150 Years of Arya Samaj: A Spiritual Renaissance

Speech of Pandit Brahm Dev Vedalankar on maharishi dayanand

Respected Gathering, Esteemed Office Bearers and Workers of Arya Samaj Sakkarpur, Beloved Children, and Honorable Acharya seated on the Vyas Peeth,

Today is a truly auspicious day for all Aryas. On this Sunday, which also marks the Navami of the new Hindu year, we celebrate the birth anniversary of our revered Arya icon, Maryada Purushottam Shri Ramchandra Ji.

In truth, there come moments in all our lives when we draw inspiration from the life of Lord Ram. We look up to him for strength and guidance. Remember, this is the land of Bharat—whose ideals are personified in Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati.

In today’s society, people become overnight sensations through short reels and OTT fame, often forgetting that the true superstar, above all others, is Shri Ramchandra Ji. Despite all the wealth, food, clothing, and conveniences in modern society, there is still a severe lack of values and deep thinking. The reason for this is our departure from ideal role models.

When we are struggling in life, mentally or emotionally exhausted, if we are reminded of our roots—"You are a follower of Rishi Dayanand," "You revere Maryada Purushottam Ram," "You are a descendant of Yogiraj Krishna"—this awareness itself strengthens our thoughts and character. Life is full of challenges; it is a battleground of duties and responsibilities. If we become even slightly careless, we may lose everything.

So first, I bow to Shri Ramchandra Ji, who gives meaning to our existence. And second, I bow to Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, the harbinger of India’s spiritual renaissance, who reminded us that our true ideals are not just mythical, but deeply rooted in our heritage—Ram, Krishna, Chanakya, Rishi Kanada, Gautam—all visionaries of this land.

Let us remember: Arya Samaj was established on 10 April 1875 in Mumbai by Maharishi Dayanand with one primary aim—to unite all castes, sects, and communities under one Vedic banner, under the symbol of ‘Om’. Swami Dayanand's dream was to integrate fragmented Indian society into one brotherhood of Aryas.

Sadly, today we lack knowledge of his life because we don’t invest time in self-study. Our ideals are indeed Dayanand, but we neither read about him nor listen to scholars who share his wisdom. The last time I was here, I had begun to narrate his life story, especially his arduous journey to find a true Guru.

Let me share two observations that bring me sorrow:

1. Rishi Dayanand studied in Mathura. But the current condition of the place he stayed in—Guthia—is so dismal it can distress any sincere devotee.

2. He brought the Vedas back into the lives of Indians. One of the core tenets of Arya Samaj is: “The Vedas are the books of all true knowledge.” Reading, teaching, and listening to the Vedas is not just a duty—it is the supreme duty of all Aryas.

Just like a devout Hindu keeps the Ramayana at home, or a believer of another faith keeps their holy scripture, can we not make a solemn vow—on this 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj’s founding—to read at least one Vedic mantra a day? If not daily, then every alternate day, or at the very least once a week.

Swami Dayanand’s mission began with his publication of the “Sandhya” booklet, which compiled and explained the Vedic mantras used in daily prayers. A generous man once donated ₹1500 for its printing in 1866—a huge amount back then—and 3,000 copies were distributed freely to promote this spiritual discipline.

Swami Dayanand believed that true transformation in life can come only through regular Sandhya (daily prayer) and yogic practices. Today, as we celebrate the birth of Shri Ram, we must ask why people across the world, irrespective of faith or tradition, feel a spiritual energy on Ram Navami. It is because Shri Ram lived by what he preached. Greatness is not measured by wealth or fame, but by the alignment between one’s words and actions.

Swami Dayanand emphasized that we must embody our values in our behavior. Let me share a powerful anecdote from his life. While reading from a book called Panchadashi, he came across a passage suggesting that even God may err or fall into doubt. He immediately closed the book and declared he would no longer speak on that subject. He said, “God can never be deluded. He is omnipotent, omnipresent, and pure truth.” That was his commitment to truth.

Swami Dayanand lived simply—he wore unstitched clothes and was accompanied only by a cook and a humble Brahmin assistant. He came to the conclusion that until the knowledge of the Vedas is re-established, India cannot progress spiritually. He traveled extensively—to Agra, Kishangarh, Pushkar, and many other towns—spreading Vedic wisdom and urging people to use temple donations for the welfare of scholars and society, not for personal gain.

At Pushkar, even the Mahant of the Brahma temple was influenced by his teachings. Swamiji told him that wealth should be used for noble deeds, and one must never fall into immoral conduct.

Later, he arrived in Ajmer and engaged in a bold debate with Christian missionaries. On the fourth day, the topic was: “Is Jesus God? Did he resurrect after death?” Swamiji categorically denied both, stating such beliefs contradict Vedic truth. When a priest named Shulbread warned him of arrest, Swami Dayanand replied fearlessly, “No threat of prison can deter me from speaking the truth.”

Toward the end of his journey, Swamiji returned to his Guru, Virjanand Ji, in Mathura. He gifted him two gold coins and a fine muslin cloth and recited his manuscript Bhagwat Khandan, seeking his guru’s feedback and blessings.

This reminds me of an old teaching: when you visit your elders—be it your guru, your parents, or grandparents—never go empty-handed. And as Krishna says in the Gita, approach your teacher with questions and humility, and you shall gain wisdom.

Dear mothers and gentlemen, true life is one of gratitude—not just toward our teachers and parents, but toward our nation and culture. The one who remains grateful shines from within, remains wise, and never loses composure in adversity.

Let us remember, despite the countless hardships Swami Dayanand faced, he never let go of his inner wisdom. Today, as we celebrate the birth of Shri Ramchandra Ji, let us offer this prayer to the Supreme Lord:

"O Divine One, O Father of the Universe, grant us strength so that our path may align with Shri Ram, Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, Yogiraj Shri Krishna, and the ideals of Arya Samaj."

If we follow these thoughts in life, then celebrating Ram Navami and the 150th anniversary of Arya Samaj becomes truly meaningful. When our ideals are Ram, Krishna, and Rishi Dayanand, we are assured that in the end, Dharma will prevail, and Adharma will be vanquished.

Yes, life will present obstacles and trials, but when you live with conviction and devotion, nothing can stand in your way.