During the year 1955, an appeal was made to the Saiva Sithantha Sungum of Derby Street, to conduct
regular prayer services in Umhlatuzana. This appeal was spear headed by the late Mr K Govender (CID).

On 28 July 1955, the first prayer service was conducted by Sri Sivananda Navalar.  The initial members were,
inter alia, the family of Mr & Mrs DV Naidoo, the Dharmalingam family, and the Munthree family.

 

Regular prayer services were held, and attended by the residents of Umhlatuzana and surrounding areas. For the first two years, weekly prayer services were conducted by Swami Sivananda Navalar and by Swami Satchidananda.

 

Swami Somnananda was appointed and led the Branch from 1957 to 1966.

 

Since the inception of the Branch, the Branch Swamis and members were ever willing to render prayer services at funerals, weddings and to the sick at home. In order to encourage and invite more members, out-door lectures were held. As the membership increased, the members were determined to purchase a plot of land and build a temple of their own.

At a committee meeting held on 16 February 1962, it was resolved that the Branch purchase a plot of land at Lot number 599 25 th Avenue, Umhlatuzana for the sum of R850.00. On 26 February 1963, authority was received from Natal Provincial Administration, granting special consent for the plot to be used for religious purposes.

 

On the 3 rd of May 1963, Mr. VM Naidoo, of the Branch, turned the soil at the official ceremony held at the plot.

 

Through the aid of voluntary skilled labour and with close co-operation from the members of the branch, the Umhlatuzana Branch had paved its way to success. The branch acknowledges the generous donations from the public, like the late Mr Harry Naidoo of Kharwastan, and the late Mr Dada Ramsamy of Heidelburg, Transvaal.

 

The branch evolved from a wood and iron temple to a beautiful shrine which we are privileged to have today. The prayer hall was completed and it served as a focal point for people to come together for spiritual upliftment.

From 1966 to July 2007, Swami Krishnanandha had led the branch. On 08 August 2007, it was indeed a sad day for the members of the Umhlatuzana Branch when Swami Krishnanandha was called to rest.

The property and buildings are continuously maintained and improved to create an environment that
is conducive to spiritual upliftment.

 

The branch continues to serve the community with weekly prayer services, weddings, cottage services, funeral & memorial services, cultural festivals and Saivite functions.

​

The branch is currently led by Swamini Amaithamani under the chairmanship of Mr Selvan Chetty.

​