Swami Dayanand Saraswati: The Man Who Changed Hinduism

Written By: Shreelakshmi Content Writer @Tutorschool
February 22, 2025

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions that has undergone significant transformations. One prominent reformer whose contribution was a landmark to the religion was Dayanand Saraswati. He was a great scholar, philosopher, and reformer, having embraced social reform throughout his life by reviving the Vedic traditions and abolishing social evils. His visions reflected not only on the Hindu society but also influenced India’s freedom movement.

Through this article let’s learn about  Dayanand Saraswatis’ early life, his transformation into a spiritual leader, his work for Hinduism, and his impact on Indian society.

Dayanand’s Early Life

Dayanand Saraswati was born as Mool Shankar tiwari on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat, into a Brahmin family. Karshanji Lalji Tiwari, his father, was a well-known and affluent individual who had a strong commitment to all Hindu customs and ceremonies. From a very young age, Mool Shankar started witnessing, participating in, and being subjected to the same Hindu practices. His parents only thought he could grow up to be such a learned scholar. 

At the age of eight, he was invested with the sacred thread (Yajnopavita), thus beginning his formal entry into Brahmanical education. He was a brilliant student who learned Sanskrit at great speed and memorized Hindu scriptures. However, his spiritual journey began when he started thinking for himself and doubting all traditions whereby he began to question idol worship.

A Turning Point in His Life

A tragic turning point in Dayanand Saraswati’s life came when he lost a younger sister to cholera. This event unsettled him intensely, invading his thoughts with the meaning of life and death. The wandering began as to why traditional beliefs were held by a family that could witness such great grief. Rats came to eat offerings made before the idol of Lord Shiva on the night of Maha Shivaratri, which was a significant event that further pushed him along the path of spiritual awareness. He then questioned how a god worshipped by millions could not save itself from the feet of a mere rat. Idol worship and blind faith began to crumble in his mind.

With a vow to discover the truth, at the age of 21, he left home and traversed India, meeting with scholars and saints in search of the true spirit of Hinduism.

Dwelling on being Dayanand Saraswati

After long years of rigorous study and spiritual discipline, Mool Shankar finally came under the protection of Swami Virajananda, a blind saint in Mathura. Virajananda was very strict and believed in going back to the original tenets, the teachings of the Vedas. Under his teaching, Mool Shankar delved deep into the ancient Hindu scriptures and came to see that Hindu society had strayed far from the original purposes of the Vedas.

His guru named him ‘Dayanand Saraswati‘- a person who finds joy in compassion. He packed and left now with knowledge and a mission to reform Hindu society by bringing it back to the Vedic inheritance.

The Formation of Arya Samaj

Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj in Bombay, in 1875. This movement was based on the principle that now, after centuries, the only redemption for Hinduism seemed to be the Vedic concept among which he identified the highest ultimate truth. No idol worship, castes, or compulsory rituals were accepted in this Hindu society in the shadow of idol worship, caste discrimination, and blind rituals that had crept into the Hindu society.

The movement presented its ten points emphasizing truth, moral values, and self-discipline.

• Belief in one supreme God

• Rejection of idol worship
• Encouragement of women’s education
• Opposition to child marriage
• Support for widow remarriage
• Promotion of education for all, including lower castes
• Service to humanity

The Arya Samaj played a vital role in reviving Hinduism and bringing social reform across India.

Social and Religious Reforms

Dayanand Saraswati worked tirelessly to remove social evils and improve society. His key contributions include:

1. Anti-Caste Discrimination

He held a stubborn conviction against the inflexible caste structure with which Hindu society had been afflicted for centuries. He contended that worth should be measured concerning a person’s action (karma) and not birth. Dayanand Saraswati also held the belief that all human beings are equal and must have access to education and social mobility.

2. Education for Women

From a period when women had no freedom to attain education and were bound to carry out duties in the household, Dayanand Saraswati was an advocate of women’s education. He believed that educated women would thus strengthen families and society. Arya Samaj themselves established several schools and colleges for girls to promote literacy and empowerment.

3. End of Superstitions and Blind Faith

He fought against superstitions and blind faith that had taken deep root in society. He encouraged people to question beliefs and practices that had no logical or scriptural basis. He also promoted the idea of logical reasoning and scientific temper in religious and daily life.

Revival of Vedic Knowledge 

Dayanand Saraswati advocated the Vedas’ importance as the purest form of knowledge. He told people to read the Vedas and understand them rather than blindly following religious leaders in the same preaching. He further translated the Vedas into simpler languages so that common people could understand them. 

Campaign Against Child Marriage and Sati 

He campaigned vigorously against the social vices of child marriage and Sati (burning of widows alive on their husband’s funeral pyre). These efforts revived reform in these areas and became a source of inspiration for future leaders against injustice.

Impact on the Indian Freedom Movement

Dayanand Saraswati’s influence extended beyond religious reform. Many of India’s liberation fighters, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, were inspired by his battle for “Swaraj” (self-rule). Indians began to be energized to move against the British and challenge British rule on grounds of justice thanks to his instructions. Arya Samaj took an active interest in inciting nationalism and swadeshi movements.

His Writings and Teachings

Dayanand Saraswati composed some books and commentaries to popularize his teachings. His best-known work, Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth), is a comprehensive analysis of Hinduism, its positives, and the reforms required. In this work, he interpreted the real nature of the Vedas and denounced practices contrary to human welfare.

Death and Legacy

Dayanand Saraswati’s changes outraged a lot of traditional groups, who resisted those who stood to gain from the status quo. His cook, who had been bought off by those who disagreed with his views, poisoned him in 1883. On October 30, 1883, he passed away from the poisoning despite all medical interventions.

His teachings endure despite his passing. Even today Arya Samaj works for equality education and social improvement.

Conclusion

Dayanand Saraswati was not just a spiritual leader, but he was a revolution in his thoughts, really transforming the face of Hinduism. The teachings he gave on truth, self-reliance, and righteousness continue to inspire generations today.

The Arya Samaj remains a strong force behind the establishment of education and the reformation of society as founded by Dayanand. His thoughts on equality, the independence of women, and rejecting superstitious practices have brought forth marks on a progressive society. Even in the 21st century, his vision transcended time because it continues to shine bright for people today, towards a rational and wrought enlightened approach to living.

His legacy reminds us that true religion is about keeping an eye on knowledge, human injustice, and striving for a better world. Following such ideologies, we could pay tribute to him and his teachings to work towards a society based on truth and wisdom.

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