Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Swami Dayanand Saraswati was one of the greatest philosophers, ascetics, scholars of Hinduism and social reformer witnessed by India in nineteenth century.

He was born on 12 February 1824 in Tankara town of erstwhile Morvi Princely State in Kathiyawad region of present day Gujarat. He was a Brahmin by birth. His original name was Mool Shankar. His father’s name was Karshanji Lalji Trivedi and his mother’s name was Yashodabai. His family was the worshipper of Lord Shiva.

One incident on the night of Shivratri changed the future course of life of young Mool Shankar. On the night of Shivratri Mool Shankar decided to remain awake during night in order to worship Lord Shiva. But, he saw that one mouse was going up and down on the idol of Lord Shiva and was also eating the Prasada or offerings kept for Lord Shiva. This incident made young Mool Shankar to think that there is no God in the idol, otherwise it would have stopped the mouse. Henceforth, Swami Dayanand Saraswati dis not believe in Idol Worship. According to him God is present everywhere and is in different forms.

He left his house in 1846 in search of true knowledge and discover the true essence of Hinduism. He started practicing Yoga and travelled to different places. He got one teacher at Mathura. The name of that teacher was Virajnanda.

After leaving house he became an ascetic. Swami Dayanand Saraswati realised that the authentic knowledge of Hinduism is found in Vedas. Hence, he not only studied Vedas deeply but wanted to revive the Vedic knowledge among common people as well. He gave the slogan of ‘Go Back to the Vedas’. He wrote a book titled ‘Satyartha Prakash’ in order to spread the original teachings of Hinduism.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati established the Arya Samaj in 1875 in Bombay (now Mumbai). The purpose for the formation of Arya Samaj was to promote the true Hinduism, social reforms and ideas of nationalism among the Indians.

Arya Samaj movement became very popular in India. Swami Dayanand Saraswati believed that Indians are needed to be given knowledge about ancient Indian Hindu philosophy at the same time the modern scientific knowledge promoted in Europe should be embraced. Hence, in order to promote the ancient Indian learning he formed the Gurukulas and for promoting the modern education Dayanand Anglo-Vedic Schools were established by taking inspiration from Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

His nationalist views and concept of use of Swadeshi goods influenced and attracted many prominent Indian freedom fighters of the time towards Arya Samaj. Lala Lajpat Rai, one of the important Extremist leaders of Indian National Congress was very much impressed by the teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

He also started the ‘Shuddhi Movement’ in order to bring back those Hindus who got converted to other faiths. He came down heavily on superstitions.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati criticised and opposed untouchability, caste system and child marriage  among others.

Thus, the work of Swami Dayanand Saraswati helped for the all-round development of Indian society and revival of true essence of Hinduism. He also encouraged the nationalist movement and enthused spirit of Swadeshi among the Indians. He undoubtedly remains the true Swami or Monk who contributed for bringing positive changes in society.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati died on 30 October 1883 near Ajmer.