Mumbai, Feb 04: Mumbai witnessed a significant spiritual gathering as Chinmaya Mission hosted the Samashti Shri Hanuman Chalisa Havan at the MMRDA Grounds, BKC. Commemorating the timeless vision of its founder, Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, the havan drew over 10,000 devotees into collective prayer under the theme “Chant Mumbai, Shant Mumbai”, invoking strength, peace, and prosperity for the world at large. The gathering formed a significant part of Chinmaya Mission’s 75-year celebrations under the nationwide umbrella of Chinmaya Amrit Mahotsav.
Swami Swatmananda, Global Co-ordinator of Hanuman Havans, shared that 80 Chinmaya Mission centres worldwide will be observing the 108 Samashti Hanuman Chalisa Havan. Among them, Chinmaya Mission Mumbai hosted the largest gathering, with 276 havan kunds and 21 collective recitations of the Shri Hanuman Chalisa.
Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, conveyed his message on the occasion, stating: “Inspired by the far-sighted vision of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Ji, Chinmaya Mission has, for over seven decades, carried the timeless wisdom of Vedanta, Indian culture and life values to society at large. Alongside this spiritual mission, it has made noteworthy contributions in education, service, rural development, women’s empowerment, child welfare, and nation-building.
This collective chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa and the mass Havan, organised in the spirit of peace, harmony, and public welfare, will generate positive energy that fosters social goodwill, harmony (सद्भाव), and mental peace.”
The programme was graced by the presence of Pujya Swami Tejomayananda, Former Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, Pujya Swami Swaroopananda, present Global Head of Chinmaya Mission, along with Swami Swatmananda of Chinmaya Mission Mumbai and senior spiritual leaders of the Mission. Rooted in the ideals embodied by Lord Hanuman’s unwavering faith, selfless service, courage, and inner strength the Samashti Havan reflected the relevance of these values in contemporary urban life.
Moreover, several distinguished dignitaries, attended the havan including Shri Kumar Mangalam Birla, Shri Ajay Piramal, Smt. Divya and Shri Pradeep Mafatlal, Shri Pradeep and Smt. Rekha Kheruka, Smt. Meghana and Shri Mukul Patel, BMC Municipal Commissioner Shri Bhushan Gagrani, along with corporate leaders, principals of educational institutions, and senior professionals.
The Havan stood out for its distinctive and inclusive features. Several havan kunds led by women priests reflecting Chinmaya Missions’s emphasis on the universality of devotion and spiritual expression. Participation was free for children and youth up to 21 years, with enthusiastic involvement from students of 150 schools and colleges, accompanied by their principals and teachers. During each chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, 18 ahutis were offered, invoking peace from cosmic forces, the surrounding environment, and inner mental disturbances.
The collective chanting created an atmosphere of deep reverence, unity, and shared spiritual intent, with families, youth, and senior devotees participating together. Open to all, the Samashti Havan reflected Chinmaya Mission’s conviction that spiritual practices gain transformative strength when experienced in unison.
The Havan also supports several seva initiatives, including the establishment of the Chinmaya Organisation for Rural Development (CORD), beginning with Gagode village in Maharashtra, along with ongoing social service projects in Mumbai such as medical outreach, programmes for differently-abled children, underprivileged children from streets and orphanages, destitute women, and the elderly. Contributions further extend towards infrastructure development and scholarships for deserving and meritorious students at Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Kochi.
Addressing the gathering, Pujya Swami Swaroopananda said: “Shri Hanuman represents strength born of humility, devotion, and selfless service. When the Hanuman Chalisa is chanted collectively, it becomes a shared sadhana of the mind and heart, aligning individual consciousness with a larger harmony. As Chinmaya Mission completes 75 years, this Havan reflects Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s vision of collective spiritual practice as a means of nurturing inner development and clarity of thought.”
The Samashti Shri Hanuman Chalisa Havan reaffirmed the enduring strength of Sanatana Dharma and its ability to unite people across age, language, and background. Through this collective offering, Chinmaya Mission reiterated its commitment to inner transformation, inspiring harmony and well-being in society.