Dayananda Saraswati Boigraphy

Dayanand Saraswati, originally named Mool Shankar Tiwari, was a prominent Indian philosopher, social leader, and the visionary founder of the Arya Samaj, a reformist movement within Hinduism. Born on 12th February 1824, he left an indelible mark on Indian society during his lifetime, and his influence continues to resonate through his magnum opus, the book “Satyarth Prakash.” This work has remained a highly influential text, shaping the philosophical understanding of the Vedas and elucidating various aspects of human duties and ideas.

Dayanand Saraswati’s impact extended beyond his philosophical writings. In 1876, he was the first to issue a clarion call for “Swaraj,” advocating for “India for Indians.” This call to national self-governance would later be taken up by Lokmanya Tilak, becoming a central rallying cry in India’s struggle for independence. Dayanand Saraswati’s passionate denouncement of idolatry and ritualistic worship was instrumental in his mission to rekindle Vedic ideologies and promote a return to the roots of Hinduism.

His visionary ideas and tireless efforts earned him recognition as one of the “makers of Modern India,” a sentiment echoed by prominent figures like philosopher and former President of India, S. Radhakrishnan, and Sri Aurobindo. Dayanand Saraswati’s influence extended to a wide array of notable individuals, including Madam Cama, Pandit Lekh Ram, Swami Shraddhanand, Shyamji Krishna Varma, Kishan Singh, Bhagat Singh, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Bhai Parmanand, Lala Hardayal, Madan Lal Dhingra, Ram Prasad Bismil, Mahadev Govind Ranade, Ashfaq Ullah Khan, Mahatma Hansraj, Lala Lajpat Rai, Yogmaya Neupane, Vallabhbhai Patel, and many others.

From a young age, Dayanand Saraswati led a life of asceticism as a sanyasi, dedicating himself to the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. His unwavering belief in the infallible authority of the Vedas set the foundation for his philosophical teachings. One of his central doctrines was the concept of Karma and Reincarnation, emphasizing that one’s actions determine their future lives. He also stressed the importance of adhering to Vedic ideals, including the practice of brahmacharya, which encompassed celibacy and unwavering devotion to God.

Among his notable contributions was his resolute stance against untouchability, advocating for the eradication of this social evil. He championed the cause of equal rights for women, a progressive outlook that was ahead of its time. Dayanand Saraswati’s profound scholarship extended to his commentaries on the Vedas, which he meticulously rendered from the Vedic Sanskrit into both Sanskrit and Hindi. This effort made the sacred texts more accessible to a wider audience and contributed significantly to the revival of Vedic thought.

In essence, Dayanand Saraswati’s life and work were dedicated to the rejuvenation of Hinduism and the reform of Indian society. His steadfast commitment to Vedic principles, rejection of idol worship, and advocacy for social equality have left an enduring legacy. His call for “India for Indians” and his contributions to Indian philosophy continue to inspire generations and play a pivotal role in the ongoing evolution of modern India.