Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, born as Mool Shankar Tiwari on February 12, 1824, and passed away on October 30, 1883, was a renowned Indian philosopher, social reformer, and the founder of the Arya Samaj movement. He was a key figure in the Indian Renaissance during the 19th century and played a significant role in promoting social and religious reforms in India.
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati was born in Tankara, Gujarat, India. From an early age, he showed a deep interest in religious and spiritual matters. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures, and sought to promote their principles in society. He believed in the idea of "Back to the Vedas," emphasizing a return to the original teachings and values of Hinduism.
In 1875, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj, which means "Society of Nobles." The Arya Samaj aimed to reform and rejuvenate Hinduism by advocating for the principles of monotheism, the rejection of idol worship, the promotion of Vedic education, and the eradication of social evils such as caste discrimination, child marriage, and untouchability. The Arya Samaj also worked towards the upliftment of women's rights and the promotion of education for all.
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati's teachings and the Arya Samaj movement had a profound impact on Indian society. His emphasis on social equality, rationality, and the importance of education inspired many individuals to question prevailing social norms and work towards positive change. He was a vocal critic of various religious practices and worked towards establishing a more inclusive and progressive society.
Throughout his life, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati wrote extensively on various topics, including religion, philosophy, social issues, and the interpretation of Vedic scriptures. His most famous work is "Satyarth Prakash" (The Light of Truth), which presents his views on various subjects and serves as a guiding text for the Arya Samaj.
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati's legacy continues to inspire and influence people in India and around the world. His teachings and the principles of the Arya Samaj have left a lasting impact on Indian society, particularly in the fields of education, social reform, and religious thought. His emphasis on reason, scientific temperament, and social justice remains relevant and continues to shape the discourse on these issues.
He was the founder of Arya Samaj and Paropakarini Sabha.
He gave the political message ‘India for the Indians’.
He denounced the myth of western superiority by referring to the richness of Indian civilisation in the past.
Some of his works include ‘Satyartha Prakash’ and ‘Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika’.
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