Om Namo Bhagavade Sivanandaya
Established in 1949 by Sri Swami Sivananda
Divine Life Society of South Africa observed the Day of Descent of Divine Grace on Wednesday 1 March 2023. The evening Satsang at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, included Kirtans, Bhajans, an overview of the significance of the Day of Descent of Divine Grace, an audio recording by Pujya Swami Sahajananda, and a reading on the same theme.
The significance of this important day is captured in the following utterance by Pujya Swamiji in November 2007, "Since the 1st of March I am enjoying 24 hours unbroken peace of mind. Previously there used to be a sharp pain inside, but now there is nothing".
As an offering to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, Lord Rama and Sri Hanuman, the 41 Day Sri Hanuman Chalisa recital will commence on Friday, 23 February 2023. The launch of the 41 day recital will take place on 23 February 2023 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. Ganga Arati commences at 5:30pm followed by 11 recitals of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. The 41 day recital will culminate on the sacred Sri Hanuman Jayanti on Wednesday, 05 April 2023.
If you would like to participate in the 41 day recital, kindly complete the online pledge form below. All signed pledges will be offered at the Shrine on the day of the launch.
Divine Life Society of S.A. celebrated Mahasivaratri at all its Ashrams on Saturday 18 February 2023. At Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills, Ganga Arati commenced at 5.30pm and the Satsang concluded the next morning at 5am. Befitting this sacred night, the programme was a veritable spiritual feast with a variety of presentations and devotional offerings to Lord Siva. Melodious Kirtans and Bhajans, performances and presentations by guest artistes, readings, poems, Sanskrit verses in praise of Lord Siva, audio recordings, videos, and the chanting of the sacred Om Namah Sivaya Mantra while circumambulating the Ganga Rani pool, all featured on the programme. Special guest artistes included Sri Solly Pillay, Dr Veena Lutchman, Smt. Siddharthiya Pillay and Smt. Archana Sridhar & troupe.
Sri Swami Sivananda's message in the First Prahara, taken from Glory of Sivaratri captured the Master's profound reverence for Lord Siva. The Master writes, "When creation had been completed, Siva and Parvati had been living on the top of Kailas. Parvati asked; "O venerable Lord, which of the many rituals observed in Thy honour doth please Thee most?" Lord Siva replied: "The thirteenth night of the new moon, Krishna Paksha, in the month of Phalguna (February-March) known as Sivaratri, is My most favourable Tithi. My devotee gives Me greater happiness by mere fasting than by ceremonial baths, and offerings of flowers, sweets, incense, etc".
Divine Life Society of South Africa held a Special Thanksgiving Satsang at Sivananda International Cultural Centre (SICC) on Sunday 11 December 2022 at 10am. A morning Yoga Camp Sadhana programme comprising Invocation, Chanting, Meditation on the Peace Series and a Havan was held from 6am until 8am. A motivational talk, outlining Pujya Swami Sahajananda's guidance on our Yoga Camps which Pujya Swamiji launched almost 30 years ago, was also presented during the Yoga Camp Programme.
Over 530 devotees, well-wishers, donors and special guests attended the Thanksgiving Satsang. Amongst the guests were, Dr Anasuya Boligarla, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre based at the Consul General of India, Durban, our Ashram builders and representatives of a few schools, some of whom have accommodated our Branches for Satsangs for approximately 4 decades.