Arya Samaj

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 6:03 am Post subject:

Drowning of Idols

A number of Pauranik pandits had failed to prove the authenticity of idol worship in the Vedas, and were made to acknowledge their defeat.

Pt. Angad Shashtri, a renowned pandit, was invited to have a discourse with Swamiji. He tried his best but was so deeply persuaded by the clear logic and the evidence quoted from the Vedas, that he ultimately exclaimed, “Swamiji, what you are saying is the only truth.” He drowned his idols in the river Ganga, and several other pandits also followed him in this. This event brought great fame to Maharishi Dayanand.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 8:11 am Post subject:

Kashi Shastrarth: “What Is There To Be Afraid Of?”

Swami Dayanand’s preaching against idol worship and the defeat of a number of Pandits created a turmoil. But Swamiji knew that so long as Kashi, the stronghold of the Pauraniks, was not defeated, no significant change would be possible. So he went to Kashi, stayed in Anand-Bagh and started his preachings there.

The ruler of Kashi, Ishwar Prasad Narayan Singh, pursuaded Pandits for Shastrarth, which was arranged in Anand Bagh on 16th Nov. 1869. Large number of Pandits arrived along with Gundas as well. Swamiji’s deciple Baldeva expressed his apprehension at the large number of Gundas, but Swamiji observed, “What is there to be afraid of? God is one. I am one. True religion is also one.” This shows the confidence and the unshattered courage of Maharishi Dayanand.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 8:21 am Post subject:

Kashi Shastrarth: A Well-Planned Conspiracy

On the day of the Shastrarth at Anand-Bagh in Kashi, a large crowd of fifty to sixty thousand persons assembled, including the Pandits of Kashi, their supporters and also Gundas to reverse the result of Shastrarth by Gundaism. Pandit Bal Shashtri, Swami Vishuddhanand, Pandit Madhvacharya and all other pandits were on one side and on the other side there was Maharishi Dayanand alone. The ruler of Kashi occupied the presiding chair.

Maharishi started by saying, “If there is any mention of idol worship in the Vedas, please produce up the evidence.” No pandit could do it, and started to question unrelated topics, which were all replied to by Swamiji. As evening approached, Swami Vishuddhanand presented two sheets of paper to Swamiji. But before Swamiji had the chance to read what was written and reply, the Gundas raised a violent hue and cried, "Har - Har Mahadeo", which was supported by the ruler of Kashi and the meeting was immediately dissovled with no final decision.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 8:29 am Post subject:

Kashi Shastrarth: Victory For The Sun Of Truth

As if upon command, the Gundas began to throws stones, shoes, etc., aiming at Swamiji. The Kotwal (police officers) tried their best to protect him. The Pandits of Kashi later published false claims of their 'victory' and distributed pamphlets among the people. But the intelligent and imparital observers knew that the Pandits did not and could not produce any evidence from the Vedas in support of idol worship. Papers like ‘Hindu Patriot’ (7th Jan. 1870) published all the facts clearly. The monthly magazines ‘Gyan pradaini’, 'Pratna Kram Nandni', 'Rohel Khand' and ‘Tatva Bodhni’ also published the news of Swami Dayanand’s victory.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 8:41 am Post subject:

Swamiji: Kind-Hearted To His Devotees

Swamiji possessed a wonderful personality. By virtue of his deep learning and effective, fluent and authentic oration he attracted masses in the thousands, yet he did not have the least element of pride and extended his affection and kindness to everyone who came into contact with him.

One day his devotee, Pt. Krishna Ram Iccha Ram, suffered from a fever. When Maharishi Dayanand came to know about it, he went to his cottage and began to message his head. When Krishna Ram humbly requested him not to do so, the Maharishi, with all affection, said, “It is the duty of all of us to help and serve one another.”

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 8:50 am Post subject:

The Establishment Of The Arya Samaj

Maharishi Dayanand had devoted his life to the revival of the Vedas and the removal of social evils and blind belief. He also preached for political independence. In fact, his preachings covered all aspects of life. His devotees requested him to established an organisation which could continue his work after his eventual departure. So, on Chatra-Sudi-Panchmi 1932, Vikarami i.e. 7th April 1875, the Arya Samaj was established in the garden of Dr. Manak Chandji at Girgao, Bombay. It’s 28 Principles and By-Laws were then initially drafted. When the Arya Samaj was established at Lahore, the 10 Principles and By-Laws were finalized by Maharishi himself. In the beginning, the Arya Samaj had 100 members. Shri Girdhari Das D.Kothari was elected as President and Shri Pana Chandji Parekh as Secretary. Swamiji himself preferred to remain an ordinary member.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 8:58 am Post subject:

Stay at Poona

At the invitation of Justice Mahadeva Govind Ranade, Maharishi visited Poona. His powerful discourses against superstition, idol worship and religious pomp caused an uproar. As Swamiji left Poona, he was given a public farwell and was taken around the city in procession. Some persons who were against him raised insulting slogans, but none of this had an impact on Swamiji.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 3:27 pm Post subject:

The Delhi Darbar

A great royal darbar was organised at Delhi on 1st January 1877 by the British Rulers of India. Maharishi Dayanand considered it a good occasion to meet important persons and the rulers of the Indian states and to try and establish a degree of unanimity among the various religious groups. So, Swamiji arrived at Delhi on 17th December, 1876 and stayed at Anarbagh. Maharishi Dayanand was unable to meet the rulers of the Indian states, but he did meet individuals such as Shri Keshwav, Chandra Sen, Shri Naveen, Chandra Roy and Shri Kanhaiyalal Alakhdhari. These people appreciated Swamiji's views but were unwilling to accept the Vedas as divine scriptures and, sadly, no unanimity could be arrived at.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 3:33 pm Post subject:

Chandapur Discourse On Theism

In order to arrive at an unanimous conclusion on ideas of theism by means of argumentative discourse between scholars of different religiouns, two Kayasth landlord rbothers - Pyarelal and Mukta Prasad - invited Bishop T.J. Scot, Maulana Mohd Kasim of Devanand and Swami Dayanand as spokesmen of Chritianity, Islam, and Vaidika Dharma respectively. It was organised on the 19th and 20th March 1877 and only two topics were discussed, viz. (1) The source of the creation of the universe and (2) Salvation - it's nature and the means of it's attainment. Swami Dayanand reviewed the version of the Bishop and Maulvi and presented his views with evidence from the Vedas in a very lucid and effective way.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 3:42 pm Post subject:

The Satyarth Prakash

The Satyarth Prakash, The Light of Truth, a blessing from Maharishi Dayanand to humanity at large, is the essence of the thousands of books studied by Maharishi. The Satyarth Prakash contains 1542 evidences from the four Vedas and also from Brahmin Granths, Upanishads, the six Darshans (schools of philosophy), the Smritis, Puranas, the Sutra Granths, Jain and Buddhist scriptures, the Bible, the Koran and references from 373 books. It is like an encyclopedia of religion and a treasure house of ideas relating to every aspects of life. The land of Udaipur has the glorious fortune that there, at Navalkha Mahal, Maharishi Dayanand completed this great work and wrote its introduction on Bhadrapad Shukla Paksh in 1939 Vikrami, 1882 A.D.

In the picture along with Maharishi is Pandit Bhimsen who served Swamiji as a clerk.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 4:01 pm Post subject:

The Establishment of Shrimati Paropkarini Sabha

It appears swami Dayanand felt the approach of the time of his demise. In order that the mission of the revival of the Vedas would continue after him, he drafted his will during his Udaipur stay on Phalgun Krishna Panchami 1939 corresponding to 27th feb. 1883 and had the will registered in the court of Udaipur. At this time, Srimati Paropkarini Sabha was established.

Maharana Udaipur was the first Chairman. Among the other members, Shri Maha Deo Govind Ranade, Shri Gopal Hari DeshMukh, Shri Shyamji Krishna Verma were also nominated.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 4:02 pm Post subject:

The Ruler of Shahpura in Maharishi’s Company

After concluding his stay at Udaipur, Maharishi Dayanand arrived in Shahpura on the 8th of March, 1883 and stayed there in Nahar Niwas for about two and a half months. The ruler of Shahpura, Nahar Singhji, used to travel daily to Nahar Niwas and stayed there for an average of three hours, visiting Swamiji. He subsequently learnt Manu Smriti, Yoga Darshana and some parts of Vaisheshika Darshana.

He also brought about reforms in his state in economic, social and political areas. He initiated his son Ummad Singh as well as his grandson Sudershan Dev in the Vedic ceremonies and literature. Nahar Singhji was also elected as Chairman ‘Paropkarini Sabha’ in Dec. 1893 and served as such for the remainder of his life.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 4:09 pm Post subject:

Efforts to Reform Maharaja Jodhpur

Having succeded in causing a positive change in the life of Maharana of Udaipur Shri Sajjan Singhji, Maharishi Dayanand proceeded to Jodhpur for the same purpose, ignoring the advice of his well-wishers. During his stay at Jodhpur, Swamiji came to know about the evil vices of Maharaja Jaswant Singhji. One day, Maharishi Dayanand arrived at the Maharaja’s palace unannounced and saw a prostitute named Nanhi Bhagtan sitting beside the Maharaja who, upon seeing Swamiji approach, arranged to send her off.

Maharishi rebuked the Maharaja by saying, “Oh Maharaja! Rulers are like lions and prostitutes are like dogs. It is not proper for a lion to be lured by a dog, as it is against it's dignity." This made Nanhi Bhagtan a bitter enemy of Maharishi Dayanand, and she conspired to poison him.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 4:15 pm Post subject:

The Unparrelled Pardon

As per plan, on Ashwin Krishna Chaturdashi, corresponding to the 29th of Sept. 1883, Swamiji's cook, Jagan Nath, served Maharishi Dayanand poisoned milk. That night Swamiji felt uneasy and he knew that he had been poisoned. He called Jagan Nath and only said, “You do not understand the damage you have done to the public welfare, as by my untimely death, my work will be left incomplete.” Having said this, he gave five hundred rupees to Jagan Nath and advised him to run away to Nepal to escape persecution. So unparalleled was Maharishi’s pardon to the person who had fatally poisoned him.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 4:25 pm Post subject:

The Conspiracy

When Swamiji was planning to leave Shahpura for Jodhpur, people advised him not to go there, as many people of that area at the time were rude, backward and hard hearted. But Swamiji said he would under no circumstances desist from from preaching the Truth.

The apprehension of his friends proved well-founded. The conspiracy to kill Swamiji not only managed to administer a poison to Maharishi Dayanand, but also, to insure his death fully, they managed to include Dr. Ali Mardan, Swamiji's physician, as a co-conspirator. He administred over-doses of calomel which strengthened the effect of the poison he had been given. As a result, the situation worsened dramatically.

Shishya · Posted: Sun May 14, 2006 4:29 pm Post subject:

"O God! May Thy Will Prevail."

Maharishi Dayanand’s body was under extreme agony as poison had damaged the nerves of his body. But his patience, tolerance and calmness was astonishing, as if he was submerged in an unfathomable ocean of divine bliss.

It was Amavasya of Kartik. Maharishi Dayanand ordered all the doors, gates, windows and ventilators to be thrown open and started reciting Vedic hymns. He went into the state of Samadhi. He then opened his eyes and said, “O Omniponent Merciful God, if this is Thy Will, may Thy Will prevail.” He exhaled a deep breath and thus departed his soul.

Note: Many thanks go to Arya Samaj Jamnagar for these pictures.