Introduction

Who hasn’t heard of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, one of India's most esteemed social reformers? People celebrate his birthday every year on the tenth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) month, typically in February or March.

How about Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2024? When will it occur? We will address this question and discuss some common practices on this special day. 

When Will the Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2024 Take Place?

It is on March 6th, 2024 (Image source: Pixahive). 

As mentioned earlier, Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti is observed on the 10th day of Krishna Paksha (waning moon) month. In 2024, it falls on March 6th, according to the Hindu calendar.

Therefore,  March 6th, 2024, is the official date for Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti this year.

Want to know when this birth anniversary will take place in the next 5 years (2025 to 2030)? You can refer to our summary chart for more information: 

What To Know About Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti

He is one of the most important social reformers in India (Image source: Picryl). 

1. Who Is Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati?

Dayananda Sarasvati, India’s famous social reformer and Hindu monk, founded the Arya Samaj in 1875. The name “Arya Samaj” refers to a movement in Hinduism that aims to go back to the teachings of Vedas, the oldest scriptures in India, regarding both spiritual and worldly matters.

A Look Into His Background 

Dayananda grew up in a privileged Brahman family and received a traditional education. However, his perspective dramatically shifted when he reached 14, during a night-time vigil at a temple close to his home. 

While others slept, he saw the mice destroy the temple's idol while running to the food put in front of it, leading him to question the sense of idol worship. These doubts only deepened when his beloved uncle passed away 5 years later. To seek answers, he explored Yoga and eventually joined a group of ascetics.

Over the following 15 years, Dayananda traveled across India to pursue spiritual truth. He became a follower of Swami Virajananda and committed himself to restoring Vedic Hinduism. After a debate with several Hindu scholars from Benares, the man soon gained attention for his beliefs, which led to the establishment of the Arya Samaj in Bombay in 1875.

Achievements 

Despite some of Dayananda's extravagant claims about the Vedas (such as the descriptions of modern technology like electricity), he championed significant social changes.

He objected to child marriage, advocated Vedic education for all castes, promoted widows' remarriage, and established many charitable and educational institutions. Arya Samaj also played a significant role in reawakening Indian nationalism before independence.

Later Years

Dayananda's life ended amidst his public criticism aimed at a controversial princely ruler, with suspicions of poisoning by the ruler's supporters - though this was never proven in court.

2. The Story Behind Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti

Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati was named Mool Shankar Tiwari since he was born under Mool Nakshatra and the Sagittarius zodiac sign (according to Vedic Astrology). Though not yet confirmed, that might be the reason why Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti is always celebrated on the 10th day of the waning moon month.

Other Facts You Should Know About Swami Dayananda Saraswati

1. He had been a monk since childhood.

2. Dayanand Saraswati was the one who rallied Hindus, a message that was later embraced firmly by Lokmanya Tilak.

3. After losing both his uncle and sister to Cholera, Dayanand turned inward and came to see life as meaningless. When his family arranged a marriage for him as a teenager, he refused and left home, spending 25 years wandering in the Himalayan mountains and forests to find peace and answers to his questions.

4. Dayanand aimed to follow the teachings of the Vedas and believed that people would thrive if they lived with a spirit of brotherhood. 

Hence, he sought to free society from the control of priests who dominated the world of scripture. His goal was for society to go back to the old lifestyle described in the Vedas.

5. Many well-known figures, such as Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Veer Savarkar, and others, were avid supporters of his teachings.

6. Both Indian Presidents, Sri Aurobindo and S. Radhakrishnan, hailed him as the one who made India. 

7.

About 800 colleges, inspired by his reforms and ideas, operate throughout the country, which reflects his enduring legacy.

8. Dayananda Saraswati authored over 60 works. One of the most significant is "Satyarth Prakash,” a treatise on the Vedas.

9. Maharshi Dayanand strongly supported the concepts of Reincarnation and Karma.

10. In a nationwide debate titled "Does the Vedas endorse deity worship?" held in Varanasi, Dayanand Saraswati single-handedly defeated 12 pandits and 27 scholars in front of more than 50,000 people.

11. Dayanand founded Gurukuls, where all his followers learned the Vedas principles. 

On June 1st, 1886, the first Dayanand Anglo Vedic High School was established, Lala Hansraj being chosen as its headmaster. The school's curriculum incorporated contemporary education with Vedic knowledge.

His followers formed the Dayanand Anglo Vedic College Trust & Management Society after his passing.

12.  Dayanand was the first person in the entire India to advocate for India's freedom from Britain in 1876.

13. Dayanand strongly advocated for equal rights and emphasized the importance of uplifting women and underprivileged sections of society.

14. This man placed great importance on preserving faith’s purity. He actively promoted Ahimsa/non-violence exercises due to his belief in the sanctity of human life. Furthermore, he also opposed social evils such as caste segregation and superstitions.

What Are The Principles Of Arya Samaj?

He penned down ten significant Arya Samaj principles that are followed by millions worldwide:

1. The goal of Arya Samaj is to steer Hinduism away from unfounded beliefs. Its motto, "Krinvan to Vishvam Aryam," translates to "Make the world noble."

2. God is the source of all true knowledge and everything we know through knowledge.

3. he Vedas have always been the ultimate source of true knowledge. We must study, teach, recite, and listen to them.

4. God is real, intelligent, blissful, formless, just, all-knowing, merciful, eternal, unchanging, beginning-less, unparalleled, omnipresent, the foundation of all, the ruler of all, the creator of all, ageless, fearless, immortal, eternal, and holy. He is deserving of worship.

5. The primary object of Samaj is to benefit the world by promoting the spiritual, physical, and social well-being of all.

6. Humans must always seek truth and renounce falsehoods. All actions should be carried out under Dharma after discerning right from wrong.

7. We should reject ignorance (Avidya) and promote knowledge (Vidya). 

8. Love, justice, and righteousness should always guide our interactions with others.

9. We should not be satisfied with pursuing our own well-being alone. Rather, we should seek our own welfare in promoting others’.

10. Arya Samaj does not just aim for the spiritual rejuvenation of Indian society. It also works toward the eradication of many social issues.

What To Do To Celebrate Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2024

You can spread awareness about his contribution (Image source: Pexels). 

1. Individual Practices

Puja and Meditation

People often perform a puja (worship ritual) at home, offering prayers and chanting mantras dedicated to Swami Dayananda Saraswati. 

You can also dedicate time to meditation and reflecting on his teachings and ideals.

Reading and Study

This is a great occasion to read more about the life and teachings of Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Many resources are available online or in libraries, covering his biography, philosophy, and social reforms.

Fasting and Abstinence

Some devotees observe a full or partial fast on this day, practicing self-control and dedication to spiritual pursuits.

Helping Others

Of course, do not forget to engage in acts of charity on this special day. Some volunteer their time to a cause aligned with Swami Dayananda Saraswati's values. Others simply perform small acts of kindness for others.

2. Community Activities

Attend Gatherings

You should participate in gatherings organized by the Arya Samaj or other communities celebrating Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti. These events often involve speeches, devotional singing, discussions, and more.

Contribute to Educational Events

Do you have expertise in a relevant area? Consider contributing to seminars or workshops on a chosen topic related to Swami Dayananda Saraswati's teachings or social reforms.

Spread Awareness

Have no time for a ritual or community event? No worries. The least you can do is share information about Dayananda's life and legacy on social media or within your local community, educating others about his contributions!

Is It A Public Holiday?

Most businesses are still open on this day (Image source: Flickr). 

Yes, but it is an optional holiday. 

There is a list of all optional holidays in India, and employment laws allow workers to select a few from that list. While some may take their day off work on Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti, most businesses and offices usually stay open.

Conclusion

Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti 2024 is around the corner, and we’re sure you can’t wait to join the celebrations and spread awareness about his impact. Let us know what you are up to in the comment section below!