Arya Samaj

Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883), was more than just a religious leader. The founder of the Hindu reform organisation Arya Samaj, he left a deep impact on the Indian society and the concept of religion. Swami Dayanand established the Arya Samaj on April 7, 1875 in Bombay, with 10 principles that are beautifully based purely on God, soul and nature.

TThe organisation brought about immense changes in the religious perceptions of Indians.

By establishing this community, he enshrined the idea that "all actions should be performed with the prime objective of benefiting.Mankind", as opposed to following dogmatic rituals of revering idols and symbols.

Dayanand Saraswati's main message was for the Hindus to go back to the roots of their religion, which are the Vedas. By doing this, he felt that Hindus would be able to improve the depressive religious, social, political, and economic conditions prevailing in the country at the time.

Swami Dayanand Saraswati brought about a complete overhaul of the education system of India by introducing Anglo-Vedic schools to offer students an updated curriculum -- imparting both the knowledge of the Vedas and contemporary English education.

His logical, scientific and critical analysis of faiths like Christianity and Islam as well as Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism, opened the eyes of many.

He voiced his opinions against idolatry and the pointless emphasis on empty ritualism, and stood against manmade dictates such as caste by birth and women-exclusion from reading Vedas.