Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati 200th Birth Anniversary Stamp: A Tribute to the Torchbearer of Vedic Wisdom

The Department of Posts proudly released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 200th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati. This issue honors the life and contributions of a great reformer, visionary, and patriot who rekindled India’s spiritual and cultural awakening through the teachings of the Vedas.

Early Life and Awakening

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati was born as Moolshankar on February 12, 1824 (Falgun Krishna Dashami Vikram Samvat 1881) in Tankara village, Gujarat. Son of Karsan Ji Tiwari and Amritbai, young Moolshankar showed early curiosity about religion and rituals.

At the age of 19, inspired by deep questions during Shivratri fasting, he left home in search of truth and purity. His spiritual journey eventually led him to Mathura, where under the guidance of Guru Virjanand Dandi, he mastered Sanskrit grammar, Vedas, and scriptures. His Guru’s teachings inspired him to dedicate his life to correcting misinterpretations of the Vedas and reviving their true meaning.

A Reformer with a Mission

Dayanand Saraswati was deeply moved by the poverty, illiteracy, social evils, and superstitions prevalent in society. He realized that India had once led the world through Vedic wisdom, and pledged his life to re-establish Vedic knowledge and values.

In 1875, he founded the Arya Samaj in Mumbai, which became a driving force for social reform. Through his influential work, Satyarth Prakash, he spoke fearlessly on:

• Cow protection and Swadeshi movement
• The importance of Hindi and Sanskrit
• Women’s education and empowerment
• Equality and upliftment of marginalized communities
• Opposition to caste-based discrimination and untouchability

He firmly advocated that everyone has the right to read and live by the Vedas. His vision gave rise to movements for widow remarriage, inter-caste marriages, Dalit upliftment, and education for all through the Gurukul system.

Sacrifice and Legacy

Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati’s reformist zeal challenged superstitions, orthodoxy, and colonial dominance. His bold advocacy for social reform and patriotism made him a thorn in the side of the British. Tragically, at the age of 59, he was poisoned and passed away on October 30, 1883, in Ajmer, on the eve of Diwali.

Yet, his legacy endured. His efforts significantly contributed to the decline of regressive practices like sati, child marriage, polygamy, and untouchability. His thoughts remain timeless, continuing to inspire reforms and government policies even today.

200th Birth Anniversary and Stamp Release

On February 12, 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the logo of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati’s 200th birth anniversary celebrations. The logo symbolizes sacrifice, peace, and unity, while reaffirming that the Vedas are the eternal foundation of human life.

As part of this celebration, India Post issued the commemorative postage stamp honoring Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati. The stamp is not just a philatelic collectible but a reminder of his enduring message of truth, knowledge, and reform.

A Collector’s Tribute

For philatelists, the Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati 200th Birth Anniversary Stamp is a treasure that encapsulates the life of a great reformer who dedicated his existence to spreading Vedic knowledge and uplifting society.