Dayananda Saraswati, originally named Mool Shankar, was born on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat, India. At the age of 21, he had a profound spiritual experience after witnessing a group of ascetics performing yoga. This experience led him to renounce his worldly life and dedicate himself to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and Vedic studies.

In 1875, Dayananda founded the Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement aimed at reviving the principles of Vedic dharma and promoting social and religious reforms. Arya Samaj advocated for monotheism, the rejection of idol worship, and the promotion of Vedic education. Dayananda emphasized the importance of Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, as the ultimate source of knowledge.

Dayananda Saraswati was a strong advocate for social reforms. He condemned practices such as untouchability, caste discrimination, child marriage, and female infanticide. He promoted education for all, including girls, and advocated for the use of Hindi as a medium of instruction. His teachings inspired the establishment of educational institutions and the spread of Vedic knowledge.

Dayananda Saraswati was critical of other religions, particularly Christianity and Islam. He argued against their doctrines and conversion efforts, promoting the superiority of Vedic philosophy. His critiques, however, were aimed at theological differences and did not advocate intolerance or violence.

Dayananda Saraswati’s teachings and the Arya Samaj movement left a lasting impact on Hinduism and Indian society. His emphasis on Vedic principles, social reforms, and education contributed to the cultural and religious revival in India during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Arya Samaj has continued to influence Hindu religious practices and education in modern India.

Dayananda Saraswati passed away on October 30, 1883. His legacy as a religious reformer and philosopher endures, and his contributions to the social and religious fabric of India remain significant.