Source: BS
Subject: History
Context: Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati on his 202nd birth anniversary, highlighting his lifelong role in social reform, education and cultural awakening.
About Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati:
Who he was?
- Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati (1824–1883), born Mool Shankar, was a Hindu ascetic, Vedic scholar and social reformer who founded the Arya Samaj (1875) to reform Hindu society and restore what he saw as the original Vedic spirit.
Early life:
- Born on 12 February 1824 at Tankara (Kathiawar region, present-day Gujarat) in a Brahmin family.
- A childhood temple incident (questioning idol worship) and the deaths of close family members deepened his search for truth.
- Left home to avoid an arranged marriage and spent years as a wandering ascetic; later became a disciple of Swami Virajananda, who guided him toward a return to the Vedas mission.
His philosophies:
- Back to the Vedas: Vedas as the primary and most authentic source of dharma/knowledge.
- Rational reform: opposed blind ritualism, superstition, and practices he considered irrational.
- Social equality: challenged caste-by-birth and supported dignity of all individuals; emphasized merit-based social roles.
- Women’s upliftment: supported women’s education, opposed social practices like child marriage, and encouraged reforms in family and society.
- Ethical life & discipline: stressed truth, self-control (brahmacharya), yoga, and moral conduct.
Contribution to socio-religious movement:
- Founded Arya Samaj (1875)—a reform movement promoting Vedic learning, social reform, education, and national-cultural awakening.
- Encouraged debate, public reasoning, and scriptural study accessible beyond narrow priestly control.
- Inspired later reform and nationalist currents through emphasis on self-respect, reform, and indigenous awakening.
Literary works:
- Dayanand wrote 60+ works, including major texts such as:
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- Satyarth Prakash (his most influential work).
- Sanskarvidhi (on sacraments/rites in a reformed framework).
- Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika and partial Vedic commentaries (Rigveda/Yajurveda).
- He also established/linked efforts for publishing and spreading Vedic literature through institutions like Paropakarini Sabha (Ajmer).
Last days:
- In 1883, while in Jodhpur under royal patronage, he fell critically ill after being poisoned (as widely alleged in narratives), and despite treatment efforts he died on 30 October 1883 in Ajmer.
- His final phase is remembered for unwavering commitment to reform despite strong opposition.
