About Arya Samaj ( आर्य समाज क्या है )
What is Arya Samaj?
The Arya Samaj was founded by Maharishi Swami Dayananda Saraswati, a scholar who believed in the authority of the Vedas. The motto of the Arya Samaj, taken from the Vedas, is "Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam" (Rig Veda 9.63.5) - Make ALL men arya (noble and cultured)." Hence, by being a part of a Noble Society (Arya Samaj), you enjoin with a commitment of becoming an arya (noble person), who gathers in religious assemblies to propagate the teachings of the Vedas, so that you can ennoble (make noble) those who aren't noble - Making the Universe Noble.
Purpose of Arya Samaj?
The society of the Arya Samaj was created in an effort to preserve the original values and beliefs of Hinduism as stated in the original scriptures of Hindus: The Vedas.
Views Of Arya Samaj
Women
"According to the Vedas, women of all races should be given an equal opportunity to education as men. At the time of the creation of the Arya Samaj, Hindu women were not allowed to study religious scriptures; they were not allowed to be priests or preach the word of God; they were denied access to education; they were treated as second class citizens below men; widows were treated as outcasts; they had to burn themselves on their husbands funeral pyre; their families were forced to produce a dowry before a man's family accepted them into their family; and they were forced into child marriages with older men. The Arya Samaj fought against all of these injustices then and continues to champion the rights of women all over the world. In many societies, you will find that only Arya Samaj women are given the opportunity to become Hindu priests.
Society
The Arya Samaj believes that every individual shall be judged by his character and actions and not by his birthright. Due to the unscrupulous manipulation of the caste system, those of high caste families were given honour and respect and those of low caste and their children were deemed "untouchables" and were ill-treated and suppressed. The Arya Samaj fought against these injustices against the untouchables and embraced them, educated them and welcomed them in their satsangs and religious gatherings. Our Arya Samaj Mandir upholds the tradition of simplicity of procedures and non-extravagance which is commonly associated with these marriages. Whether it is the love marriage, arranged marriage or the inter-caste and inter-religion marriages, we serve you with the best of our services to help you bond with your beloved for a life-time.
Education
The Arya Samaj pioneers education for all. In India , many institutions of learning (schools, colleges, gurukuls) were created for men, women and children. The Arya Samaj is very vociferous in encouraging the common man to learn and read the scriptures. This society is against the practice of having only one selected group of individuals indulging in the reading and preaching from the scriptures. Swami Dayanand believed in human equality and disapproved the birth-based caste system, untouchability, child marriage, and preventing widows from remarriage or a normal social life. Swami Dayanand firmly believed that through education people can be taught, for their spiritual uplift, to rise above the basics and understand the true nature and characteristics of God Almighty.
Social Welfare
The Arya Samaj plays an active role in the welfare of the needy. Many orphanages, homes for abused women and widows and homes for the elderly have been established in India and other parts of the world. The society is also involved in providing relief during times of famine, drought, earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Politics
The Arya Samaj propagates patriotism and dedication to serving the interest of one's nation and motherland. In the times of the British Rule in India , the Arya Samaj was one of the foremost organisations to champion the cause for political freedom and independence.
Religion
The Arya Samaj propagates the motto "Back to the Vedas" and promotes these scriptures as the one true source of all knowledge. The Arya Samaj holds the Vedic principle of monotheism - that there is ONE GOD who is formless, ever-existent and all powerful.
What Our Guru Says..
Arya Samaj consists of two words which have special significance. The word Arya implies a person who is noble, knows the difference between right and wrong, keeps an open mind and is ever ready to accept the truth. These are the characteristics of being truly Noble. The word Samaj means a group which collectively functions in the interests of social and spiritual uplift of society. Thus Arya Samaj constitutes a body which raises the social and religious awareness amongst individuals and helps them become noble. Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883) established the first Arya Samaj in April 1875 in Bombay (Mumbai) and later in Lahore then in British India . Swami Dayanand was a progressive social and religious reformer. His entire focus was based upon power of ideas and ideals. Swamai Ji started Sanskrit schools in many places to teach the language without which the spread of Vedic knowledge would not be possible. He established orphanages for the benefit of deprived children. He was a great votary of womens education, which was non-existent in India during his time. He firmly believed that social progress is not possible without imparting education to women. Thus, establishing schools for girls became the main focus for Arya Samaj organizations all over India . Swami Dayanand pointed to the dire need for a thorough study and research of ancient Indian literary works to weed out all interpolations that had crept into our sacred books because of foreign rules over India for more than a thousand years.
