The Aryan Hall in Raisthorpe, Pietermaritzburg, was the venue for the Society’s Centenary Celebrations hosted by the Pietermaritzburg Branch on Saturday, 6 July 2024. Approximately 550 devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public graced the function, that began at 7am and concluded at around 3pm.

There were three sessions. Session one was from 7 to 9am, and comprised chanting, Pranayama, meditation and Havan. The second session, comprising Ganga Arati and Satsang, was from 9.30am to 12.40pm. The third session, a cultural programme, commenced at 1pm and concluded around 3pm.

The soulful chants of sacred Mantras and Ganga Arati were a beautiful prelude to the Satsang programme. The concept of Ganga Arati, was perhaps new to many, and afforded them the opportunity to pay obeisance to Mother Ganga.

The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from the Society, a play, “People versus Sivananda”, and a children’s item, “Gurudev Says”. 

The message from the Society focused on the reasons for the Centenary Celebrations, Sri Swami Sivananda’s teachings and legacies, and the enormous work of Divine Life Society of South Africa under the leadership of its Spiritual Head, Sri Swami Sahajananda. The message also gave pertinent advice on Mantra chanting, the importance of attendance at Satsangs and the benefits of prayer. The children’s item, “Gurudev Says”, done to the accompaniment of nursery rhymes, brought to the fore the Master’s lofty teachings in a simple and entertaining manner.

One of the highlights of the Satsang programme was a court-room drama, “People versus Sivananda”. A court had to be convened because some of the critics of Sri Swami Sivananda leveled accusations, namely, breaking traditional rules, mass education on the sacred scriptures and kidnapping. Swami Sivananda was tried in abstentia. One of the complainants was a pundit who complained that Swami Sivananda had made sacred texts available to all castes, the masses, and even in English. He complained further that Swami Sivananda told people that they could chant Mantras and know God, that sacred Mantras can also be written, that he is a strong proponent of Karma Yoga. He tells people that an ounce of practice equals a ton of theory. People don’t want to do any more rituals. They give their money to the Swami. Shopkeepers are complaining because the Swami has opened an alms house. The pundit’s income has also dropped drastically. A doctor testified that the Swami has recently started eye camps and her company has seen a serious reduction in profits. A father testified that the Swami kidnapped his son who had joined Swami Sivananda’s Ashram. 

For the defence, various persons testified. Some said that the Swami taught them yogic exercises which improved their lives. Children from a prayer circle in New York also testified in favour of the Swami and sang the glories of Swami Sivananda. They began singing Swamiji’s songs in their own tunes. A grandmother testified that Swami Sivananda, stayed up all night at her house, attending to her.  She was of the view that doctors usually do not do this, as they provide medication, charge fees and leave. Another testified that the Swami carried him on his back when he was sick. To him, the Swami was Narayana himself. A young woman testified that she became an unmarried mother and everyone rejected her. She was destitute and on the verge of suicide. Then this divine father took her in, gave her shelter, and saved her life. After the birth of her baby, the Swami found a family to care for the baby. To her, the Swami was God in disguise. A young man who was turned down by the air force, contemplated suicide, when a voice said to him, “Don’t do that. You are meant for greater things”. That voice belonged to Swami Sivananda. The man was A. P. J. Abdul Khalam, a nuclear scientist and past President of India. A school-teacher who lived a normal life, testified that he came across a book, The Practice of Karma Yoga by Swami Sivananda, which changed his life, resulting in him following the path of renunciation. He further attested that through the Grace of the Swami, projects that uplifted the poor were undertaken, and that the poor are fed daily. Thousands of children now have a chance in life because of him. He further said, “Kidnapping, accusing him of kidnapping? How fortunate that father is, how lucky is that child to be in my Master’s arms. Today, even if parents have 3 or 4 children, they want them all to be barristers and doctors. Can’t they see that even this is a form of vanity? How glorious are his methods! To take care of our bodies, he teaches us the secrets of good eating, exercise and Ayurveda! Likhit Japa helps us with concentration and meditation. The more we use the Divine Name, the quicker the Name will come to us in our time of need. I am told that the doctors are complaining of a loss of income. Would these doctors take in persons who are living on the streets, unwashed, diseased, lepers that the world has thrown away? Their own families have thrown them away, but my Master will take them in. I am his always. Srinivasan …. Sahajananda”.

Finally, a man in blue appeared nonchalantly, saying, “To this Swami. My very own Sivananda. He has made all of my books famous. He has made all of my books easy to read and understand… and so practical…. Surely you have heard of my books, my lord. There are many. The Ramayana, the Mahabharata. I am sure you have heard of them. I see that you are using one of them - that's my Bhagavad Gita”. Upon enquiring of his name, the man replied, “M.M Giridhari… Murali Manohar Giridhari”.

Surprised, that the man n blue was indeed the Lord, the judge says, “How dare I judge this, Swami Sivananda? Did I not just have Darshan of the Lord because of him? Not guilty! Not guilty!”.

The day’s programme after lunch comprised an array of cultural items. Sri Kugendran Moonsamy, a renowned vocalist who was trained in India, enthralled the audience. He was accompanied by Parusha Naidoo on the tabla, and Sivanesan Naidoo on the harmonium and keyboard. The Sai Baba Foundation of Pietermaritzburg rendered beautiful Kirtans and Bhajans. In addition, the Ved Dharam Sabha and Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, both of Pietermaritzburg, made their love offerings of Kirtans, Bhajans and musical items. The large number in the audience appreciated the mellifluous music, rendered with love, devotion and professionalism. 

The Pietermaritzburg Branch is complimented on a well-organised function, befitting the Centenary Celebrations of the Society. The enormous preparations, well-crafted programmes, attention to detail, sumptuous breakfast, lunch Prasad, afternoon refreshments, and warm hospitality are greatly appreciated. Devotees have done Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda proud.