The founder of Arya Samaj was Swami Dayananda Saraswati. He was born Mul Shankar Tiwari on February 12, 1824, in Tankara, Gujarat, India. Swami Dayananda Saraswati was a prominent Hindu reformer and philosopher who dedicated his life to the revival and reform of Hinduism.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj on April 7, 1875, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. He established the Arya Samaj with the aim of rejuvenating Hindu society and restoring it to the original teachings of the Vedas, which he believed had been corrupted and distorted over time.
Through the Arya Samaj, Swami Dayananda Saraswati sought to promote social and religious reforms, advocate for Vedic principles, and emphasize the importance of rational thinking and moral conduct.
He strongly opposed idol worship and propagated monotheism, stressing the worship of the one true God described in the Vedas.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati's teachings and contributions had a significant impact on Indian society during his time and continue to inspire and influence people even today. His efforts to reform Hinduism and his emphasis on education, social equality, and ethical living have left a lasting legacy within the Arya Samaj movement and beyond.