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Arya Samaj was one of the Hindu organisations that worked towards growing civil rights movements in India in the 1800s. Swami Dayanand Saraswathi was the founder of the Arya Samaj. His teachings are essential in today’s world. More than a religious leader, he left a profound impact on the concept of religion and Indian society. Swami preached Universalism, not any particular caste. The Samaj promoted values and practices based on the belief of the Vedas. It was the first Hindu organisation that introduced proselytisation. Proselytisation means converting people’s religious or political beliefs. The Arya Samaj campaigned against casteism, widow remarriage, and women’s empowerment.
Arya Samaj
Arya Samaj means the Society of nobles in Sanskrit. The Arya Samaj was first established in Bombay, currently known as Mumbai, in 1857 on April 10 by Swami Dayananda Saraswati. The Samaj brought profound changes in the religious perspectives of Indians.
Mission of Arya Samaj
The mission of the Arya Samaj is to eradicate Poverty or Indigence (Abhav), Injustice (Anayay), and Ignorance (Agyan) from this earth.
Further, he established ten principles called the ten Niyama’s or Principles. The four Vedas, Sam Veda, Rig – Veda, Atharva Veda, and Yajur Veda, paved the Samaj path. Arya Samaj believes in One God, known by “Om,” who is Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, source of all Just and Blissful, Intelligence and Merciful. All these reflect different names with one aspect being God – A universal truth.
Principles of Arya Samaj
- God is the primary source of all proper knowledge.
- He is omniscient. He is the one worthy of being worshipped.
- Vedas are scriptures of proper knowledge. An Aryan should read, recite and teach to others.
- We should read to accept the truth and give untruths.
- All actions should be performed by following Dharma.
- The objective of Arya Samaj is to promote physical, and social well-being for everyone.
- Everyone should follow love, righteousness, and justice.
- We should avoid ignorance and accept knowledge.
- One should not be concerned with one’s welfare. We should consider the welfare of others too.
- One should follow the rules of society to promote the well-being of all while following the rules of individual welfare; all should be free.
Swami Dayanand Saraswathi
- He is the founder of Arya Samaj
- Swami Dayanand Saraswathi was born in an orthodox Brahmin family in Gujarat on February 12, 1824, to Shri Karshanji Lalji Tiwari and Smt. Yashodabai
- Maharishi is considered one of the ‘Makers of Modern India’
- His birth name is Mul Shankar Tiwari/ Trivedi
- His literary work includes Satyarth Parkash (1875)
- The book was published in more than 20 languages, including Sanskrit and some foreign languages like French, German, Arabic, English, Chinese, and Swahili
- He was a disciple of Swami Virajanand Dandeesha and followed him as a Guru
- From 1846 -to 1860, Swami Dayanand Saraswathi was an ascetic for fifteen years
- He was an Indian philosopher and a self-taught man who had a very potent vision for India
Education Reforms
- He started an overhaul of the education system in India by introducing the DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) schools which came into existence in 1886
- Mahatma Hansraj was the headmaster of the first DAV established in Lahore
Religious Reforms
He believed in two essential principles :
- Infallible authority of the Vedas
- Monotheism
His vision of India includes a casteless Society; he believes that a person was not born in a caste; nevertheless, they identified according to the occupation they follow.
Political Reforms
- He first used the term Swaraj as “India for Indian” in 1876. He had a vision that India should be free from foreign rule
- He opposed untouchability, child marriage, intercaste marriage, and female infanticide
- He also encouraged widow remarriage, and the right to education for women and worked for the upliftment of women
Assassination
As Swami had many enemies, he was assassinated on September 29, 1883; after ailing for a month, Maharishi passed away on October 30, 1883.
Notable Contributors of Arya Samaj
- Swami Virajanand Dandeesha
- Shri Shraddhanand
- Pandit Lekh Ram
Arya Samaj Around the World
The movement has its establishment in countries like Guyana, Russia, Kenya, Nepal, Trinidad, Armenia, Tanzania, the United States, Malawi, Thailand, Mauritius, The Netherlands, South Africa, The United Kingdom, Uganda, Myanmar, etc.
Arya Samaj Mandir in Delhi
It conducts wedding ceremonies with all the Hindu rituals under the Hindu Marriage Act 1995. Also, you can perform your Arya Samaj wedding at any respective temple near your place, and it will be done with all sacraments.
Conclusion
The Arya Samaj believed and emphasised that God is the proper knowledge. A person’s actions are under Dharma. Through Arya Samaj, Swami Dayanand Sarawasthi’s contribution to the nation’s welfare is unaccountable. Though he had a strong belief in Hinduism, he helped people without caste and religious discrimination. He insisted on overhauling education for the nation. The framework of his ten principles is vital to today’s world. The one who follows those principles while attaining enlightenment.
