Chinmaya Mission South Africa
The grace of Lord Shiva and blessings of our sacred Guru Parampara fructified! Even in the midst of a pandemic situation, this was the day when our rejoicing hearts were overwhelmed with gratitude to our worshipful Pujya Gurudev, to Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji and Mukhya Swami Pujya Swaroopanandaji.
It was in June 2006 when Pujya Swami Abhedanandaji first landed in Johannesburg. Swamiji thought that he would be taken to the Johannesburg center, but much to his surprise, he was taken to a devotee’s home as there was no Johannesburg center. Swamiji thought, that a city so big with so many Indians should have a well-established Chinmaya Mission center which could become a center of Learning, Loving and Serving for one and all. And it was at that moment, that the Sankalp for CMSA Johannesburg, was born!!!
Fourteen years later, after building of the most glorious Chinmaya Shivam temple in Durban, and emergence of several Brahmacharins from the land of South Africa, that the permanent abode of Pujya Gurudev, in Johannesburg, was found!
On the auspicious day of 26th November 2020, amid great joy and celebration, Chinmaya Mission Johannesburg’s sprawling new ashram property in the heartland of the city was officially inaugurated by Swami Abhedanandaji. On this beautiful, sunny, spring day in Johannesburg, the programme started with elaborate Pooja and Hawan. Even COVID-19 could not limit the joy of the devotees that joined us on the festive occasion. The face masks, could not hide the happiness in every devotees’ eyes, and in their very being. The picture of Pujya Gurudev, placed above the mantle, made everyone feel like HE was presiding over the whole ceremony.
After the Pooja and Hawan, Pujya Swamiji addressed the congregation, which installed the timeless glory and importance of Ashrams in everyone’s mind. Swamiji beautifully explained how such Ashrams are the epicenter of Faith, Knowledge and Love for all in a society. The effect of Swamiji’s inspiring address, could be seen on the beaming faces, of all present. Melodious bhajans were rendered by Pradosh Maharaj, after which, lunch prasad was served.
Brni. Keertida Chaitanya who completed her 2-year Vedanta Course in 2017 under the tutelage of Swami Abhedanandaji, resides in Joburg ashram and takes care of all the activities. From the new Ashram Building, may Pujya Gurudev’s glory be spread far and wide!
