A group of accomplisheded Priests from India perform the special pujas. These auspicious 9 days included daily Shat Chandi homam in the morning and complete Durga Saptashati was chanted in the early evenings.

The highlight for the 9 days were the captivating talks on Devi Bhagawatam by Swami Abhedananda.

During these 9 evening sessions, Swamiji ensured to bring in the glory of the Divine Goddess in devotee’s hearts by describing the beauty, valour, love and compassion of the Divine Mother as elaborated in the divine text of Devi Bhagawatam. Around 250-300 devotees attended each day’s talk and the pujas and also part-took the Mahaprasadam that was offered each day. The discourses were broadcasted live on Facebook and Youtube channels of Chinmaya Mission South Africa.

Kanya puja and Devi puja were also performed, followed by celebrations of the auspicious festival of Dusshera with mesmerizing renditions by local artists.

The beautiful sankalp behind this sacred Homam and Gyan Yagna was to invoke Lord’s benevolent grace for the growth and prosperity of all our Mission centers in South Africa and for the peace and welfare of the entire community and the country at large.

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Total of 24 seekers from South Africa, India and Singapore had the blessed opportunity to delve into this life-transforming program as they studied the sacred texts such as Kathopanishad, Bhagavad Gita, Tulsi Ramayan and Valmiki Ramayana.

While thoroughly enjoying their stay at the serene ashram, the students drank the nectar of scriptural knowledge each day through each discourse of Swamiji. By 5.30 am each day, all students were seated in the temple and had the blessed dharshan of the beautiful Lord Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum. This auspicious start was intensified by Rudri Chanting by Pujya Swamiji which set the divine course for the day ahead and continued till the evening Arti and Ramayana chanting.

Pujya Swamiji compassionately and effortlessly expounded on the profound text of the Kathopanishad. Whilst revealing the essence of each mantra, Pujya Swamiji revealed the answers to innumerable questions of the seekers. Each of the student’s incorrect notions and insistences were broken down as Swamiji patiently repeated each important point till it was clearly understood by all seekers.

To further explore our new-found knowledge and solidify our understanding the students engaged in group discussions which were conducted by the Brahmacharins every day. Every moment of the day was filled with some new learning. Chanting class was conducted by Br. Abijit Chaitanya. Students who had no prior experience of Vedic chanting were able to chant Medha Sukhtam and various other stotras. Every Monday and Thursday, Gayatri Havan and Guru Paduka Puja was conducted.

Due to Pujya Swamiji’s great vision of nurturing devoted and holistic seekers, the students had the great fortune of learning Samskrit. The advanced Samskrit class was conducted by Br. Abhijit Chaitanya and the beginners class was conducted by Ruchir Madaree. These classes provided the fundamental knowledge which enabled students to read and write in Samskrit and better understand our Vedantic texts.

After in-depth exploration and contemplation of the Kathopanishad, Pujya Swamiji focused on chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita and expounded on Upasana and the qualities of a Gyani (Man of realization).

The students were in awe of the tremendous depth of knowledge and compassion in Pujya Swamiji. The SUP course may have ended but Swamijis vision further blossoms as further lessons continue in the Ashram.

Please click here for pictures from the Self Unfoldment Program.

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The six hour long celebrations started with Bhajans by renowned singers accompanied by various musicians. The melodious bhajans uplifted the minds of everyone present and filled their hearts with devotion. Subsequently, the beautiful and graceful dance performance by one of the mission members captivated and mesmerized the audience.

Pujya Swami Abhedanandji then gave a heartwarming discourse on the significance of Lord’s birthday and its true meaning. A few gems from his talk:

– Yashodaji wanted the Lord as her baby and the Lord obliged to this divine desire of the deserving devotee. Such is Lord’s compassion that He can even take shape and form to fulfill His devotees’ desires. ‘Krishna Leelas’ are nothing but the expression of the Lord’s boundless love for His devotees where He is willing to do anything for His devotees; be it stealing butter, grazing cows or teasing the gopis.

– The Lord enters the hearts and minds of the devotees through listening His glories in satsangs and contemplating on his omnipresent grace. With these, the intensity of our love and devotion for the Lord should become such that He gets bound to manifest in our lives too, as He did for Yashodaji.
Having listened to His glories and reveling in the Love for the Lord, devotees surrendered themselves and offered their ego at the lotus feet of the Lord through the Gopal Sahasranamaarchana.

Continousbhajans, kirtan and chanting of the Lord’s name followed till the Baal Gopal’s arrival at midnight. Everybody was enthralled by the divine manifestation of the adorable Kanha in the beautifully decorated palna (swing); and could not wait to get a glimpse of Him and swing the palna themselves! The whole Ashram was set in a festive mood with beaming faces of devotees welcoming their beloved Krishna and dancing wholeheartedly. Everyone did the aarti of the Lord and the event concluded with the distribution of prasad.

The devotees left for their homes fulfilled as well as assured and absorbed in the thought that the external celebration and worship of the Lord today, has surely led to the incarnation of their very own small Kanha in the temple of their hearts.

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The programme commenced with a classical dance performance. The India national anthem was sung followed by the South African national anthem. The chairperson of the Mariamman Temple Society paid tribute to the forefathers who had come to South Africa as indentured labourers to work on the sugar cane plantations. The crowd was enthralled as Swami Abhedanandaji brought out the powerful points on how we can all live together harmoniously by practising forgiveness, tolerance, loving and accepting all. Swamiji roared that the real Hindu is not only the one that visits temple and performs prayers but who also sees that God in the twinkle of the eye, smile of the face and heart of the other person. People change for the better when they are loved and accepted and not when they are hated or dictated upon. Swamiji discussed how the most powerful weapon in the world is love. The reporters and media were so impressed by Swamiji’s message to the public that they conducted an SABC TV interview immediately after the talk.

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The program commenced with Navagraha pooja and Hanumanji’s pooja, and the chanting of Ganapati Atharvashirsha. Pujya Swami Abhedananda chanted the first Hanuman Chalisa thereby ushering in vibrancy and divinity to the event. The fires lit brought purity while the melodious chanting by various musical artists, ignited a spirit of devotion and peace in amongst the citizens of Durban. The grand function attracted enthusiastic participation from more than 3500 people. Many partook of the delicious lunch prasad provided.

The Mission also presented a beautiful book to each family entitled ‘Guru – Yours Forever’ based on the glories of the Guru. The book was written by Pujya Swami Abhedananda. Swamiji also addressed the devotees present on the need to lift oneself above the challenges of material life and to find the inner peace within. Swamiji invoked the blessings of Lord Hanuman to bring knowledge and faith to all present. It was a most memorable day and many left feeling elevated and inspired. The full day event was broadcasted live by South Africa’s popular Radio station Hindvani. The Mission members thanked Swamiji without whom the momentous event would not have been possible or successful. The Mission members felt ever indebted to Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda for giving them a higher goal and a field to express their gratitude. The event has become an annual feature in the calendar of the city of Durban and the Chinmaya Mission of South Africa and devotees are eagerly awaiting next year’s event.

Click here to view the gallery.

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Swamiji elaborated on the quality of patience(driti) which is the capacity to hold ourselves and our impulses for some time. Patience (driti) is the 1st step in anybody’s life. This is tested when many things don’t happen the way we want them to in the office, home or family life. By regular prayer, sadhana and satsangh, one gains the insight on which situations can’t be changed and how to respond to others in an amicable way. It was mentioned by Swamij that sometimes we find ourselves in a helpless situation but we are not helpless in what we can think.

Swamiji also discussed the quality of forgiveness(Kshama). It was highlighted by Swamiji that people are not perfect and bound to make mistakes. When we forgive others, our burning hearts transforms into a cool place where the Lord can reside. The power of love is greater than the power of revenge. Swamiji described the character of Lord Ram who loved all and accepted everybody despite their faults. Lord Ram never tried to change anybody the way we try to change somebody according to what we want them to be.

It was mentioned by Swamiji that this world constantly tests our patience and forgiveness. When we don’t forgive, accept and be patient with people, then small issues become too big unnecessarily in our minds. A free mind is a happy mind. A free mind can think of God and His qualities and meditate easily.

Swamiji advised that we all should introspect and lead a spiritual life to be happy. Swamiji emphasized that we should become moving temples and we must go out in the world to conquer hearts, to embrace, love, and accept all. The committee members of the temple thanked Swamiji for His powerful discourse and presented Him with a token of their heartfelt appreciation.

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The festival of Maha Shivarathri ( grand night dedicated for the worship of Lord Shiva) was celebrated with great fervour and grandeur at the Lord Shiva’s temple(Chinmaya Shivam) on Thursday. Maha Shivarathri is an auspicious and important festival of Hindus worldwide, especially for the devotees of Lord Shiva who celebrate throughout the night with great enthusiasm.

The program commenced with beautiful bhajans by various artists such as Keeran Ishwarlall, Sanjith Thiluk and Veena Lutchman. The Indian Consulate General, Mr V. K. Sharma graced the function with his presence. There was also classical dance performances and live radio broadcast by Radio Hindvani. The audience was enthralled to listen to the enlightening and devotional discourses by the dynamic and vibrant Pujya Swami Abhedanandaji who is currently the spiritual head of Chinmaya South Africa. Swamiji highlighted the significance of Maha Shivarathri night and how we can make our lives an ongoing festival. Swamiji also cleared many doubts with his question and answer sessions.

The hordes of devotees anxiously queued up get darshan of Lord Shiva and offer their obeisances and prostrations at the Chinmaya Shivam Temple. Chinmaya Shivam which is located on the ashram premises at 159 Road 703 is a majestic temple that was completed in a record time of less than six months in 2012 and the masterpiece statue of Lord Shiva – with His radiating smile and compassionate looks has been made by the best sculptors in Jaipur(India). Festive lighting and fresh flower garlands decorated the temple and added to the spiritual ambience. The crowds expressed their heartfelt gratitude to be given the opportunity to be part of the 1008 kalash milk pots that were offered on the Shiva-Lingam, which was originally consecrated by Pujya Swami Chinmayananda. It was truly divine sight to see the elaborate poojas with more than 11 different pooja items being performed along with simultaneous chanting of Rudram and Chamakam. There was also continuous chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya” which reverberated throughout the temple purifying the atmosphere around. The temple was crowded till the early hours of the next morning as many experienced immense joy of chanting the Lord’s name.

Refreshment stalls with fruit were available for those that were fasting throughout the night and scrumptious dinner prasad was lovingly provided for all. Devotees rejoiced amid celebrations and shared the excitement, spreading the essence of Maha Shivarathri to all. Devotees that attended the Mega Maha Shivrathri thanked the Chinmaya Mission of South Africa for making this festival a truly wonderful memorable one as their hearts filled with faith, devotion, and love for Lord Shiva.

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The program commenced with the chanting of Ganapati Atharvashirsha, Navagraha and Hanumanji’s pooja. Swami Abhedananda chanted the first Hanuman Chalisa generating a vibrant mood. The fires generated by the havan purified central Durban and its surrounding areas. The atmosphere was spiritually charged with the reverberating chanting of the Shri Hanuman Chalisa by the various musical artists together with the crowd. The grand function attracted enthusiastic participation from more than 3000 people. Many partook of the delicious lunch prasad provided and refreshment stalls were provided for those that were observing fast. Gift bags were presented to the priests and musical artists who attended.

Pujya Swamiji released a beautiful souvenir titled ‘Samarpanam’ based on the glories of Shri Ram. Swamiji also spoke on Hanumanji’s qualities as a devotee and that everyone should try to emulate the same in their lives. It was an auspicious, memorable occasion and an elevating experience for all those who attended the event. The full day event was telecasted live by South Africa’s popular Radio Hindvani. The Mission members thanked Swamiji without whom the grand and momentous event would not have been possible or successful. Gratitude was also expressed to all the volunteers and sponsors whose generous support made such a massive event possible for two consecutive years. The Mission members felt ever indebted to Pujya Gurudev for giving such an inspiring platform to practice goodness and evolve further.

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The evening’s program commenced with the renditions of beautiful and soul-stirring bhajans of Shivji by various local and overseas artists. Fresh flower garlands and festive lighting decorated the ashram premises. Gift bags were handed to each person who attended the function. Special permission was also taken from the Durban municipality for the road closures to cater for the large crowds of people.

Devotees were given the opportunity to take darshan and also offer milk kalash pots to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva who is both the combination of dispassion and softness, cool, calm and ocean of compassion captured the hearts of all those who visited the temple. Elaborate puja consisting with the 11 different puja items were offered with simultaneous chanting of Rudram and Chamakam. Shiv Sahasranam puja was also performed after 12 am in the sanctum. It was a mega event, one not to be missed. Screens captured the various activities in different points. Refreshment stalls catered for those observing special fast for the night

There was a live radio broadcast of Swamiji’s discourse followed by question and answer session. This event also saw the launch of the stotram book which has more than 50 hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva as part of the fundraising initiatives for the building expansion project. Every aspect from the preparation, planning to the execution stages was thoroughly thought of. Weeks of meticulous planning and many meetings with the volunteers culminated in the success of the function.

The air was filled with festivity and the buzz of excitement. There was continuous chanting of Om Namah Shivaya throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning. The spiritual vibrations emanating from the chanting of the Lord’s name purified the atmosphere surrounding the ashram. It was truly an amazing experience for all present at the Mega Maha Shivarathri celebrations. Devotees left the ashram the following morning with smiles on their faces and their hearts filled with joy, fulfilment and devotion for the Lord.

To view the photographs, please click here

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Pujya Guruji and Swami Abhedanandaji also performed the Kumbhabhishekam for the main temple Kalash as well as for the new “vigraha” of Lord Shiva installed in His majestic seated posture inside the sanctum sanctorum, along with the existing Shiva Lingathat was originally installed by Pujya Gurudev and being offered Rudrabhishekam daily by Swami Abhedananda for past six years.Along with Lord Shiva, other idols of Mother Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Karthikeya and Nandi have also been installed within the temple premises. The consecration ceremony was conducted over a period of seven days, with four Vedic priests who had come from India, Singapore and Botswana, performing all the pujas, rituals and daily havans as per Shivagamic traditions. Pujya Guruji thoroughly enjoyed attending the pujas daily and appreciated the priests for conducting the program in such a systematic and traditional manner. On the final day of the event (4th November) after performing the Kumbhabhishekam, Pujya Guruji was overwhelmed with joy and emotion as he addressed the massive gathering of devotees. He said that he was extremely delighted to see the beautiful temple as well as the phenomenal work that has been performed by everyone under the dynamic guidance of Swami Abhedananda. Lauding the “tapasya” of Swami Abhedananda, Guruji said that the Lord alone inspired Swamiji to take up such a great sankalpa of constructing this temple, and the Lord also provided him the strength to accomplish it.

All those who witnessed this grand event, complimented the Mission and its members for organizing what they termed as the most celebrated, grand and spiritually uplifting event ever.

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