Biography of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati: Life, and Teachings

Swami Dayanand Saraswati Biography: Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati ji was born on 12 February 1824. He was a Brahmin by caste and he defined it..

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati | Via: TIH archives.

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati is revered as the founder of Arya Samaj. A great patriot and guide, who gave a new direction and energy to society through his works. Many notable people like Mahatma Gandhi were influenced by the ideals of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

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Who was Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati?

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati was born on February 12, 1824, into a Brahmin family, and he truly embodied the essence of what it means to be a Brahmin. He defined a Brahmin as "one who is a worshiper of knowledge and a contributor who gives knowledge to the ignorant." Throughout his life, Swamiji dedicated himself to studying the Vedas and Upanishads, using that knowledge to enlighten and benefit the people of the world.

Maharshi Dayanand strongly opposed idol worship, considering it futile. He promoted the Vedic religion, emphasizing the formless nature of God, symbolized by Omkar (the sound of the universe). In 1875, he founded the Arya Samaj, a movement dedicated to the promotion of Vedic values, social reform, and national awakening. Swamiji also played a significant role in the 1857 revolt against British rule, contributing immensely to the spirit of resistance. Unfortunately, due to a conspiracy, he died on October 30, 1883, under mysterious circumstances, having suffered under British rule.

A staunch believer in the Vedic religion, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati worked tirelessly to oppose the immoral practices and superstitions that plagued society. He highlighted the importance of a clear direction in life and emphasized Vedic knowledge as the foundation for social and spiritual progress. He also promoted the concept of karma, explaining that the fruits of one's actions shape the course of life.

As a visionary and a great thinker, Maharishi Dayanand tried to distance society from religious fanaticism with his rational ideas. He was a passionate patriot who gave the message of Swarajya (self-rule), which was later adopted by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who famously declared, "Swarajya is my birthright."

Maharishi Dayanand’s ideals inspired countless great leaders and reformers. By following the path laid out by him, many of the country’s sons and daughters contributed to India's fight for independence and ultimately secured the freedom of the nation.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati short biography

Dayanand Saraswati real name was Moolshankar Ambashankar Tiwari, and he was born on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat, into a Brahmin family. His father was a wealthy man, and the family did not face any financial hardships. 

Growing up in such an environment, Moolshankar had all the comforts of life, but his quest for truth and self-realization eventually led him to pursue a spiritual path, which marked the beginning of his transformation into Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

01	Birth	12-Feb-1824
02	Birth Name	Mool Shankar Tiwari
03	Father And Mother	Amba Shankar Tiwari & Amrit Bai
04	Education	Vedic
05	Mentor	Swami Virajananda
06	Life and Works	Social Reformer, Founder of Arya Samaj

At the age of 21, in 1846, Moolshankar's life underwent a profound transformation after a life-changing incident. Driven by an intense desire to uncover the truth about life, he chose the path of a monk and left his home. He viewed worldly life as meaningless and, therefore, rejected the idea of marriage.

His decision led to many disputes with his father, who strongly opposed Moolshankar’s choice. However, Moolshankar’s unwavering determination and strong will eventually led his father to relent. From this early stage, it was clear that Moolshankar possessed the ability to stand firm and express his views, regardless of opposition.

This inherent strength of character would later manifest in his strong opposition to British rule. Swamiji also became a champion for the Arya Bhasha (Hindi), believing it to be crucial for connecting and uplifting the people of India. His firm resolve and revolutionary thinking made him a key figure in India's fight for independence and social reform.

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How did Swami Ji's life change?

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati was born as Moolshankar Tiwari, an ordinary young man who, like many in his family, strictly followed his father's religious teachings. As a Brahmin, his family was deeply engaged in religious rituals and customs.

One day, during Maha Shivaratri, his father instructed him to fast and worship Lord Shiva in accordance with tradition, including staying awake through the night to observe the vigil. Moolshankar followed his father’s instructions, fasting all day and sitting in the Shiva temple with a palanquin for the night vigil.

At midnight, Moolshankar witnessed something that would change his life. He saw a swarm of rats surrounding the idol of Lord Shiva and eating all the prasad (offerings) that had been placed before it. This sight sparked a profound question in his mind: If the idol, which was believed to be sacred, could not even protect itself from the rats, how could it offer protection to its devotees?

This incident deeply impacted Moolshankar and led him to question the validity of blind religious practices. Determined to seek true knowledge, he left his home in search of self-realization. It was during this journey that he came to be known as Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, dedicating himself to the pursuit of Vedic knowledge and spiritual enlightenment.

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Contribution to the Revolution of 1857:

After leaving his home in 1846, Swami Dayanand Saraswati began speaking out against British rule. During his travels across the country, he discovered that the people harbored resentment against British domination but lacked proper guidance. Recognizing this, he sought to unite them and provide the leadership needed to inspire action. Many of the great heroes of the time, such as Tatya Tope, Nana Saheb Peshwa, Haji Mulla Khan, and Bala Saheb, were influenced by Swamiji and worked alongside him in the cause of independence.

Swamiji, after raising awareness, turned each person into a messenger, fostering mutual relations and solidarity. He introduced the "Roti and Kamal" scheme, which connected people from all walks of life for the common goal of India's independence. His first step was to engage with saints, knowing they could motivate the common people toward freedom.

Although the revolt of 1857 ended in failure, Swamiji did not succumb to despair. He explained to the people that the struggle for freedom could not be won in a single attempt and that it might take as long as the period of slavery itself. He assured them that the fight for independence had begun in earnest and that, in time, the country would be free.

Swamiji's ideas kept the spirit of the people alive. After the revolt, he returned to his guru, Virjanand, and focused on acquiring deeper Vedic knowledge. Under his guru's guidance, Swamiji continued his mission of social reform, working toward the salvation of society and the upliftment of the nation.

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Importance of Guru in life:

In his quest for knowledge, Swami Dayanand Saraswati met Swami Virjanand Ji and made him his guru. Under Virjanand Ji's guidance, Swamiji studied the Vedic scriptures and gained profound knowledge in the science of yoga.

When Swamiji asked his guru about the Guru Dakshina (a traditional offering of gratitude), Virjanand Ji instructed him to work for social reforms, fight against the evil practices prevalent in society, eradicate superstition, and bring the importance of Vedic scriptures to the people. He emphasized that philanthropy was the true essence of religion. This mission, which Swamiji accepted as his Guru Dakshina, became his life's purpose.

After receiving this guidance, Swamiji began touring the nation, spreading the knowledge of the Vedic scriptures. Despite facing numerous adversities, ridicule, and even humiliation, he remained steadfast in his mission.

Swamiji studied the original texts of various religions and boldly opposed the harmful practices present within them. He criticized elements within Christianity, Islam, and even the Sanatan Dharma, believing that the knowledge contained in the Vedas was supreme and infallible. It was with this core belief that he founded the Arya Samaj, a movement dedicated to the revival of Vedic principles and the promotion of social reform.

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Arya Samaj Establishment: A Movement Started

In 1875, Swamiji founded the Arya Samaj in Mumbai on the day of Gudi Padwa. The central tenet of the Arya Samaj was the religion of humanity, which emphasized philanthropy, human service, karma, and knowledge as its foundational principles. The aim was to promote mental, physical, and social progress for individuals and society as a whole.

Through these progressive ideas, Swamiji established the Arya Samaj, which inspired many great scholars and thinkers. While his teachings faced opposition from many quarters, no one could counter his logical arguments and profound knowledge. Even the most respected scholars and pandits were compelled to bow before Swamiji's wisdom.

As a result, amidst the prevailing darkness of superstition, the light of Vedic knowledge began to spread, awakening a sense of enlightenment and rational thinking in the hearts of the people.

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Importance of Arya Bhasha (Hindi):

For the purpose of promoting Vedic knowledge, Swamiji traveled across the country, giving lectures in Sanskrit. Due to his strong command of the Sanskrit language, which he had been studying since childhood, he found no difficulty in reading and understanding the Vedas.

Once, while in Calcutta, he met Keshub Chandra Sen, who was deeply influenced by Swamiji's teachings. Keshub Ji suggested that Swamiji should deliver his lectures in Hindi, rather than Sanskrit, so that his ideas could reach not only scholars but also the common people.

Taking this advice to heart, in 1862, Swamiji began delivering his lectures in Hindi and resolved to make Hindi the mother tongue of the country. This decision significantly broadened his reach, attracting a large number of followers who embraced his ideas. Arya Samaj found its greatest support in the Punjab region, where Swamiji’s message resonated deeply.

Contribution of Swami Dayanand Saraswati & Opposition to the immoral practices

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati considered himself responsible for the betterment of society and, therefore, boldly raised his voice against the evil practices and superstitions that were prevalent at the time. He worked tirelessly to challenge and eliminate these harmful traditions, striving to guide society toward truth, rationality, and moral integrity.

Child Marriage Protest

At that time, child marriage was widespread, and it was widely accepted. Swamiji, however, spoke out against this practice, using the scriptures to awaken people to its harmful effects.

He explained that the scriptures mention that the first 25 years of a person's life should be dedicated to brahmacharya (celibacy and education), which makes child marriage not only wrong but also a violation of this principle. 

Swamiji pointed out that child marriages lead to physical and mental weakness, resulting in premature death and preventing individuals from leading healthy, fulfilling lives.

Sati Protest Protest

He also strongly opposed the inhuman practice of "sati," where a wife was forced to immolate herself alongside her deceased husband. Swami Dayanand Saraswati condemned this cruel custom and dedicated his life to promoting compassion and respect for human dignity. 

He taught the importance of love and charity, spreading a message of humanity and kindness to all.

Widow Remarriage

During that time, lewdness was widespread in the country, and issues such as the struggles faced by widows still persist today. Swami Dayanand Saraswati condemned these practices and, even in those days, advocated for the respect and dignity of women. 

He strongly supported widow remarriage and worked tirelessly to raise awareness and encourage societal acceptance of this important reform.

The message of unity

It was the dream of Swami Dayanand Saraswati to see all religions and their followers united under the same flag, a vision that remains unfulfilled to this day. He believed that a third party always benefits from the divisions and conflicts between different groups, and thus, it was essential to eliminate these distinctions. 

He led numerous efforts and meetings to bring together Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, but was unable to unite them into a single harmonious community.

Conflict of characters:

He always emphasized that the scriptures should not be seen as words of division, but rather as a guide for the smooth functioning of society. According to him, the four varnas were meant to contribute to this harmony, where no one is inferior, and everyone holds intrinsic value. 

He advocated for equal rights for all classes and strongly opposed the rigid caste system.

Nari (Woman) Education and Equality

Swamiji was a strong advocate for women's empowerment. He believed that the education of women was key to the development of society. He regarded women as the foundation of society and emphasized that their involvement was crucial in every area of life. To achieve this, he insisted that women must be educated.

Conspiracy that to Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati's death

The British government began to fear Swamiji. His statements had a profound impact on the country, and they viewed it as a threat to their control. As a result, they started closely monitoring him. Swamiji had never submitted to the British government or its officers, but he faced constant ridicule. 

This led the British government to question his power, and eventually, they attempted to have him assassinated.

Swamiji was poisoned multiple times, but because of his proficiency in yoga, he was unharmed.

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Dayananda Saraswati assassinated

In 1883, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati visited the Maharaja of Jodhpur. King Yashwant Singh received him with great respect and attended many of his lectures. On one occasion, when the king was engaged with a young dancer, Swami Dayanand observed the situation and, disapproving of such indulgence, calmly explained to Yashwant Singh: 

On one hand, you seek to pursue religion, yet on the other, you indulge in luxury; in such a manner, attaining true knowledge is impossible.

Maharshi Dayanand's words had a profound impact on Yashwant Singh, who consequently ended his relationship with the dancer. Enraged by this, the dancer, in collusion with a cook, mixed pieces of glass into Swamiji’s food, severely compromising his health. Although medical treatment was initiated immediately, his condition failed to improve.

The cook eventually confessed his guilt and apologized. Swamiji forgave him. Later, on 26 October 1883, Swamiji was transferred to Ajmer for further treatment, but his health continued to deteriorate, and he passed away on 30 October 1883.

During his 59 years of life, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati awakened the people to the evils prevailing in the nation and illuminated the country with his Vedic knowledge. As a saint, he possessed the ability to employ incisive sarcasm through calm speech, and his fearless nature inspired the spirit of Swaraj across the country.

5 teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Swami Dayanand Saraswati was a profound social and religious reformer whose teachings had a significant impact on 19th-century India. Here are 5 of his key teachings:

1. Primacy of the Vedas: He strongly believed that the Vedas were the ultimate source of true knowledge. He urged people to "Go back to the Vedas," emphasizing that they contained the essential principles for a righteous life.
2. Monotheism and Rejection of Idol Worship: Maharshi Dayanand advocated for the worship of one formless God. He rejected idol worship and polytheism, which he considered deviations from the original Vedic teachings.
3. Social Reform: He vehemently opposed social evils such as the caste system, untouchability, and child marriage. He championed equality for all, regardless of birth. He also strongly advocated for the education of women.
4. Emphasis on Education: Maharshi Dayanand believed in the importance of education for both men and women. He promoted a system of education that combined Vedic knowledge with modern sciences. He founded Gurukuls to promote this form of education.
5. Nationalism and Self-Rule (Swaraj): He instilled a sense of national pride and advocated for self-rule. He believed that India should be free from foreign domination and that Indians should govern themselves.

These teachings formed the core of the Arya Samaj movement, which he founded, and continue to influence Indian society today.

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