Divine Life Society of South Africa celebrated Sri Swami Sivananda’s 139th Birth Anniversary and the culmination of the 41-Day Recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa on Sunday, 6 September 2026 at Sivananda International Cultural Centre, La Mercy. The day’s programme commenced at 6am with the final recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa 11 times, followed by a sacred Havan. After Ganga Arati and breakfast, a grand march past of all branches and Prayer Groups of the Society was held on the Sivananda Stadium. Satsang was from 9.45am until 12 noon.

Hundreds of visitors, devotees, donors and well-wishers braved the rain and attended the sacred final recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa and Havan at 6am in the Prayer Hall. Both our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda had the greatest reverence for Sri Hanuman. Sri Swami Sivananda said, “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 wielding a great influence over the minds of millions of people…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 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… 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”.

The march past, comprising about 700 devotees from across KwaZulu-Natal, marched in unison on the Sivananda Stadium. They were led by a most beautiful float with Spiritual Darlings (children) dressed as deities, thereon. It was a sight to behold. To the chants and singing of Marching Kirtans, the deeply spiritual atmosphere was a fitting tribute to Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda for the bountiful gifts bestowed upon us, devotees, and on South Africa.

The Satsang programme comprised melodious Kirtans and Bhajans, a presentation by the Sivananda Technical High School, an address by the guest-of-honour, the most magnificent Sivananda Gymnastic Drill Displays, a Kathak dance and readings and messages. 

In the reading, “Take Refuge in God” from Sivananda’s Gospel of Divine Life, Sri Swami Sivananda extolled the benefits of prayer. In response to a devotee’s despondency because of his child’s illness, the Master said, “You are the all-pervading Atma. There is neither disease nor sorrow in the Atma…Detach yourself from the body and mind. Then alone you will be happy. Close your eyes. Meditate. Go to the divine source. Tap the peace there. It will flow incessantly. Drink the nectar of immortality…Never entertain the idea that you are a sinner. Roar: Sivoham, Sivoham – I am Shiva. I am Shiva. Sin is only a mistake committed during the course of evolution. The struggling soul has to commit mistakes. Just as a child learns to walk by falling down several times, so also a neophyte on the spiritual path has to fall sometimes. Sin is a relative term. The Atma is beyond virtue and sin. Virtue and sin are mental creations only. Get into the state that is beyond the pairs of opposites. Remain always in a positive state”. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message was a direct address to the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda in the first person. He said that the Absolute took the form of Sri Swami Sivananda and that the Master is a manifestation of the Supreme Being. He recounted the Master’s early life and childlike manner, his love for sweets, his boyhood antics, his love for God, and that “He was a born Siddha”.  Of the Master, he said, “Love was born in your heart”. He emphasised the Master’s compassionate nature, his sharing of his food with beggars and his strong desire to serve. Pujya Swamiji said that Sri Gurudev was active, bold, intelligent, and would get up at 3am and do his exercises. Although he was a high-class Brahmin, he garlanded his fencing instructor, a low-caste person. The Master only saw God everywhere and in all, had a photographic brain, and demonstrated his Yogic powers in later days. Whatever Sri Gurudev did, he did to perfection, and that “Perfection was your name”. This deep and profound eulogy of the Master, is indicative of Pujya Swamiji’s unconditional loyalty, respect and love for the Master.

The unique, inspiring and most beautiful Sivananda Gymnastic Drill Display, which was conceptualised and introduced by Pujya Swami Sahajananda in 1997, instils Bhakti in the participants and the viewers alike. The drill is performed to the melodious and soothing Ram Bhajans, “Ram Siyapati Ram” and “Bhajale Ram”, selected by Pujya Swami Sahajananda for the drill. The movements were also choreographed and directed by our beloved Pujya Swamiji. The participants derive multiple benefits, namely improved focus and concentration, discipline, physical fitness, team-spirit, ability to follow a single command, ability to work harmoniously with others in a group, and the wonderful opportunity to make a beautiful offering of love to our Divine Master on his Birth Anniversary. Our youth girls also performed an excellent individual drill item, dedicated to Sri Hanuman on the culmination of the 41-Day Recital of the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. Both drill items were professional, artistic and meticulously practised. 

The Sivananda Technical High School learners made a brilliant offering, glorifying Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda.  The learners said that the Society built their school and defined the vision of the school to a great extent. They emphasised the Society’s contribution to education, service of the community and its social and poverty alleviation work. One of the ex-learners was awarded a bursary by the Society and has excelled in his studies and career.

A beautiful, impressive and vibrant Kathak dance by Rivathi Laldeo, director and teacher of the Nidhivan Dance Academy, had the congregation in awe. Her dance depicting the past-times of Lord Krishna was splendid, indeed. The beauty of her dexterous performance, her professionalism, Bhakti and dance skills were evident when she performed in heavy rain. A wonderful offering indeed!

The guest-of-honour, the Consul General of India in Durban, the Honourable Niteen Subash Yeola, paid great tribute to Pujya Swamiji and the Society for its spiritual, religious and humanitarian work. He was deeply appreciative of the role played by the Society in promoting Hinduism in the country and upholding Hindu values, education and being engaged in charitable work. He also focused on India’s progressive impact on science and technology, Ayurveda, the importance of Yoga, the Society’s printing presses, the importance of books and their role in education, both secular and non-secular. He recognised the participation of our youth in the programme, inspired the youth to explore their roles in science, technology and business, and invited all to use the scholarships and initiatives of the Government of India through the office of the Consul General of India to promote youth development and growth, as well as the Society’s aims and objectives. 

The 139th Birth Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda and the culmination of the 41-Day Sri Hanuman Chalisa Recital were far more than a celebration—it was a magnificent expression of Bhakti, Seva, discipline and unity. In the rain, hundreds gathered in devotion, reaffirming the timeless ideals embodied by Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. The vibrant march past, inspiring drill displays, devotional music, youth participation and tributes reflected a living spiritual legacy that continues to inspire generations. As the Master taught, “Tap the peace there. It will flow incessantly”.  

May Sri Swami Sivananda’s divine message, strengthened by Pujya Swamiji’s selfless-service for decades, continue to awaken hearts, unite humanity and illuminate the path of Divine Life for generations to come. The future of Divine Life Society of South Africa is indisputably bright, and augurs well for all, both present and future generations.

On this sacred occasion of Sri Ganesh Chaturthi, we are reminded of Sri Gurudev’s guidance in Hindu Fasts and Festivals regarding the traditional injunction not to look at the moon on this holy day.

Sri Gurudev explains that should one accidentally see the moon, the effect of the associated curse may be removed by reading, repeating or listening to the sacred story of how Lord Sri Krishna cleared His name in connection with the Syamantaka Jewel, as narrated in the Srimad Bhagavatam.

Devotees are therefore lovingly encouraged to read the Story of the Syamantaka Jewel, which has been uploaded to our website for this auspicious occasion.

May Sri Ganesha, the remover of all obstacles, bless us with wisdom, purity, devotion and His divine protection.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY OF THE SYAMANTAKA JEWEL

The 139th birth anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda was celebrated on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. There was a morning Sadhana programme from 6am until 6.25am, after which devotees had Darshan at Sahaja Kutir and the Sivananda-Sahajananda Diamond Jubilee Centre. Akhanda Chanting ensued throughout the day.

Ganga Arati commenced at 5pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, a reading, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, and a and a segment from a DVD entitled, Wisdom of Sivananda.

The reading, “Integral Perfection”, from Sivananda: Biography of a Modern Sage, gave a vivid account of the Master’s love for any gathering to glorify God, have Satsang and the company of Mahatmas. This is evident in the following excerpts: 

“Gurudev was quite happy to have his birthday celebrated. He used to initiate the whole thing. Right in the month of April, one morning he would go to the office and say, ‘Venkatesananda Swami, have you started preparing the circulars inviting articles for the Birthday Souvenir booklet? The first circular must be like this…, the second circular must be like that... Call some musicians, do this, do that’. He used to initiate it all. He himself gave the reason why: ‘Any occasion for celebration is good. It doesn't matter what you call it - birthday, Guru Purnima or Sivaratri. When people come together, we have some nice Satsang. Who is interested in this body being worshipped or not worshipped?’" 

He later said: "'When people glorify me, especially on birthdays, I return to my Kutir and I beat myself with a shoe. As I do it. I say to myself, ‘What are you? You wretched flesh-blood-excreta made body? Do you want garlands? Can you not wear torn clothes? Do you think that you are great? Do you want to be prostrated to? Here, take these garlands'".

The article further explains that on the birthday there was a huge big plate on which the Master would place his feet, and about twenty or thirty people would sit around it and throw flowers at his feet. While performing this Padapuja, the Master would sit there, looking around to someone or the other, enquiring about their welfare. These people would not have come to the Ashram if the birthday was not being celebrated, so it was an opportunity to bring them there.

Interestingly, Sri Gurudev also took a keen part in having his biographies published. Once the wife of a great political leader visited the Ashram. As usual she was welcomed and greeted and offered coffee and fruits. It was also usual for Sri Swami Sivananda to give every such visitor a set of books, especially the newly published ones. It so happened that at that time there were only biographies of the Master written by several people. The reading states, “All these biographies also contain one section of teachings, just as the teaching books also contain one section of biography; however, the titles were: Sivananda, the World Saviour; Sivananda, Lord Incarnate; Satguru Sivananda; Jagatguru Sivananda, and so on. This lady looked at all those books and said, ‘Swamiji, why do you allow all these biographies, all this self-glorification, to be published in your own Ashram?’ Her face showed displeasure. His answer was as one that nobody else could have come up with – such a simple answer! He looked at her as if she was his own daughter, and said gently: ‘That is what brought you here, I think!’ And that, of course, was the truth. The lady was deeply impressed. Though such a proud and powerful person, she did namaskar very humbly, and she didn't ask another question. Gurudev had only his great smile; no offence was taken”.

Pujya Swamiji’s audio message was deeply re-assuring. He said that Sri Gurudev was God himself. The Master was meticulous in replying to Pujya Swamiji’s letters, and in one of his letters, he assured Pujya Swamiji that “I am ever ready to serve thee”, and that there was therefore nothing to fear. Pujya Swamiji explained that our Master is ever ready to serve us but we must turn to him in our hearts. When problems come, only God can help us. We must place our problems before the Master, within. Spiritual laws must be observed, for God’s Grace operates on spiritual laws. He urged us to “Try to contact him within”. We must feel the Master’s presence all over – inside and out. The power is there and we must call and it will come. Prayer and faith must be cornerstones of our lives and should be continuous.  It will be difficult to pray in later stages of life if we do not begin prayer in early life. If we are not in tune with God, we may experience pain at the time of death. He said “We have to habitually try”. Faith is fundamental. He asked if we will do whatever the Guru requests, without questioning? Obedience to the Guru and faith are paramount.  “Before we ask, we must deserve”. If we are not tested, we are not going to get God’s Grace. He also assured us that if we have difficulties then we have possibilities for a higher life.

The DVD, Wisdom of Sivananda which is a guide to Sadhaks (aspirants), is laden with spiritual gems. Each gem is small in expression but immense in significance. Taken to heart and practised sincerely, these teachings can transform thought, conduct and character, leading the aspirant from restlessness to peace, from weakness to strength, and from worldly pre-occupation to God-consciousness. Some of these gems are: “Face obstacles cooly and boldly;  Be indifferent to things that do not concern you; Have a burning thirst for God-realisation; Give up curiosities on the spiritual path; Maintain equilibrium of mind always; Forgive and forget the harm done by others; Preserve Veerya carefully; Desires multiply misery; Have a check on all your thoughts, keep them pure and sublime; Rest your mind in God and live in truth, Benefits of Mouna are incalculable; Have intimate connection with none but God”; and “Everyday have self-analysis and introspection”.

The 139th Birth Anniversary of Sri Swami Sivananda is far more than a commemoration of a great spiritual Master; it is a powerful reaffirmation of his living presence, timeless guidance and lasting legacies. Through Satsang, Sadhana and glorification of Sri Swami Sivananda’s life and legacy, and by practical living, we are reminded that the Master is ever ready to serve those who turn to Him with Guru Bhakti, faith, prayer, loyalty and obedience. His message remains eternal: serve, love, give, purify, meditate, cultivate purity, courage and self-discipline, seek God with burning aspiration, and live each day in Divine Life – a life of divinity. May Sri Swami Sivananda’s Grace illumine our hearts and guide us all towards God-realisation.