Branch Story

The setting up of the Umzinto Branch of the Saiva Sithantha Sungum was the initiative of the late Mr C R Pillay.

Mr Pillay was a retired school principal who was known for his commitment as a teacher, scholar and humanitarian. He always put aside personal ambition to devote himself to civic duty.

While executing his civic duties the desire to know and get close to God became more prevalent. He
joined a local temple society and served as its chairman for a time. During this time, he delved into
researching the systems of Hindu religion and singled out the Saiva Sithantha teachings and decided
to follow its path.

Mr Pillay was an ardent reader of religious scriptures, its teachings and philosophy, with his sharp intellect he decided to bring together a group of students, teachers and retired principals to take a course in Saivism. This led him to the palpable truth of Lord Shiva, to spread this truth he decided he needed a Guru’s guidance that is when he met His Holiness Swami Siva Yoganada.

Though not from a family that worshipped publicly with great exhibition, they expressed their faith rather
privately with piety and humility, but with the help of Swami Siva Yogananda he was able to gather a
group of family members, neighbours and friends to attend an inaugural Saiva Sithantha Sungum service at his
late residence. With the guidance of Swami Siva Yogananda and the support of the sister branches namely, Sezela, Park Rynie and Renishaw the Umzinto Branch was born.

The teachings and prayers of the Sungum were well received by all who attended and thus began the Sunday
morning services from 09h00 to 10h00 at his late residence.

However, so strong was his wish to grow the Sungum that numbers increased and the premises got too small. He subsequently took ill and passed on.

The increase in numbers resulted in a shortage of seating space in the prayer room and the purchase of the Retreat Centre in Junction Road Umzinto by our Head Quarters could not have been better timed. The devotees moved to the Retreat Centre in November 2005 and since have been holding all their prayer meetings, services and celebrations there.