Arya Samaj

One of the most important socio-religious reform movements in India was the Arya Samaj,
founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in Bombay in 1875, which is now Mumbai. Being an
answer to the social and religious challenges of the time, it preached a return to the principle of
the Vedas-the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. The main aim of Arya Samaj is the reformation
of Hindu society through the promotion of monotheism, social equality, and the elimination of
social evils. It explores the history, principles, significance, controversies, and its contributions
to Indian society.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

A shining star of this reformatory wave was Swami Dayanand Saraswati, born Mool Shankar,
in 1824 in Gujarat. After years of spiritual quest and study, he founded Arya Samaj to
resuscitate the essence of Hinduism as ordained in the Vedas.

The Arya Samaj was particularly remarkable for its work of proselytization and, therefore,
could be considered the first organized effort among Hindus to convert people into its
philosophy. More than anything else, it emphasized a rationalistic attitude in spiritual matters,
opposed superstitions and idolatry, and condemned the prevalent institution of castes in India.
The movement reached many parts of India, and Punjab proved to be an important center of
Arya Samaj's activities, where the movement consciously worked to uplift This was a time in
late 19th century India, when socio-religious reform movements became rampant with the
objective of remedying the many ills of Indian society stemming from British colonial rule and
the dogmas of traditional Hindu practices. the wretched classes.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati was born on 12th February 1824, in the town of Tankara, in the
state of Gujarat. He was a prominent figure of the socio-religious reform movement of India.
He made Indian society realize the importance of education, equality, and return to the core
values of Hinduism as found in the Vedas. His father was Karshanji Lalji Tiwari and mother
Yashodabai. He was exposed to religious rituals and teachings since childhood. He was eight
years old when he underwent the Yajnopavita ceremony, in other words, when he was initiated
into formal education. But at a very crucial stage in his childhood when he saw a rat devouring
offerings placed before an idol, he became skeptical about idol worship and customs. This
ultimately paved the way for his being a reformer later.

At 21, he renounced worldly life to search for spiritual truth. For almost 25 years he led an
ascetic life as a vagabond, studying the various philosophies and scriptures, especially the
Vedas. That search for knowledge turned him into a disciple of Swami Virajanand Dandeesha,
who impacted the understanding of the historical roots of Hinduism and the need for a
reformation.

On 7 April 1875, Dayanand established the Arya Samaj in Bombay which is now known as
Mumbai. Two doctrines form the basis of the foundation were:
1) Infallible authority of Vedas : For Dayanand, the ultimate source of knowledge and truth
lay in the Vedas. He appealed to followers to go through them to understand their spiritual
heritage.
2) Monotheism: Single, formless God was propagated by Arya Samaj; idol worship and
polytheism were opposed.

TEACHINGS AND BELIEFS

Maharshi Dayanand's teachings in that regard paved the way for scores of social reforms:

Education: The Arya Samaj established a network of educational institutions known as DAV
(Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) schools, promoting modern education based on Vedic principles.
They played a very important role in educating both boys and girls.

Social Equality: He fought against social evils like casteism, untouchability, child marriage,
and superstitions. He was a votary for women's rights, education, and widow remarriage.

The Shuddhi Movement: This was devoted to reconverting people who had become
converts to other religions into Hinduism. Though much criticized as instigation for communal
tensions, it brought out the intent of Dayanand in preserving Hindu identity.

Philosophical Works: Dayanand wrote many notable works. Among them are Satyarth
Prakash (The Light of Truth), a work in which he attacks all forms of religious practices and
calls for Vedic understanding. His works inspire reformists till this day.

PRINCIPLES OF ARYA SAMAJ

The foundation of the Arya Samaj rests upon ten basic doctrines that form the
cornerstones of the beliefs practiced among its members:

1) God is the cause of all real knowledge : According to Arya Samaj, God is the
original source of any knowledge and wisdom achieved that needs to be pursued
through seeking truth and avoiding falsehood.
2) The Vedas are the last authority : The movement regards the Vedas as the oldest
scriptures and lays emphasis on the study and observation of the said scriptures.
3) Monotheism: The Arya Samaj believes in only one amorphous God. It does not
believe in idolatry or polytheism.
4) Social equality and reforms : The Samaj was busy in trying to remove social evils
such as casteism, child marriage, Sati, etc.
5)Women's empowerment: The advocacy by the Arya Samaj towards women's rights
included education and remarriage.
6) Promotion of education : To the Arya Samaj, education lies at the heart of its
activism and must place in a priority Vedic education for all - it should not differentiate
as regards caste or
7) Common good: The movement throws emphasis on work for the good of all
humanity, rather than individual good.
8) The rational attitude and scientific temperament : With respect to spirituality, the
people should approach with reasons and logic, shrouding away ignorance and
superstition.
9) Social service: Arya Samaj advocates various philanthropic actions, for instance,
establishing orphanages and schools.
10) Shuddhi Movement: The Samaj started Shuddhi Movement to reconversion of
those people who had converted by emphasizing the purity of the Hindu faith.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ARYA SAMAJ

Arya Samaj has been among the most crucial actors in socio-religious landscape in
India. The contributions are as follows:
Social reforms: The Arya Samaj spearheaded many social reforms, like putting an end
to the notion of untouchability and widow remarriage. It opposed the patriarchal
notions existing at that time and advocated gender equality.
Education: Educational Initiatives namely the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) schools
and colleges played a significant role in spreading education all over India. The Samaj
believed that education should be imparted not only to men but also to women and
focus on lending social responsibility to the younger generation.
National Awakening: The Arya Samaj focused on both rationalism and the issues of
social justice. It fastened the agenda for a larger national awakening in India. Several of
its members were also active in the Indian independence movement, advocating civil
rights and social justice.
Cultural Revival: Arya Samaj continued its contribution to the cultural revival of
Hinduism by promoting the study of Sanskrit and Vedic literature and advocating for a
return to the roots and traditions.

LATER DEVELOPMENTS: THE SPLIT OF ARYA SAMAJ

In the year 1893 certain differences within the sect led to the division of Arya Samaj
into two units,