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Swami Dayananda Saraswati was a strong supporter of women’s rights. He promoted equal opportunity for women and even fought for their access to an education.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati was among the first to call for Swaraj. (Image: Shutterstock)
Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2025: Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Swami Dayananda Saraswati who was a great Hindu philosopher and social reformer. He was the founder of Arya Samaj, who fought against women’s inequalities and social discrimination. He was born as Mool Shankar Tiwari into a prominent Hindu Brahmin family in 1824 in Gujarat. He was a self-taught leader who played an important role in the abolition of social evils such as child marriage and Sati.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati also implemented educational reforms, allowing women to obtain access to education and other rights. Among his prominent works are Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika, Satyarth Prakash and Sanskar Vidhi.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2025: Date
Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti is celebrated every year on the 10th day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalguna. This year, it will be celebrated on February 23 and will mark the social reformer’s 201st birthday.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2025: Significance
Swami Dayananda Saraswati was a strong supporter of women’s rights. He promoted equal opportunity for women and even fought for their access to an education. The day is spent remembering his teachings and following his footsteps to become a better person.
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati’s book Satyarth Prakash, contributed to the revival of Vedic values in society. He was even referred to as one of the “Makers of Modern India” by influential figures like S Radhakrishnan and Sri Aurobindo.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati was among the first to call for Swaraj (self-rule) and coined the phrase “India for Indians” in 1876.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2025: Celebration
The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across the country, especially in Arya Samaj temples, schools, and other affiliates organise functions. They perform Havan, chant Mantras, and read Maharishi Dayananda’s teachings. The celebrations focus on his principles, Vedic wisdom and social reforms.
Schools and colleges hold essay competitions, debates and quiz contests on Swami Dayananda’s life and contributions. Arya Samaj organisations arrange free medical camps, food distribution and educational programmes.
Rishikesh has a special significance for this occasion because it is home to his ashram, making the ceremonies more profound than in other parts of the country. Yoga and meditation camps are organised in ashrams with a focus on self-awareness, discipline and Vedic philosophy.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2025: Quotes
- Prayer in any form is efficacious because it is an action. It will, therefore, have a result. That is the law of this universe in which we find ourselves.
- God has neither form nor colour. He is incorporeal and immense. Whatever is seen in the world describes his greatness.
- People should try to know God and imitate him in their works. Repetitions and ceremonials are of no use.
- People should never worship images. The spread of mental darkness is due to the prevalence of idolatry.
- What is crucial in dealing with loss is not to lose the lesson. That makes you a winner in the most profound sense.
- The highest form of service is to help a person who is incapable of thanking in return.
- Give the world the best you have and best will come back to you.
- The soul is one in its nature, but its entities are many.
- He is good and wise who always speaks the truth, acts on the dictates of virtue, and tries to make others good and happy.
- Beneficence removes evils, introduces the practice of virtue, and adds to general welfare and civilization.