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.
