Swami dayananda Saraswati

 

Yogi Swami dayananda Saraswati

Swami Dayananda Saraswati was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and a strong advocate for social reform and the education of women in India. He is best known for founding the Arya Samaj movement, a social and cultural organization that aimed to promote Hinduism and traditional Indian values.

Early Life of Swami dayananda Saraswati 

Swami Dayananda Saraswati was born on February 10, 1824, in Tankaria, a village in the state of Gujarat, India. His birth name was Mool Shankar Tiwari. His father, a trader, was a devout Hindu who wanted his son to follow a spiritual path.

Spiritual Life of Swami dayananda Saraswati 

In his early 20s, Dayananda embarked on a spiritual journey, studying various Indian scriptures and meeting prominent gurus of his time. He eventually became a follower of Adi Shankaracharya, a saint and scholar of the 8th century who wrote extensively on Hindu philosophy. Dayananda's spiritual aspirations led him to the Himalayas, where he spent several years in meditation and spiritual practices.

Founding of the Arya Samaj

In 1874, Dayananda founded the Arya Samaj in Mumbai (then called Bombay), with the goal of restoring Hinduism to its original form and promoting Vedic traditions.

 The Samaj aimed to

1. Promote Hindu philosophy and rituals.

2. Improve the social status of women and lower castes.

3. Encourage education and self-reliance.

4. Oppose social evils like idol worship, casteism, and child marriage.

Ideology and Contributions

Dayananda's teachings emphasized the following principles---

1. Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge

He believed the Vedic scriptures to be the repository of all knowledge, and that they should be the primary source of guidance for Hindus.

2. Equality and social reform

Arya Samaj advocated for the abolition of casteism, animal sacrifice, and other social evils.

3. Education and self-reliance

 Dayananda encouraged Indians to pursue education and economic empowerment to break free from British colonial rule.

4. Hindu renaissance

He sought to revitalize Hinduism and promote its culture, arts, and traditions.

Major Works

Swami Dayananda Saraswati wrote several influential works, including--

1. Satyartha Prakash

 (The Light of Truth): a philosophical and theological text that represents the foundation of Arya Samaj.

2. Rigveda Bhasya Bhumika

a commentary on the Rigveda, the first Vedic text.

Legacy

Swami Dayananda Saraswati's legacy extends far beyond his contributions to the Indian independence movement. His ideas about social reform, education, and the promotion of Hindu culture have had a lasting impact on Indian society. His emphasis on the importance of women's education and empowerment was particularly pioneering for its time.

Death and Memorial

Swami Dayananda Saraswati passed away on October 30, 1883, at the age of 59, in Margao, Goa. Today, his tomb in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is a place of pilgrimage for thousands of devotees.