About the Maha Sabha
Serving Hindus in South Africa since 1912
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha unites temples, organisations and devotees across all provinces under one democratic forum, the National body for Hindus in South Africa.
Our beginnings
How the Maha Sabha began
In 1908, Swami Shankaranandaji sailed to South Africa at the invitation of the Arya Samaj in Natal. For four years he taught, organised and listened to Hindu families the length of the country.
On 31 May 1912, delegates from every province, women and children among them, gathered to form a single National body. They named it the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, and gave Hindus of every language one voice.
Our mission and vision
Our mission
To work towards the advancement of all members of the Hindu faith among all Hindu linguistic groups in a spirit of respect, unity and brotherhood.
Our vision
To promote Hindu Dharma by observing the best principles of Hindu religion, philosophy, ethics, values and culture, according to the highest tenets of Hindu teaching.
What guides us
The values we serve by
Selfless service
Accountability
Respect
Fairness
Continuous improvement
Unity
One forum, many paths
Our journey
Moments that shaped us
A teacher arrives in Natal
Swami Shankaranandaji accepts the Arya Samaj's invitation and begins four years of teaching and organising among Hindus in South Africa.
The Maha Sabha is founded
On 31 May, delegates from every province, women and children included, establish the South African Hindu Maha Sabha as the National body.
The first National temple conference
Representatives of twenty-seven temples meet in Durban to plan temple upkeep, regular Sunday services and the teaching of Hindu Dharma.
More than a century on
After 114 years, the Maha Sabha still unites temples and organisations and carries the Hindu voice into the life of the nation.
Carry the legacy forward
Join a movement that has served Hindu South Africa for over a century. Support Initiative 108, affiliate your organisation, or get in touch.