A four hour marathon mass chanting session led by His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, on 31st January 2015 in Tenali in the State of Andhra Pradesh, India, was recognized by the “Guinness World Records.” The chanting of “Hanuman Chalisa,” attended by 128,918 (One hundred and twenty eight thousand nine hundred and eighteen) people from various parts of the world was the largest gathering ever to chant at a single venue in recorded world history.

Leading, inspiring, and participating in the effort, Sri Swamiji clearly explained the merits of the chant, and the virtues of repeat chanting ahead of each chant. The 9th chant was recognized as the Guinness World Record attempt by the official adjudicator Ms. Fortuna Burke, who adjudicated the event. With the chant continuing for a little over six minutes, Ms. Burke announced it as “the brand new world record in the category of the most people chanting from a single location,” with 128,918 participants singing in unison. During the 27th and last chant, there were over 226,000 participants as per the estimates.

Witnessing the event with great interest, the Governor of Tamilnadu His Excellency Sri K Rosaiah, later presented the Record Certificate from Guinness World Records to Sri Swamiji. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor expressed his utmost happiness and praised the large gathering of people who turned out from different parts of the world.

This particular prayer is especially chosen for chanting since the collective sound vibrations will create positive impact thereby promoting universal brotherhood, and aiding in the well-being of the entire universe.” In recent times, there has been scientific evidence showing that sound waves formed while chanting are converted into electro-magnetic waves and provide enormous positive impact on beings and atmosphere. Prior to the event day, elaborate arrangements were in place in anticipation of Sri Swamiji’s arrival at the event venue in Tenali. On the event day, a large number of people started thronging the venue from 4 AM onwards with slogans of Jai Sri Ram and Jaya Guru Datta. After performing Purnahuti to Manyu Homa and Maha Mangala Arati to Hanumad Vratam, Sri Swamiji started the chanting session along with his Celestial Message troupe thereby capturing the complete attention of those who were present. The event was organized by Sri Varadarajulu from Sri Hanuman Seva Samithi and supported by Sri Ramesh Krishna, a representative of Avadhoota Datta Peetham. A large number of media persons and local political representatives were also present at the event. More information can be found at www.sgslinks.com, www.yogasangeeta.org and www.dycusa.org.