Tribute: Maharishi Dayananda Liberator of Humanity

Bhavesh Merja

Harshi Swami Dayananda Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj for the propagation of the Vedas and Vedic truths and the welfare of the entire mankind. He clearly wrote in the sixth rule of the Arya Samaj: 'The main aim of this Samaj is to benefit the world, that is to improve it physically, spiritually and socially.' He always spoke of the individual, family, society, nation, sovereign Chakravarti empire, religion and culture, keeping in mind the teachings of the Vedas. His deep study of Vedas and Vedic scriptures, yoga practice and the overall poverty of the country, which he saw with his own eyes after traveling around the country for years, were the reasons behind his entire thinking and actions. The basic basis of his ideology remained the four Vedas and Vedic scriptures. Maharishi Dayananda entered the field of work after completing the intensive study of Ashtadhyayi, Mahabhashya etc. grammar books for two and a half years with Guru Virjanandaji in Mathura. After preaching in North India for about ten years, he made his debut in Gujarat in 1874. He made a total of two brief visits to Gujarat, delivering lectures in Surat, Valsad, Bharuch, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Rajkot, and also studied scriptures with Pandits. Among those who conducted his lectures in Surat was poet Narmad. The Maharishi founded the world's first Arya Samaj in January 1875 at Rajkot. His lecture was also held at the famous Rajkumar College there. Birthplace was near Tankara, but did not go there. Maharishi had a strong influence in Ahmedabad also. Efforts were made to establish Arya Samaj there too. An English newspaper of January 14, 1874 and a weekly of January 7, 1875 detailed Maharishi's visit to Ahmedabad. After traveling to Gujarat, Maharishi continued to travel and preach in Punjab, North India, Rajasthan etc. throughout his life. He died prematurely in 1883 due to poison administered by the opponents in Jodhpur, so he could not return to Gujarat. It is certain that if he could have spent more time in Gujarat, the situation in Gujarat would have been different. Maharishi has sometimes used harsh language to refute the dogmas, heresies and kurtis that have taken root in the public mind. The solitary ascetic who raised a revolt against heresies, injustices and corruption, expressed at one place or another his pious indignation, which in the words of the Vedas is 'manyu', the eternal urge against evils inspired by benevolence, but he never used vulgar, indecent or unparliamentary language. did not The Maharishi carried out a campaign of pedagogy, refutation of heresy, public awareness, dharma protection and social reform. Hence, as a revolutionary religion and social reformer, the harsh language he used at some places was quite timely. Dayananda was a sage of the modern age as well as a religious explorer and social reformer. He was also an ardent warrior to defeat the evil forces that were eroding our religious, social and national life. Hence to understand their language it is necessary to understand the current scenario properly. Maharishi Dayananda has always talked about the unity of mankind. He was quintessentially a Yogi, a God-worshipper and a well-wisher of the whole human society. His vision was broad. He said that by forgetting the Vedic religion, our Indian society has divided into many sects, the consequences of which we have been suffering for thousands of years. Hence the slogan of 'unity in diversity' may sound interesting, but welfare lies in unity and unity of true views and ideas. Maharishi continued to struggle throughout his life to build such a true unity. The Maharishi honored the Vedas in the highest place. Commentaries on it in Hindi, so that people can understand. Gurukula education was given priority by establishing the ideal of celibacy. He himself was a great scholar of Sanskrit and despite being a Gujarati wrote all his texts in Hindi and popularized and empowered Hindi and made it the national language. He explained the importance of Goraksha and wrote a book called Gokarunanidhi which showed the necessity of protection and breeding of all useful animals like cow, buffalo, goat etc. and the vices of cow slaughter and meat eating. After the revolt of 857, he kept the flame of nationalism alive in the country. His inspiration gave birth to many revolutionaries, martyrs and patriots in the country, whose shared courage gave the country freedom. The Maharishi raised a revolt against superstitions, superstitions, heresies, superstitions, idolatries, communal rigidities, useless rituals, casteism, unscientific beliefs, etc., which paved the way for renaissance in the country. Thus he was truly the forerunner of the New Enlightenment and the liberator of humanity. }