Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883) was an Indian philosopher, social leader, and the founder of the Arya Samaj, a reform movement in the Vedic tradition of Hinduism. He advocated for the revival of Vedic ideologies and denounced idolatry and ritualistic worship. Dayanand Saraswati called for "India for Indians" and was one of the first to advocate for Swaraj, or self-rule, in India.

Dayanand Saraswati was born as Mula Shankar Tiwari on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Kathiawad region (now Morbi district of Gujarat), India. He grew up in a devout Hindu Brahmin family and received formal education in his early years. However, after witnessing the limitations of idol worship and questioning the efficacy of rituals, he embarked on a spiritual journey.

For about 25 years, from 1845 to 1869, Dayanand Saraswati lived as a wandering ascetic, searching for religious truth. During this time, he practiced various forms of yoga and studied the Vedas. He became a disciple of Virajanand Dandeesha, who believed that Hinduism had deviated from its original teachings..

Throughout his life, Dayanand Saraswati faced several assassination attempts, but he survived them due to his regular practice of Hatha Yoga and his own resilience. He dedicated his life to promoting the principles of truth, justice, and the welfare of mankind.

In 1875, Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj, which aimed to reform Hinduism and promote Vedic principles. The Arya Samaj condemned practices such as idol worship, animal sacrifice, caste discrimination, child marriages, and superstitions. Dayanand Saraswati advocated for social reforms, including equal rights for women and education for all children.

He conducted debates and discussions with religious scholars and priests, challenging their practices and emphasizing the importance of the Vedas. Through his teachings, preaching, and writings, he aimed to educate people about the true essence of Hinduism and promote nationalism and spiritualism. Dayanand Saraswati's message of returning to the Vedas and rejecting superstitions influenced many thinkers and philosophers around the world.

Dayanand Saraswati also criticized other religions such as Islam, Christianity, Jainism, and Buddhism. He questioned their teachings and practices, often calling them out for what he perceived as inconsistencies or immoral aspects

Dayanand Saraswati's teachings and the Arya Samaj continue to have an impact in India and have influenced the broader Hindu reform movements. His emphasis on Vedic principles, social reforms, and the rejection of superstitions contributed to the shaping of modern India.