the chanting of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa 11 times, as this marked the culmination of the 41-day Vrata launched on Saturday, 30 July 2022. In the afternoon, a special Havan Ceremony saw the closure of this important Sadhana.

On Wednesday, 31 August, 2022, Divine Life Society of S.A. celebrated online and at our Ashrams, one of the most popular Hindu Festivals, Sri Ganesha Chaturthi, being the Birthday of the Lord. 

Hindus strongly affirm that Sri Ganesha is the Power that removes obstacles by the force of Knowledge. Sri Ganesha, among other things, is the Devata of spiritual Knowledge. Sages say that because Lord Ganesha removes all the obstacles on the path of the spiritual aspirant, and bestows upon him worldly as well as spiritual success, He is called Vigna Vinayaka. Referring to Lord Ganesha, the Mother of Sri Aurobindo Ashram told one of the disciples, "Turn to Him and He will give you the right inspiration!"

The most auspicious Gita Week was observed at the Ashrams and a few branches of Divine Life Society of S.A. from 12 - 18 August 2022. Ganga Arati online and at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills commenced at 5:30pm daily, followed by Satsang. The daily Gita Week programme included melodious Bhajans & Kirtans in worship & adoration of Lord Krishna, Slokas from the Bhagavad Gita, readings from the Book Hindu Gods & Goddesses by Sri Swami Sivananda and poems from the book, Swami Sivananda In Pictures. Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda states, "The Gita is a source of power and wisdom. It strengthens you when you are weak and inspires you when you feel dejected and feeble. It teaches you how to resist unrighteousness and to follow the path of virtue and righteousness. The Gita is not merely a book or just a scripture. It is a living voice, carrying an eternally indispensable and vital message to mankind".

Sri Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated on Friday, 19 August 2022. The Janmashtami programme at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills commenced at 5:30pm and concluded at midnight. Our Divine Master describes his Ishta Devata in Lord Krishna & His Lilas as follows, "Lord Krishna was the highest incarnation of the great Vishnu. He was the unique and crowning incarnation of all. He was the world teacher. He was the one Lord of love. His divine form holds the heart of India captive in chains, even today. The Bhagavata, the Mahabharata, the Vishnu Purana—all proclaim with one voice that there was none to match Sri Krishna in beauty and elegance of form in all three worlds".

Gita Week will be observed at Sivanandashrams and some branches of Divine Life Society of S.A. from 12 - 18 August 2022. Ganga Arati at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills commences at 5:30pm daily, followed by Satsang. 

Sri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on Friday, 19 August 2022. The Janmashtami programme at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills commences at 5:30pm and concludes at midnight.