Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2026 Date - Founder Of Arya Samaj

Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti celebrates the birthday of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj. Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti 2026 date as per Hindu Tithi is February 12. He was born on the 10th day of waning phase of moon or Krishna Paksha Dasami Tithi in Falgun month. His birthday as per Gregorian calendar is on February 12, 1824.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati established the foundation of Arya Samaj in 1875. The primary objective of Arya Samaj is to do good to the whole world by improving the physical, spiritual and social conditions of society. Today, the presence of Arya Samaj is felt in more than 100 countries.

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, as he was popularly known to the world, yearned for ‘Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam’ – to make the entire world a group of good people.

Satyarth Prakash, meaning the light of truth, is the most important text and guide of the Arya Samaj. It was written by Swami Dayananda Saraswati to propagate the true teachings of the Vedas.

Dayanand Ji was one of the first Indians to think about India's freedom through an independent Indian Government which is evident from his book Satyarth Prakash in which he has clearly mentioned that ‘Swarajya is sarvopari uttam.’

Arya Samaj upholds the true Vedantic tradition and is actively working to remove social evils like casteism, untouchability, dowry, child marriage, atrocities on women etc. and support widow marriage, equality, girl education. The organization works relentlessly to spread the message of Vedas – Vedanta found in the Upanishads.

Chronology of important incidents in the life of Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824 – 1883)

 Early Life (1824–1846)

• 12 February 1824 – Born as Mool Shankar Tiwari in Tankara, Kathiawar (present-day Gujarat) in a Brahmin family.

• Raised in a deeply religious Shaivite household.

• Childhood Incident (Shivaratri) – Saw a mouse climbing over the Shiva idol and eating offerings; this deeply shook his faith in idol worship.

• Received early education in Sanskrit, Vedas, and Hindu scriptures from his father.

• Around 1846 – Left home at age 21 in search of truth after refusing marriage and questioning ritualistic practices.

Years of Wandering & Spiritual Quest (1846–1860)

• Travelled across India as a wandering ascetic.

• Studied various philosophical systems and scriptures.

• Practiced intense meditation and austerities.

• Met several scholars and spiritual teachers during this period.

Meeting with Guru Virajananda (1860)

• 1860 – Met Swami Virajananda in Mathura, a blind Sanskrit scholar.

• Became his disciple and studied Vedas deeply.

• Took a vow to spread true Vedic knowledge and eradicate ignorance and superstition.

• Adopted the name Swami Dayananda Saraswati.

Public Preaching & Reform Movement (1860–1875)

• Began public debates against idol worship, caste by birth, child marriage, and superstitions.

• Promoted:

  • Return to the Vedas

  • Equality

  • Women’s education

  • Widow remarriage

• Gained recognition as a powerful orator and reformer.

Founding of Arya Samaj (1875)

• 10 April 1875 – Founded Arya Samaj in Bombay (Mumbai).

• Motto: “Back to the Vedas.”

• Aimed at social reform and revival of Vedic religion.

• Later established Arya Samaj branches in Lahore and other cities.

 Literary Contributions

• 1875 – Wrote "Satyarth Prakash" (The Light of Truth) – His most important work.

• Wrote commentaries on the Vedas.

• Promoted Hindi as a national language.

Final Years & Death (1883)

• Invited to Jodhpur by Maharaja Jaswant Singh.

• Criticized immoral practices at the royal court.

• A court conspiracy led to his cook poisoning him.

• 30 October 1883 – Passed away in Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Historical Significance

• Pioneer of Hindu reform movement.

• Strongly opposed caste discrimination by birth.

• Influenced Indian nationalism and leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai and Swami Shraddhananda.

• Played a major role in social and religious reform in 19th-century India.