List of books written by Dayanand Saraswati

Dayanand Saraswati was a Hindu religious leader and founder of the Arya Samaj, a reform movement of the Vedic tradition. He was a staunch advocate of the Vedas and worked towards the revival of Vedic ideologies. Here are some notable works written by him, along with brief descriptions:

1. Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth) (1875):

• This is Dayanand Saraswati’s most famous work, written in Hindi. It outlines his vision for a reformed society based on Vedic principles and criticizes various practices and beliefs that he considered superstitious or corrupt. The book advocates for monotheism, the authority of the Vedas, and social reforms such as the abolition of caste discrimination and child marriage.

2. Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika (1876):

• This work serves as an introduction to Dayanand Saraswati’s commentary on the Vedas. It provides insights into his approach to interpreting the Vedas, emphasizing rationality, and rejecting interpretations that, in his view, were influenced by later corruptions and misinterpretations.

3. Ved Bhashya (1876-1879):

• This is a comprehensive commentary on the Vedas, written in Sanskrit. Dayanand Saraswati sought to present the Vedas in their original form and argued against the misinterpretations that had crept into Hinduism over the centuries. He emphasized the importance of understanding the Vedas in their historical and linguistic context.

4.Sanskar Vidhi (1877):

• This book outlines the rituals and ceremonies prescribed in the Vedas for various life events such as birth, marriage, and death. Dayanand Saraswati intended to simplify and purify these rituals, removing what he saw as superstitious elements and restoring their Vedic essence.

5. Rigvedadi Bhashya (1877):

• This work is a detailed commentary on the Rigveda, one of the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism. Dayanand Saraswati provides explanations and interpretations of the hymns, aiming to clarify their meanings and show their relevance to contemporary life.

6. Aryabhivinay (1877):

• This book is a collection of hymns and prayers used in the rituals of the Arya Samaj. It reflects the reformist and rationalist ideals of Dayanand Saraswati, emphasizing devotion to a single, formless God and the rejection of idol worship.

7. Yajurved Bhashya (1879):

• Another commentary on one of the Vedas, this book focuses on the Yajurveda. Dayanand Saraswati interprets the hymns and rituals described in this Veda, advocating for their significance in maintaining a moral and ethical society.

8. Gokarunanidhi (1880):

• This book, also known as “Ocean of Mercy to the Cow,” highlights the importance of cow protection in Hindu culture. Dayanand Saraswati argues for the sacredness of the cow and its central role in agrarian society, urging for the protection of cows from slaughter.

Dayanand Saraswati’s works have had a profound impact on Hindu thought and practice, promoting a return to the original Vedic principles and encouraging social and religious reforms. His writings continue to influence the Arya Samaj and other reformist movements within Hinduism.