Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth) is a monumental 1875 book by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj, written in Hindi to promote Vedic knowledge, monotheism, and social reform. It challenges orthodox rituals, idolatry, and superstition, advocating a return to original Vedic teachings, and consists of 14 chapters covering philosophy, education, and social issues.
Key Aspects of Satyarth Prakash:
- Author & Objective: Written by Swami Dayanand Saraswati, it is considered the “Bible of the Arya Samaj,” aiming to guide people from ignorance to knowledge and reform Hindu society.
- Core Philosophy: The text emphasizes strict monotheism, rejects idol worship, and critiques the caste system based on birth, emphasizing the Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge.
- Structure: It consists of 14 chapters (Samllasas). The first 10 chapters discuss the philosophy of God, education, social order, and governance, while the last four chapters offer a critical, comparative study of various religious faiths (including Puranic Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Jainism).
- Impact: It has been translated into over 20 languages, including English, French, and German, influencing social reforms across India.
- English Translation: The work has been translated into English as “The Light of Truth” or “Expose of Right Sense (of Vedic Religion)”.
The book remains a cornerstone of Arya Samaj teachings, encouraging a rational, moral, and Vedic-focused life.