Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti is observed every year on the 10th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalguna.
The day honors the birth anniversary of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati who was a great spiritual leader, social reformer, and philosopher.
His principles and teachings have inspired millions worldwide and and the day is observed with great reverence across India especially in regions like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.
The Origin of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti has been observed for over a century to observe the birthday of this notable figure.
Although the exact founding date of the celebration is not recorded, it has been celebrated by Arya Samaj followers and admirers of Dayanand Saraswati’s vision since his passing in 1883.
The day commemorates his contribution to the revival of Vedic knowledge, the promotion of social reforms, and his work against practices like idol worship and untouchability.
Maharishi Dayanand’s thoughts and actions laid the foundation for the Arya Samaj, a movement that significantly influenced the religious and social landscape of India.
About Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, born in 1824 in Gujarat, India, was a revolutionary figure in the history of Indian philosophy and social reform.
A staunch advocate of Vedic principles, he believed in the supremacy of the Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge and truth.
Rejecting the blind rituals and practices prevalent in society, he called for a return to the authentic teachings of the Vedas.
In 1875, he founded the Arya Samaj, a social and religious organization that sought to promote education, equality, and scientific reasoning.
Dayanand's efforts were directed at eradicating social evils like child marriage, untouchability, and the oppression of women, urging for the education and empowerment of women and advocating for widow remarriage.
His famous work, Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth), laid down his vision of a reformed society based on rationality, morality, and devotion to the Vedic ideals.
Dayanand's emphasis on social justice, his critique of caste discrimination, and his calls for the modernization of Hindu society left an indelible mark on India’s intellectual and social landscape.
His legacy continues to influence not only the religious and social reform movements but also India's modern educational and cultural values.
How Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti is Celebrated
Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially by followers of the Arya Samaj.
On this day, people gather at Arya Samaj temples to honor his memory and teachings.
The celebration includes prayers, readings from his book “Satyarth Prakash” (The Light of Truth), and speeches highlighting his contributions to Indian society.
A key feature of the celebration is the Yajna (fire sacrifice), where devotees offer prayers for the betterment of society and the spiritual uplifting of individuals.
Hymns and devotional songs based on the teachings of Dayanand Saraswati are sung in temples and community centers.
Educational institutions run by the Arya Samaj often organize events such as debates, lectures. They also hold performances to spread awareness about Maharishi Dayanand's principles of equality, rational thinking, and social justice.
