Dayanand Saraswati

A Visionary Reformer and Patriot

Born as Mool Shankara on 12 February 1824 in Tankara, Gujarat, Swami Dayanand Saraswati emerged as one of India’s most influential spiritual and social reformers. Raised in a devout Samavedi Brahmin family, young Mool Shankara sought truth beyond rigid rituals and left home at the age of 19 in search of enlightened masters. At 24, he embraced the life of a Sannyasi and was renamed Dayanand Saraswati.

Guided by a Guru, Dedicated to Society

In 1860, Dayanand met his Guru, Swami Virjananda Saraswati, a visionary Sanskrit scholar from Mathura. As his dakshina, Dayanand vowed to dedicate his life to spreading true Vedic knowledge and eradicating ignorance from society. This promise became the cornerstone of his mission.

Torchbearer of Vedic Revival

In the 17th and 18th centuries, when the Vedas were dismissed as relics or misinterpreted by Western scholars, Swami Dayanand Saraswati gave the resounding call—“Back to the Vedas.” He revived the authentic methodology of Vedic interpretation and restored confidence in India’s ancient wisdom. His movement laid the foundation for the Arya Samaj, which championed social reform, education, equality, and the upliftment of marginalized communities.

Pioneer of Nationalism and Swaraj

Long before the rise of the Indian National Congress, Dayanand Saraswati was a pioneer of Indian nationalism. He was the first to use terms like “Swaraj” and “Swadeshi”, inspiring generations of freedom fighters.

Great leaders such as Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Ram Prasad Bismil, Sukhdev, and Shyamji Krishna Verma drew strength from his teachings. Lala Lajpat Rai called him his Dharma Pita (spiritual father), while Ram Prasad Bismil—author of the immortal patriotic poem Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna—was deeply influenced by his ideals.

Even Mahatma Gandhi praised his stand against untouchability, while Annie Besant hailed him as the first to declare, “India for Indians.”

Champion of Women’s Rights and Social Equality

Swami Dayanand Saraswati strongly opposed social evils such as untouchability, caste discrimination, and gender inequality. Through his deep study of the Vedas, he affirmed that women had held a respected position in Vedic society and deserved equal rights in education and social life. His reformist zeal challenged orthodoxy but laid the groundwork for a more just and inclusive India.

The Arya Samaj movement, inspired by his vision, went on to establish Dalitoddhar Sabhas and schools to uplift the marginalized and spread education.

Dayanand Saraswati Commemorative Stamp

To honor his enduring contributions as a social reformer, Vedic scholar, and patriot, the Department of Posts proudly issues the Dayanand Saraswati Commemorative Postage Stamp.

This philatelic tribute salutes his lifelong mission of reviving Vedic wisdom, promoting social reform, and inspiring India’s freedom struggle. Swami Dayanand Saraswati remains a beacon of courage, knowledge, and nationalism whose ideals continue to guide India on its path to progress.