Maharshi Dayanand Sarasvati: an autobiography, Part-2

In the previous article we knew that Maharshi Dayanand Sarasvati; a great saint, philosopher, Vedic scholar, interpreter of Vedas, founder of Arya Samaj and social reformer of India; discusses about himself in his sermon delivered at Peth; in Pune, Maharashtra on 4^th August, 1875. In the part-1 of ‘Maharshi Dayanand Sarasvati: an autobiography’, we saw that Swami Dayanand Sarasvati narrated about his departure from his home. In this part, we shall know what Swamiji say ahead. Let us enjoy his precious speech-

 

Arrival of Maharshi Dayanand Sarasvati at Baroda

Swamiji adds-

 

From Sidhpur, I came to Baroda. There I kept wandering on the banks of Narmada River. A certain saint named Yoanand Svami was residing there. A Brahman from the south, called Krishna Shastri also lived there. He used to teach me a little. Then I studied the Vedas from Rajaguru.

 

When I was 23/24 years old, I met a Sannyasi at Chanoodakanali. I was really very much interested in learning. At the Sannyasi Aashram, there existed all facilities. Following his advice, I performed Shradha and accepted the order of Sannyasi. I was given a new name Dayanand Saraswati. I discarded my stick there.

 

 

Approaching of Dayanand to Ahmadabad and Haridwar

Swamiji goes ahead saying-

Two Gosayeens came to Chanooda. They used to practice Rajayoga. With them, I reached Ahamdabad. Here, I met a Brahamachari. But after a few days, I broke ties with him too. I wandered and reached Haridwar where the Kumbha-Fair was going on.

 

From there, I went up the Himalayas where the Alakananda River is emerging. There was much snow and the water was very cold. My feet got hurt by the snow. While standing on the mountain, I decided to leave my body in the snow. But a thought came to my mind that we should acquire right knowledge and then leave this world. I returned to Mathura.

 

Meeting of Dayanand with Guru Virajanand

Swamiji says-

At Mathura, I met a pious monk preceptor. His name was Swami Virajanand. Previously, he was residing at Alwar. He was about 81 years old. He had a keen interest in the Aarsh [original] literature like the Vedas and the Shastras etc.

 

He was blind and was regularly suffering from abdominal pain. He regarded the new treaties like Kaumudi and Shekhara to be unacceptable. He used to condemn the Puranas. He was a great admirer of the Aarsh Granthas, that is books composed by the rishis of yore. He told me that in three years, one can master Grammar. I decided to study with him.

 

Gratefulness of Dayanand towards Amarlal

Swamiji speaks-

A noble man called Amaralal was living at Mathura.  He provided me all help while I was studying there. I cannot forget his generosity and help. He gave me books and my daily food with much warmth.

 

Whenever, he had to go elsewhere, he used to prepare my food, and after having served me, he used to take his leave. Fortunately, I met such a generous person.

Stay of Dayanand at Agra

Swamiji utters-

After having completed my studies, I spent two years at Agra. Whenever I had any doubt, I used to write to my Guru or at times I went to meet him regarding my doubts.

Stay of Dayanand at Gwalior

Swamiji declares-

From Agra, I went to Gwalior, there, I started to criticize the Vaishnava beliefs. From Gwalior to I used to write to Swamiji. An Acharya of the Madhav Cult, called Hanumanta; was residing there. He used to attend my talks.

 

On a few occasions, when some incorrect words had uttered by me, he recognized the mistake. At several times, I asked him who he was. But every time, he replied “I am a Kakana- a simple clerk. I acquired some knowledge while listening and talking.”

 

One day, there was a discussion about those lines which the Vaishnavas wear on their foreheads whether it was right or wrong.

 

I said; if by drawing the lines on the forehead, one can go to heaven, then is it not evident that by painting the whole face, one can attain a greater abode than heaven. Listening to my remarks, he became very angry and went away.

 

Then, I learnt from the audience, that he was the Acharya of the Madhav cult.

 

Reaching of Dayanand to Karoli

Swamiji narrates-

From Gwalior, I went to Karoli. There I met a Kabirpanthi. He told me that there is a book called Kabeera Upanishad. He also said that the word Veera stands for Kabira.

Reaching of Dayanand to Jaipur

Swamiji adds-

From Karoli, I went to Jaipur. There was a scholar Pundit called Harishchandra.  There, I condemned Vaishnavism and promoted the teachings of Shaivism.

 

The Maharaja Savayi Ramasingh had already embraced Shaivism. The influence of Saivism was very great in that region and I distributed with my own hands thousands of garlands made of Rudraksha. Even elephants and horses were seen wearing such beads.

 

Pakhandamardanam by Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati

Swamiji tells-

From Jaipur, I went to Puahkar and then to Ajmer. At Ajmer, I started to condemn Shaivism. At that time, the Maharaja of Jaipur was preparing to go to meet the Lat Sahab at Agra.  The Maharaja was scared that he might meet Rangacharya at Vrindavan and the latter might challenge him for a debate. So, the Maharaja invited me to accompany him.

 

I reached Jaipur. But when he had learnt that I had begun to condemn Shaivism, he was unhappy. Then, I went to meet Swamiji at Mathura to find out befitting replies to my doubts.

 

From Mathura, I went to Haridwar. I pitched a flag before my shed on which I wrote Pakhandamardana- destruction of religious frauds. Several spiritual debates were held.

 

Here a thought came to my mind. I realized that I am alone facing the whole world. It is not good to keep such a load of books with me like the householders do. So, I discarded everything except a kaupin [an undergarment] and I started to remain silent.

 

Breaking vow of smearing ashes and remaining silence by Dayanand 

Last year, in Mumbai, I gave up the practice of smearing ashes on my body. I have been wearing clothes since I had to travel by train. I couldn’t keep my vow to remain silent for long because many people knew me.

One day, at the doorstep of my hut, a certain person began to utter “Nigamakalpatarorgalitam Phalam”, that is, there is nothing superior to the Bhagavat; not even the Vedas.

 

I could not bear such insults for the Vedas. I broke my vow of silence and began to denounce the Bhagavat. Then, I thought that whatever the little knowledge I have acquired must be shared with people. With this thought in my mind, I went to Farrukhabad and then to Ramgarh.

 

I initiated to debate here. When two or more Pundits spoke at a time, I used to say that they are making a noise. And even today, the people of that place call me Kolahala Swami; the noise making swami.

 

There, once ten persons of the Chakrankita Sect; the wheel marked sect; came to kill me but I escaped with much difficulty. From there, I came to Kanpur via Farrukhabad and then to Paryagaraj.

Saving of  Madhav Prasad by Dayanand from Conversion

Swamiji declares-

There too, some people came to murder me but I was saved by a virtuous person called Madhava Prasad. This married man was prepared to embrace Christianity.

 

He had issued a notice to all the pundits of the region and had warned them if they couldn’t convince him the truth of Arya Dharma within three months, he would embrace Christianity.

I was able to save him from conversion. I proved him the greatness of Arya Dharma.

 

Debate by Dayanand at Ramanagar

Swamiji says-

Then, I went to Ramanagara. There, I had a debate according to the wish of the king of that region. The topic was whether the Vedas teach about idol worship or not.

 

I proved that the word Pratima is found in the Vedas, but its meaning is not a statue. The word Pratima means measure. The debate was recorded and published too. It may be seen by the gentry.

 

By the term Itihasa, the Brahmanas are meant. A discuss was held on this subject too. Last year, in the month of Bhadrapada, I was in Kashi. Till now, I have visited Kashi four times.

 

Every time I go there, I issue a notice that if anyone has been able to find out any evidence in support of idol-worship in the Vedas, to inform me accordingly. But till date, nobody has been able to show me any such evidence.

 

Like this, I have visited all the states of the northern India. Two years ago, I preached Dharma to many people at Kolkata, Lucknow, Allahabad, Kannur, Jaipur etc. I founded four schools at Kashi and Farrukhabad to teach Aryavidya.

 

But the results that were expected were not achieved due to the carelessness of the teachers. Last year, I came to Mumbai. Here, I carefully observed the character and conduct of the Gosayeen Maharaja.

 

Arya Samaj has already been established in Mumbai. I also preached Dharma in Mumbai, Ahmadabad, Rajkot etc. Now, since last two months I am in your city.

 

This is my story.

 

Importance of preachers

Swamiji explains-

For the progress and advancement of Arya Dharma, numerous preachers like me are needed in our country. An individual alone cannot do the work perfectly. But it is my firm determination that I will do my duty to the best of my strength and knowledge.

 

Lastly, I pray God that may there be Arya Samaj every-where and that ills and evils like idol-worship disappear and that all inhabitants may be able to understand the true meaning of the Vedas and the Shastras and following their teachings may our country flourish. I greatly hope that my wish will become true with the help of nobles like you.

!!Om Shantih Shantih shantih!!

Note: This article is based on ‘Upadesh Manjari’, a collection of sermons delivered by Maharshi Dayanand Sarasvati.

Facts are verified with en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayanand .