Arun Kumar Gupta
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, born on February 12, 1824, stands as a luminary in the annals of Indian history. A pioneering Hindu scholar and social reformer, he founded the Arya Samaj, advocating for a return to Vedic principles and challenging societal norms prevailing during the 19th century. His tireless efforts to eradicate ignorance, promote education for all, and champion women’s rights left an indelible mark on India’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
As the nation commemorates the 200th birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the significance of this event resonates deeply. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a program organized at Swami Ji’s birthplace, Tankara in Morbi, Gujarat. This event not only paid homage to the profound contributions of this revered sage but also serves as a platform to disseminate his teachings to the masses.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted Swami Dayanand’s pivotal role in awakening India from the shackles of ignorance and superstition, emphasizing his fearless critique of societal norms. The 200th birth anniversary celebration is not merely a historical milestone but a reflection on the enduring relevance of Swami Dayanand’s vision in contemporary times.
As we observed this momentous occasion, it becomes an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati and rekindle a sense of pride in India’s ancient heritage. The commemoration goes beyond historical reverence; it serves as a call to embrace the timeless wisdom of Swami Ji, fostering unity, self-confidence, and a commitment to nation-building initiatives in the 21st century. To commemorate this momentous occasion, let us recognize the top 200 highlights of the life history of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati ji which is an homage to the great deeds he was able to carry out during his crusade against all the malpractices in the country.
By him; Vedas were proved to be the book of true knowledge and he gave the slogan of returning to the Vedas which were described as the constitution given by God as well as the religious scriptures of mankind, thus re-establishing the Vedas at a time when superstitions were clouding the judgement of the society.
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Ji, thoroughly addressed all the contradictions revolving Indian culture by busting all the illogical myths regarding the country which percolated across the world.
He left his abode at a very young age to find answers while aiding one and all even though he himself was struggling in the journey of life. His greatest gift to the world is Arya Samaj which till date is instilling the knowledge of Vedas in everyone’s lives. This practice is being done since the foundation days when the right to read Vedas was restricted to a select few only.
Swamiji re-established belief in all Indians at the time it was of pivotal importance in a faltering society which was burdened by myths and malpractices. His notion that God is eternal garnered worldwide recognition, thereby instilling confidence in all the levels of society which was polarised based on caste system as well as gender. The key messaging that Vedas are not just for rituals but actually contain the vast knowledge of daily lives and how to actually live it the way it is intended to by adhering to the insights ascertained from. It was proved that Vedas are the right path for all to follow and the true path of life was provided in Vedas as there is uniformity in the teachings provided by the Vedas and the workings of the universe.
Then, the proof that God and living beings are not one along with the notion of the key understanding that a living being can never become God was taught to all of us by Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Ji who resolved the theory that the living beings are a part of God but can never become God.
In continuation, he explained that nature is not false and should be given the utmost respect given the fact that we bear so much fruits from mother nature. This kickstarted his process of uniting the entire country for one cause to dispel every malpractice against anything and anyone.
The big blot of the country’s society i.e. Casteism was declared false by Swamiji, resulting in opening of doors for all types of people in Arya Samaj. He made people understand that caste isn’t decided by birth and made them a staunch believer pertaining to the fact that untouchability had to be eradicated while also teaching that a human is declared great not by birth but by their deeds.
Thus, at a time when Sati pratha was prevalent, he was educating the society that marriage of widows is appropriate that got the innocent widows out of their hellish life. Thus, the practice of Sati was described as the biggest stain on humankind. Respect for women was pivotal for him and his disciples.
Accordingly, Grihastha Ashram was described as the best while emphasizing the usefulness of Vanaprastha. He echoed the glory of celibacy via the importance and work of Sanyasis. He taught sixteen sanskars via books for human development like sanskar vidhi that contained all the requisite information pertaining to the need of education to one and all. As per him, the birth letter was described as a condolence letter because any living being which is born had to die.
Apart from education, he brought the guidance required to learn Yoga Vidya, Ashtanga Yoga and the role of Pranayam in our daily lifestyle. Further, he taught Panch Mahayagya and Karmaphal system to all of his followers. He also prohibited the worship of any particular person.
Whilst driving away superstitions at all levels from villages to towns, he strongly condemned violence. The malpractice of human sacrifice was attributed as a stigma and sin. Constant reminders to everyone by Swami Dayanand Saraswati Ji were to bestow mercy. Cleared countless myths thereby driving away the misconceptions of irrational human fears. The explanation of the concept of previous birth and rebirth was beautifully documented by him.
Yagya was described as the path of God’s worship as well as being essential for the environment wherein Panch Mahayagya of Grihasthashram was declared of pivotal importance. He also taught the method of self-actualisation and only God was described as worthy of worship. God was described as omnipresent in all living beings.
As he understood each and every religion thereby preaching unity. He had impeccable dedication towards betterment of the country during testing times while trying to dismiss all superstitions. He also taught that happiness and sorrow are according to karma, thereby popularizing the idea that all living beings have the right to live. In such tumultuous times, he taught the lesson of non-violence. The need of vegetarianism in order to not harm our counterpart animals was highlighted by Swamiji. Thus, he eliminated the biggest dilemma of diet and lifestyle. Also, the true benefits of fasting were explained in simpler terms by him. He created Cow Karunanidhi and a cow shed in Rewari which launched a signature campaign for cow protection. Also, he wrote a letter to Queen Victoria for cow protection.
He further shed the light on the rise of India through agriculture and modern technology as well as talked about opening factories in subjugated Indian regions. He was the pioneer in echoing the efforts to set up industry to promote Indian goods as in his view, Swadeshi was described as supreme. This rose the awareness of indigenous goods and awakened the self-respect of Indians when they were in need of unity to face the atrocities of Britishers. This forced everyone to leave their prejudices and brought them together under one nation through patriotism.
Arya Samaj was formulated in 1875 but he did not appoint any particular person as his successor. It was made a democratic organization which provided many fighters like Pandit Gurudutt Vidyarthi, Pandit Lekhram, Swami Shraddhanand, Lala Lajpat Rai.
Aryans were described as the original inhabitants of India and the distinction between Aryan and Dravidian was erased. He popularized the ancient name Aryavarta and made Arya Samaj his answer to remove all societal woes. He utilized Arya Samaj to provide a strong army to the country. Arya was described as a word denoting qualities and not caste. It is an organization of people assisting humanity beyond caste and creed. He himself did not take any position in Arya Samaj.
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Ji paved the way to go abroad by proving that there is no sin in going abroad. He talked in great detail about doing foreign trade thereby raising awareness of homemade products abroad.
In carrying out such activities and nation changing tasks, he rejected property worth crores and never ever bought any assets. He dedicated his entire life following advice of Guru Virjanand and followed unbroken celibacy. He never allowed anyone’s character to be tarnished and took up the task of removing the suffering of the people. He requested his followers to not build a mausoleum after his death and even asked them to throw his bones and ashes in the field upon passing away. Urged everyone not to worship him, thus, he sacrificed everything for mankind.
A true tribute to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati ji on his 200th Birth Anniversary would be to imbibe his learnings and teachings in our daily lives.
(The author is President of Arya Samaj Dayanand Marg City Chowk, Jammu)
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