Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti is an annual observance in India that celebrates the birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj and a prominent Hindu religious and social reformer. His contributions to religious reform, education, and the fight against social evils like caste discrimination, child marriage, and illiteracy have left a lasting impact on Indian society. Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti is observed on Rishi Bodh Utsav, which typically falls in February or March, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.

Date and Significance

• Date: The Jayanti is observed on the tenth day (Dasami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, which generally corresponds to February or March. In 2024, it will be observed on March 5.
• Significance: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati’s life and teachings continue to inspire millions. His birth anniversary is celebrated to honor his efforts in reviving Vedic traditions and encouraging rational thinking, and social justice.

Life of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati

• Birth: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati was born as Mool Shankar Tiwari on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, a village in Gujarat, India.
• Spiritual Quest: From a young age, Dayanand questioned religious practices, especially idol worship, and sought deeper spiritual truths. He embarked on a life of asceticism and traveled across India in search of enlightenment.
• Influence of the Vedas: Dayanand's teachings were deeply rooted in the Vedas. He believed that the Vedas contained the ultimate knowledge and should be the foundation of Hinduism. His call for a return to Vedic values became central to his teachings.
• Establishment of Arya Samaj: In 1875, Dayanand founded the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement that aimed to purify and modernize Hinduism by returning to the teachings of the Vedas. The Arya Samaj played a pivotal role in advocating for social reforms, education, and rationalism.
• Death: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati passed away on October 30, 1883, after being poisoned by a cook. Despite his untimely death, his legacy continues to live on through the Arya Samaj and his followers.

Key Contributions and Teachings

1. Back to the Vedas: Dayanand Saraswati’s central teaching was the phrase "Back to the Vedas." He believed that the Vedas were the eternal source of knowledge and wisdom and that many later Hindu practices, like idol worship and rituals, were distortions of the original Vedic religion.

2. Opposition to Idol Worship: He strongly opposed idol worship, which was a common practice in many Hindu traditions. He argued that God is formless and should be worshipped through meditation and the pursuit of truth, rather than through statues or images.

3. Social Reforms:

   • Caste System: Dayanand Saraswati criticized the rigid caste system, which discriminated against lower castes and untouchables. He promoted the idea of equality based on merit rather than birth.
   • Women's Rights: He advocated for the education of women and supported the remarriage of widows, which was considered taboo in his time.
   • Abolition of Child Marriage: He spoke out against the practice of child marriage and supported the marriage of individuals when they were mature and able to make informed decisions.

4. Promotion of Education: Dayanand Saraswati believed in the importance of universal education and founded gurukuls (Vedic schools) where boys and girls were taught the Vedas, along with other subjects like science, mathematics, and philosophy. His efforts contributed to the rise of modern education in India.

5. Satyarth Prakash: One of his most famous works, Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth), outlines his philosophy and critiques of contemporary Hindu practices. The book became a guide for the followers of the Arya Samaj and a source of inspiration for social reformers.

6. Advocate for Swaraj (Self-rule): Though primarily a religious leader, Dayanand Saraswati was one of the early proponents of Swaraj or self-rule for India, inspiring later political movements for independence.

Arya Samaj Movement

The Arya Samaj was established by Dayanand Saraswati as a reform movement aimed at reviving the Vedic values and promoting a rational approach to religion and social issues. It played a major role in the Indian freedom struggle, social reform, and education:

• Educational Institutions: The Arya Samaj set up many educational institutions, including DAV (Dayanand Anglo-Vedic) schools and colleges, which provided modern education based on Vedic principles.
• Social Upliftment: Arya Samaj was instrumental in the fight against caste discrimination, promoting inter-caste marriages and providing education and support to marginalized communities.
• Vedic Preaching: The Arya Samaj continues to preach Dayanand’s principles and encourages people to study the Vedas for spiritual and moral guidance.

Celebrations and Observance

• Special Prayers and Discourses: On Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti, special prayers and discourses are organized in Arya Samaj temples across India. Scholars and followers deliver lectures on his life, teachings, and contributions to society.
• Social Activities: Followers of the Arya Samaj engage in community service activities such as organizing free medical camps, promoting education, and raising awareness about social issues in honor of his teachings.
• Vedic Hymns and Rituals: The day is marked by the recitation of Vedic hymns and the performance of Vedic rituals like Havan (sacred fire rituals), symbolizing the purification of the mind and spirit.
• Debates and Competitions: Schools and colleges often host debates, essay competitions, and seminars to educate students about Dayanand Saraswati’s ideas and their relevance in modern times.
• Cultural Programs: Cultural programs showcasing Dayanand Saraswati's life, his contribution to the fight against social evils, and his advocacy for education and women’s rights are organized in various parts of India.

Legacy of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati

1. Influence on Indian Freedom Fighters: Maharishi Dayanand’s message of Swaraj and social reforms deeply influenced many Indian freedom fighters, including Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhagat Singh. His call for the removal of British rule inspired a sense of national pride and self-respect among Indians.

2. Modern Educational Institutions: The legacy of DAV schools and colleges, which follow the principles laid out by Maharishi Dayanand, continues to thrive in India and abroad. These institutions are known for blending modern education with traditional Vedic values.

3. Societal Reforms: Maharishi Dayanand’s fight against social evils like the caste system, child marriage, and gender discrimination has had a long-lasting impact on Indian society. His work laid the foundation for future reform movements in India.

4. Renaissance of Hinduism: Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati played a pivotal role in the revival of Hinduism by bringing people back to the study of the Vedas and promoting a rational, ethical, and spiritual approach to religion.

Conclusion

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti is a day to remember and honor one of India's greatest religious and social reformers. His teachings on Vedic values, equality, education, and rationalism continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a reformer and founder of the Arya Samaj has contributed significantly to shaping modern Indian society, promoting a blend of spiritual wisdom and social progress.