The twenty-sixth Centenary Celebrations’ function of Divine Life Society of South Africa was hosted by Verulam Branch on Sunday, 25 May 2025, at Kraydeb Conference Centre, Everest Heights, Verulam. Approximately 450 devotees, well-wishers, donors, members of the public and sister-organisations paid homage to Sri Swami Sivananda and to Pujya Swami Sahajananda, whose 100th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year. The life and legacies of this august disciple, this gentle giant of South Africa, Sri Swami Sahajananda and the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda are glorified through the Centenary Celebrations.

The sacred Havan commenced at 8am with the beautiful and soulful chants of Mantras. The Ashram’s three Pundits chanted Mantras in unison, creating deeply soulful and harmonious melodies. Approximately 200 persons attended the Havan. Ganga Arati commenced at 8.30am. Perhaps a first-time experience for many, queues of devotees took Darshan of Mother Ganga at the sacred Ganga Rani. Satsang was from 10am to 12 noon. The Satsang programme comprised Kirtans, Bhajans, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, a message from the Society, a children’s item, an Agnihotra demonstration and a colourful dance. 

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio-recorded message focused on the power of prayer, the relationship between the devotee and the Guru, the mental state of mind in prayer and the importance of faith. Pujya Swamiji said that faith is the basis of all spiritual progress. We should have unconditional faith in God and the Guru. We should complain less, be receptive to the Guru’s instructions and teachings and be patient. The mind should not be agitated. We should pray and wait and the answers to our prayers will come, as God knows our past, present and future, and knows what is best for our evolution based on the cosmic point of view. The potent message, rich in meaning and assurances, is an apt panacea for ardent seekers and aspirants in this difficult age. 

The message from the Society traced the life, legacies and contributions of Sri Swami Sahajananda, as is evinced in, “The fact that all of us are here today, and that millions of households around South Africa and many countries around the world have a copy of one or more of Sri Swami Sivananda’s books, is because of this one life that we are celebrating today. After taking the Master as his Guru, Pujya Swamiji never questioned or doubted anything that Sri Gurudev said or did. He lived only to propagate the Divine Master’s work and to do the Divine Master’s will. With supreme self-surrender, he offered his all to Sri Gurudev, so much so that they became one. Pujya Swamiji decrypted the phrase “learn to type and make tea” (which was the original instruction our beloved Sri Gurudev gave to Pujya Swamiji) and found the treasure that it held. Beloved Gurudev stated that he works through Swami Sahajananda. Pujya Swamiji made himself a perfect instrument for the Lord to work through. Millions of books were published and distributed, and silently scores of service activities and nation-building projects went on unnoticed for decades.

“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 Swami Sahajananda? We must be obedient. Pujya Swamiji stated that perfect obedience is the same as perfect self-surrender, and that obedience is greater than reverence. 

“Pujya Swamiji lived a life of faith and self-surrender, and coincidently this is the title of the first book that Pujya Swamiji had written in 1996. We invite all to obtain a copy of this booklet from our bookstall. It is filled with great power. Pujya Swamiji said that the knowledge came directly from Sri Gurudev within, as he typed the booklet on the computer without any draft. It is sure to inspire and uplift all readers in this age of so many challenges in daily life. The other booklet entitled Glory of Hinduism is available free of charge – please take one copy per family”.

Agnihotra, or “The Fires of Heaven”, performed at the exact time of sunrise and sunset, has untold spiritual benefits, benefits for the environment and the world at large. Pujya Swami Sahajananda encouraged the performance of daily Agnihotra. The demonstration provided a background to Agnihotra, its methodology, Mantras with pronunciation and benefits. 

The Spiritual Darling’s (children’s) item, “Pujya Swamiji Says”, a delightful, informative and enlightening item, which focused on some of Pujya Swamiji’s short, cryptic and inspiring sayings, was meant to teach valuable life lessons. Beautifully dressed as Deities, the children made their entrance into the hall to the rendition of a Ram Bhajan that captured the ambience with beauty and sacredness.  Enunciated with innocence, clarity and meaning, the messages came across clearly. No doubt, the warm applause after the item was an indication of its impact.

Telicia Naidoo, Kajal Raghubir and Yaditha Singh made a wonderful offering through a colourful Kathak dance dedicated to Lord Rama, the harbinger of Dharma, compassion and peace. Through the sacred verse, Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari from the Ramcharitmanas by Goswami Tulsidas, the dancers sought to invoke the Divine Blessing of Sri Ram, and remove inauspiciousness from our lives.

We express sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Verulam Branch for the divine experience of the most recent Centenary Celebrations of the Society. The peaceful ambience, the uplifting Kirtans and Bhajans, and the inspiring and enlightening messages reminded us of the profound wisdom embedded in the Divine Master’s teachings and our Sanatana Dharma. The programme was excellently crafted to inspire, teach and rejuvenate one’s spirit. Each chant, each word of prayer, each moment of resonating divinity and blissful silence took us deeper within, closer to our true selves and to the Divine. To the officials, devotees, Spiritual Darlings and all participants who made this sacred gathering possible, thank you for your tireless efforts, devotion, and love. Your commitment to nurturing spiritual growth and the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda are truly inspiring. 

Satsangs and spiritual gatherings are not just a retreat for the soul; they are a reminder of our higher purpose, our unity, and our eternal connection with the Divine. May the blessings of Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda continue to guide us all on the path of righteousness, love, inner peace and spiritual illumination.

Cape Town Prayer Group hosted the Society’s Centenary Celebrations on Saturday, 17 May 2025 at the CHCS Cultural Hall in Rylands Estate, Cape Town. Havan commenced at 2pm followed by Ganga Arati at 3.20pm and Satsang from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Items on the Satsang programme comprised a message from the Society, a play-reading, “Learn to Type and to Make Tea”, the Society’s Service Activities’ video, Kirtans and Bhajans. 

The soulful chants of sacred Mantras during the Havan permeated the precincts of the CHCS Cultural Centre. For many, the experience of having Mother Ganga’s Darshan during Ganga Arati, was possibly a first-time experience. Queues of devotees, well-wishers, donors and members of the public took Darshan in a respectful and worshipful manner, evident of their reverence for Mother Ganga.

The message from the Society traced the history of Divine Life Society of South Africa, Pujya Swamiji’s life, legacies, his unconditional loyalty and obedience to Sri Swami Sivananda, and the illustrious work of the Society. “Pujya Swamiji led Divine Life Society of South Africa for some 58 years from 1949, when it was founded by Sri Swami Sivananda. Pujya Swamiji grew the organisation from humble beginnings at The Umgeni Road Temple in Durban with just 2 devotees, to the mammoth institution that you see today, comprising 18 Branches and Prayer Groups countrywide, including 8 Ashrams.

“His visionary leadership in establishing the unique Sivananda Ghat (a facility for the disposal of the post cremation ashes of persons of all religions), the Sivananda Sunlit Path Schools’ Programme to assist youth to cope with drug addiction and other social ills, poor feeding programmes of over 3000 school children daily, grocery hamper distributions to the needy, our health clinics and numerous educational, social and humanitarian initiatives, such as our school building projects, and assistance to Temples and Hindu organisations in South Africa and abroad, The Monthly Yoga Camps, Sivananda Day Satsangs, and our beautiful Ashrams and Satsangs, are the hallmarks of this gentle saint. Every task was dedicated to Sri Gurudev and conducted as a sacred offering to the Divine Master. We are glad to report that by the Grace of Sri Gurudev, the work is continuing unabated and more than 700 projects have been completed. 

“Pujya Swamiji lived a life of faith and self-surrender. Coincidently, this is the title of the first book that Pujya Swamiji had written in 1996. We invite all to obtain a copy of this booklet from our bookstall. It is filled with great power. Pujya Swamiji said that the knowledge came from Sri Gurudev within as he typed the booklet on the computer without any draft. It is sure to inspire and uplift all readers in this age of so many challenges in daily life. The booklet entitled Glory of Hinduism is available free of charge. Please take a copy per family and an additional one for a friend or family member”. 

The play-reading, “Learn to Type and to Make Tea”, a gestalt of the formation of the Society and its main activities, brought to the fore the cryptic instruction given to Sri Swami Sahajananda by Sri Swami Sivananda. The following excerpt encapsulates the essence of the play, “Sri Swami Sahajananda, also known as Srinivasan Naidoo in his pre-monastic days, first came into contact with Sri Gurudev through the book Practise of Karma Yoga. It was this book that started the course of historical events.

“In fact, Swamiji’s first visit to the Master was in 1948, when he received the instruction to learn to type and make tea. It was only later that Pujya Swamiji realised that this instruction meant the dissemination of spiritual knowledge through the Master’s literature, and service of the underprivileged. Pujya Swamiji made it his life’s work to print and distribute Sri Gurudev’s literature. He served all, the sick, poor and destitute, such that our poverty-alleviation projects to date exceed 700”.

For persons new to Divine Life Society, the play-reading gave an overview of the Society’s humble beginnings, as is evident in, “At Bechan Hall in Durban, Pujya Swamiji, with a few other devotees slept on the bare cement floor with newspapers as mattresses and bricks as pillows. An unused toilet pan was covered, and cooking was done over it. They used the bathroom downstairs and often had only milo and sandwiches. Often there was no money for food”. The play-reading also alluded to our beautiful Ashrams, programmes, Satsangs, Ganga Ranis and Ganga Arati.  

The Society’s Service Activities’ video captured the laudable contributions of the Society in the building of schools, classrooms, a hospital, Peace Centres, early-childhood development institutions, establishment of sewing centres, poor feeding and its beautiful Ashrams and the Sunlit Path Centre. The video was informative and educational.

The Cape Town Prayer Group has organised the Society’s Centenary Celebrations over two consecutive years. We offer with deep humility and sincerity, our heartfelt gratitude to the devotees for the sacred work they have undertaken and completed with such grace, devotion and excellence. Their commitment to walking in alignment with, and promoting Sri Gurudev’s and Pujya Swamiji’s divine mission, have made ripples in the Western Cape. In so doing, they have assisted in bringing some light into dark spaces, offered healing where there was pain, and lifted others with a spirit that reflects love, peace and truth, through the works of the Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji.

May the Blessings of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, replenish our spiritual aspirations in every way.

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.

The auspicious Ganga Saptami was celebrated at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills on Saturday, 3 May 2025. Ganga Arati commenced at 4pm followed by Satsang. The Satsang programme comprised readings from the book, Mother Ganga by Sri Swami Sivananda, Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message, Kirtans, Bhajans and a recitation of the Ganga Stotram.

Sri Swami Sivananda says that Ganga Saptami marks the day the sacred waters of the Ganga descended from the heavens. Lord Siva received the Ganga's waters in His matted locks on this day. The Master considered the Ganga to be the most sacred river of India. 

In the reading entitled, “Lord Siva Receives the Ganga”, from the book, Mother Ganga, the Master said, “Again, Bhagiratha sat doing rigorous penance for a full hundred years. It is needless to say that Lord Siva, the Protector of all His devotees, was immensely pleased with the king and readily accepted to check and control Ganga through His matted locks. With surge, fury and foam, Ganga began to descend from the celestial regions. Flashes of lightning, thunders from clouds, and the uncontrollable flow seemed as if a deluge was about to devour the whole world. But Lord Siva coolly received Her in His matted locks and let Her drip over Him. This is the Ganga Saptami Day”.

In the poem, “Gangotri”, the Master exudes love and admiration for the beautiful Gangotri. He said:

GANGOTRI

This is the Himalayas

In the Tehri-Garhwal State.

The Ganga’s source is here.

Ganga flows out of a cow’s mouth.

It is called Gaumukh.

It is actually an ice cave.

The temple contains images of Ganga, Bhagirathi.

Sadhus stay here

And practise meditation.

It is full of spiritual vibrations.

O Mother Bhagirathi, O Ganga,

Thou givest boons to all.

Thou art the remover of all miseries.

Thou art the purifier of all sinners.

Thou art the mistress of this world.

Thou art the nourisher of all.

Prostrations unto Thee, O Mother.

Om Namo Bhagavati Ganga Rani”.

In the following poem, Sri Gurudev refers to Mother Ganga’s divinity, beauty and majestic Aura.

QUEEN OF ALL RIVERS

Queen of all rivers! O Mother Ganga Rani! 

Adorations and prostrations unto Thee, Ganga Rani! 

Always keep me near Thee, Ganga Rani. Thou art very, very dear to me, Ganga Rani. 

I dive in Thee several times Ganga Rani. 

I drink daily Ganga water, Ganga Rani. 

Thou art my very life, Ganga Rani. 

You refresh my heart, Ganga Rani. 

How charming are Thy splashes, Ganga Rani. 

Thy blue colour reminds me always of Lord Krishna, Ganga Rani. 

Thou art a potent germicide, Ganga Rani.

No microbe can live in Thee, Ganga Rani.

This is the laboratory report of scientists, Ganga Rani.

Sadhus and Sannyasins like to live on Thy banks, Ganga Rani. 

Sitting for five minutes on Thy bank gives inspiration and peace, Ganga Rani.

Again and again, salutations unto Thee, O Ganga Rani.

Bless me, guide me, protect me, Ganga Rani”.

Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s audio message focused on the importance of dispassion and obedience. Upon his insistence to visit Sri Gurudev for the first time, the Master agreed. Pujya Swamiji missed his friends back home whilst in Rishikesh. He said to Sri Gurudev that he did not possess qualifications and that he should return home, to which the Master said, “They will come”. Sri Gurudev told Pujya Swamiji to have a cold bath in the Ganga.  The Master was very stern. No one was to follow him, again indicative of his taciturn nature at that time. On Pujya Swamiji’s subsequent visit to the Ashram in Rishikesh, the Master talked and joked more and had the bearing of a grandfather. Sri Gurudev showed immense compassion towards Pujya Swamiji. Pujya Swamiji’s strong conviction and steadfast nature is evident when he was offered a teaching post back home in Estcourt. However, he refused the post as he had made a commitment to take up a post at FOSA Settlement. He recounted Sri Gurudev’s instruction to him to open a branch in South Africa and to do some silent work. His deep contemplation over the instruction, and his strong desire to obey the Master, led him to say, “If it succeeds, it is all your will; if it fails it is all your will”. Pujya Swamiji’s unconditional loyalty, obedience and dedication to the Master’s Mission are overtly evident, as the Society has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in this country.

The mellifluous Ganga Stotram that was beautifully recited, is a sacred hymn praising the Goddess Ganga, the Divine River. “Stotram” is a Sanskrit word meaning “hymn” or “prayer”. It emphasises the river's purity, power, and ability to cleanse and uplift. It is a prayer for spiritual liberation and well-being, praising the river's divine nature and seeking its blessings. The hymn praises Ganga's divine qualities and describes Her as a divine river from heaven, a saviour of the three worlds, pure, and adorned on the head of Lord Siva. The hymn seeks Ganga's blessings, and emphasises spiritual liberation. It is considered powerful and beneficial for reciting or listening and fosters spiritual growth. 

May the blessings of Mother Ganga, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda be upon us all!