Tongaat South Vishnu Temple was the venue for the Society’s Centenary Celebrations hosted by Tongaat Branch on Saturday, 10 May 2025. Havan commenced at 2pm, Ganga Arati began at 3.30pm, followed by Satsang at 4pm. A cultural programme comprising guest artistes was from 6.15pm to 7.30pm.

Scores of devotees, patrons, donors and well-wishers attended the sacred Havan conducted by the Ashram’s three pundits. For many, taking Mother Ganga’s Darshan during Ganga Arati, was a first-time experience. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a message from the Society, an overview of the history of Tongaat Branch, a delightful and informative play and a group dance. 

The message from the Society aptly captured the ethos of the Centenary Celebrations, and more especially, Pujya Swamiji’s 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations, his life and legacies. This is evident in, “Pujya Swamiji dedicated his entire life to promote the work and teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda. He set up Ashrams for our spiritual sustenance, printed and distributed the Master’s books far and wide, and commenced with humanitarian projects to give devotees the opportunity to worship God by serving fellow man. 

“His visionary leadership in establishing the Sivananda Sunlit Path Programme to assist youth cope with drug addiction and social ills, poor feeding programmes for over 3000 school children daily, grocery hamper distributions to the needy, our clinics and numerous educational, social and humanitarian initiatives, Monthly Yoga Camps, Sivananda Day Satsangs, and our beautiful Ashrams and Satsangs, are the various love offerings that were made by this gentle Saint at the feet of our Divine Master”.

With reference to our roles and responsibilities, the message implored us as follows, “Today we are all beneficiaries of this great spiritual wealth if we so desire. All that is required of us is faith, obedience, loyalty, devotion, and keen aspiration for spiritual progress. How do we honour a great being like Sri Swami Sahajananda? We must obey. Pujya Swamiji stated that perfect obedience is the same as perfect self-surrender, and that obedience is greater than reverence. Let us obey some simple rules to improve our lives. Pujya Swamiji stated, ‘Obedience is the most important law of life. It has to be practised not only in spiritual institutions, but also at home, on the road while driving, and at one’s place of work. Health rules also have to be observed. Check yourself carefully every day and see where you are faltering. Our Divine Master’s books will be your guide’”.  Pujya Swamiji has said that if we cannot be obedient as adults, how can we expect our children to obey us?

Tongaat played an important role in the history and development of Divine Life Society of South Africa, as is evident in the message on its history, “Tongaat Branch of Divine Life Society of South Africa, was established in 1956 by a group of devotees on the instructions of Sri Swami Sahajananda, Spiritual Head of Divine Life Society of South Africa. Satsangs were held at the Sabha Temple in Railway Street, Tongaat. In 1959, Pujya Swamiji created the North Coast Regional Council of Divine Life Society of South Africa. The council comprised branches from Mt Edgecombe to Richards Bay. There were 28 members in the council drawn from the branches. The purpose of the North Coast Regional Council was to assist branches which were struggling in terms of their operations”. The message also provided an overview of the creation of Sivananda international Cultural (SICC), after the Department of Education refused permission for a school to be built on land donated by a devotee, Sri R. E. Naidoo. Several organisations declined Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s offer of the land. Pujya Swamiji then commenced with building SICC in 1987, as an offering to Sri Swami Sivananda in the year of the Divine Master’s 100th birth anniversary.

A delightful play, “Home Sadhana”, was enacted by female devotees in the age group, 8 to 68. This play was dedicated to the sacred memory of Pujya Swamiji on the auspicious occasion of his Birth Centenary Celebration, in the hope that devotees may follow in the noble footsteps of this colossal spiritual being. Pujya Swamiji introduced home Sadhana to inspire families to create spiritual vibrations in the home. The play highlighted some distractions to Sadhana, namely, the harmful effects of excessive television viewing, abuse of cellular phones, listening to disco music and other common vices. Aspects of home Sadhana that were focused upon were: chanting the Divine Name, Likhit Japa, Dining Room Kirtans and benefits of singing Kirtans and Bhajans. The profound message of the play is encapsulated in the following excerpt from the play, “Let us repay our debt of gratitude to our Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji for the bounteous gifts they have bestowed upon us by following this spiritual routine. During our prayers, let us send healing energies across the world to all those in dire need of help. There are no problems that cannot be solved by prayer, no sufferings that cannot be overcome by prayer, no trials that cannot be met with prayer. Pujya Swamiji taught that the Name of the Lord will solve every problem without exception”. The excellent performance by the cast, clarity of enunciation and articulation, the interactive dialogue, rapport and humour, the brilliance of the message, and the sincerity in the enactment, are worthy of high praise.

The Kolattam dance performed with distinction by devotees of the Branch, is a vibrant and rhythmic folk dance from South India, and a traditional art form that combines music, movement, and devotion. It is an ancient folk dance usually performed by women using two short wooden sticks. The dancers generally stand in a circular formation and criss-cross the sticks to make specific rhythms while singing folk songs. 

The cultural programme after Satsang comprised melodious Kirtans and Bhajans by Vernon Govender and Troupe. Sri Vernon Govender is the recipient of several awards and is a recording artiste. Melodious Kirtans and Bhajans were also sung by Sri Raj and Smt Usha Maharaj of “Samgita Vandana”.  The mellifluous renditions by both groups were overwhelming, full of Bhakti and a wonderful offering to Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji. Two outstanding dance items were performed by Kumarie Verona’s Dance Institute. 

Tongaat Branch has done exceptionally well in organising all aspects of this celebration, for which we applaud the Committee and devotees. Their dedication, Guru Bhakti, attention to detail and hard work have not gone unnoticed and have made a significant impact on all who attended the celebration. Their efforts were nothing short of exemplary. Their ability to accomplish all tasks related to the function with limited resources, reflects their deep commitment to excellence and dedicated service to the Society. Being a group of sincere and committed devotees, Tongaat Branch excelled in all respects. All items were of a high standard, insightful, well-rehearsed, sincere and well-presented.  The harmony with which devotees in the different departments functioned is remarkable. 

May Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda bless all.

Sri Hanuman Jayanti was celebrated at all Sivanandashrams. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, the 108 recitals of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa commenced at 5am and concluded around 12.30pm. This day also marked the culmination of the 41-day recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa, a Vrat in which about 300 devotees participated. Havan was at 3pm, followed by Ganga Arati and Satsang at 4pm. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans and Bhajans, a message from Sri Swami Sivananda on the glory of Sri Hanuman, recital of the Sri Hanuman Ashtak and Sri Hanuman Arati.

The Master aptly explained Sri Hanuman’s birth and extolled His virtues, prowess and love for Lord Rama in the message that was read. He said, “Sri Hanuman was born of Anjani from Pavana, the wind God. He was named Hanuman after the name of the city of Hanumpur over which his maternal uncle, Parti Surya ruled. Hanuman's body was hard as a stone. So Anjani named him Vajranga. He is also known by the names "Mahabir" or mightiest hero, (because he exhibited several heroic feats), Balibima and Maruti.

“The world has not yet seen and will not see in future also a mighty hero like Sri Hanuman. During his life he worked wonders and exhibited superhuman feats of strength and valour. He has left behind Him a name which, as long as the world lasts, will continue to wield a great influence over the minds of millions of people”.

Referring to Sri Hanuman’s wisdom and strength, the Master said, “He is one of the seven Chiranjeevis. He was the only learned scholar who knew the nine Vyakaranas. He learnt the Shastras from the sun-God. He was the wisest of the wise, strongest of the strong and bravest of the brave. He was the Shakti of Rudra. He who meditates on Him and repeats His name, attains power, strength, glory, prosperity and success in life. He is worshipped in all parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra.

“He was born at the most auspicious hour of 4am on the most blessed day, Tuesday, of the 8th of the Lunar month, Chait. He had the power to assume any form he liked; to swell his body to an enormous extent and to reduce it to the length of a thumb. His strength was superhuman. He was the terror of Rakshasas. He was well versed in the four Vedas and other sacred books. His valour, wisdom, knowledge of the scriptures and superhuman strength attracted everybody who came near him. He had extraordinary skill in warfare”.

Sri Hanuman’s unconditional loyalty to Lord Rama is matchless, as is explained by Sri Gurudev, “He was the chosen messenger, warrior and servant of Sri Rama. He was the votary and devotee of Lord Rama. Lord Rama was his all in all. He lived to serve Lord Rama. He lived in Lord Rama. He lived for Lord Rama. He was a minister and intimate friend of Sugriva.

“From his very birth he exhibited extraordinary physical strength and worked many miracles. When he was a child, he put the sun into his mouth. All the Gods were very much troubled. They came with folded hands to the Child and humbly entreated Him to release the sun. The Child set free the sun at their request. Hanuman saw Sri Rama for the first time in Kishkindha. Sri Rama and Lakshmana came there in the course of their search of Sita whom Ravana had carried away”.

It is interesting to learn that a Rishi pronounced a curse on Hanuman for his wrong action, that he would remain unconscious of his great strength and prowess until He met Sri Rama and served Him with devotion. As soon as Hanuman beheld Sri Rama, He became conscious of His strength and power.

The profound importance of Sri Hanuman as the votary of supreme dedication, loyalty and of a true Bhakta, is evident in, “When Sri Rama ascended to his supreme abode, Sri Hanuman also wished to follow him. But the Lord asked Him to remain in this world as his representative and attend all the assemblies of men where discourses on His deeds were held and heard and help His devotees in cultivating devotion. He is a Chiranjeevi, one who is ever at hand to assist devotees of the Lord. He is everywhere. He who has eyes and devotion beholds him and receives his blessings. Where Hanuman is, there are Sri Rama and Mother Sita, and wherever Sri Rama and Mother Sita are praised and their deeds recited, there Hanuman is. Glory to Hanuman, the blessed devotee of Sri Rama”.

The Sri Hanuman Ashtak, written by Saint Tulsidas, and Sri Hanuman Arati were beautifully recited. The mellifluous singing, harmonious musical accompaniment and spiritual aura that the renditions radiated, were a marvelous tribute to Sri Hanuman. The recital of the eight verses in praise of Sri Hanuman and invoking of His blessings, is ideal for peace, well-being, protection and bliss. Each verse narrates a specific story or aspect of Sri Hanuman’s prowess and devotion. The Sri Hanuman Arati is a way to express devotion and reverence towards Lord Hanuman, who is our protector and guardian. The renditions were an excellent medium to connect with the Divine, more especially on Sri Hanuman Jayanti.

May the blessings of Lord Rama, Sri Hanuman, Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji be upon us all.