Course Title: A Study of Satyarth Prakash

Course Code: IC-001

Credit Hours: 3

Level: Undergraduate / Postgraduate

Course Description

This course explores the philosophical, social, and religious reform thought of Swami Dayanand Saraswati through a detailed study of his magnum opus Satyarth Prakash (The Light of Truth). The text, originally written in Hindi, presents a rational interpretation of Vedic thoughts and Vedic critique of superstitions, social evils, ritualism, and sectarian dogmas. The course will focus on Dayanand's revival of Vedic thought, logic, ethics, theism, and his contributions to Indian reform movements.

Course Objectives

Students completing this course will be able to:

Comprehend the central themes of Satyarth Prakash

Analyze the Vedic and rationalist principles advocated by Dayanand Saraswati

Examine key critiques against popular sects, blind faith, and ritualism

Evaluate the impact of Dayanand's reform movement on Indian society and nationalism

Apply critical thinking and ethical reasoning based on Vedic philosophy

Modules & Weekly Schedule

Module I: Life and Mission of Swami Dayanand Saraswati (Week 1)

Biography and intellectual journey

Arya Samaj: Foundation and goals

The role of Satyarth Prakash social, cultural and religious  Reforms 

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Introduction & Preface

Module II: Vedic Theism and Rejection of Idol Worship (Weeks 2–3)

Concept of Ishwar in Vedic philosophy

Rejection of Murti-puja and polytheism

Vedas as Apauruṣeya (non-human origin)

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Translated by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya (Chapters 1–3)

Rigveda Bhashya Bhumika Translated by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Module III: Principles of Vedic Ethics and Rationalism (Weeks 4–5)

Truth, non-violence, Brahmacharya, social service

Logic and scriptural interpretation

Opposition to superstition and magic

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 4–5 Translated by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Module IV: Reform of Hindu Practices and Institutions (Weeks 6–7)

Critique of caste by birth, untouchability

Opposition to child marriage and promotion of widow remarriage

Vedic education and women’s upliftment

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 6–7 Translated by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Module V: Inter-Religious Critique and Dialogue (Weeks 8–10)

Responses to Christianity, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism, etc.

Methods of rational and respectful criticism

Dayanand’s view of religious pluralism

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 11–14

Module VI: Vedic Science, Cosmology and Education (Weeks 11–12)

Time, creation, cosmology in Vedic view

Ancient Indian sciences and measurements

Role of Gurukula and modern application

Reading:

Satyarth Prakash, Chapters 8–10 Translated by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Module VII: Political and Social Legacy of Swami Dayanand (Weeks 13–14)

Influence on freedom fighters: Lala Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo, Bhagat Singh

Arya Samaj’s role in education and national awakening

Summary of Vedic dharma and call for universal reform

Reading: Primary Texts

Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Satyarth Prakash (English Translation by Prof. Ravi Prakash Arya

Rigvedadi Bhashya Bhumika, Translated by Ravi Prakash Arya

Sanskaravidhi, translated by Ravi Prakash Arya

Rigveda Bhashya by Swami Dayanand Saeaswati

Supplementary Resources

Biography of a Mahayogi, Ravi Prakash Arya

Rishi Dayanand as viewed by West, Ravi Prakash Arya

Tributes to Renaissance Rishi, Ravi Prakash Arya

Signature of Time, Ravi Prakash Arya

Harbilass Sharda, Life and Teachings of of Swami Dayanand

Lala Lajpat Rai’s writings on Arya Samaj

Course Fee 

This course is a special variant. It is  offered free of charge to commemorate the 200th Birth Anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati and 150th foundation year of Arya Samaj. The medium of instructions will be both Hindi and English. Participants are welcome to make voluntary donations at our donation page during or after the course to support our endeavor. 

Course Start Dates:

All digital correspondence and video courses will be offered four times a year, scheduled in alignment with the Vedic Calendar.

1. Uttarāyaṇa Period (Winter Solstice):  Dec. 21 to  20 March

2. Devayāna Period (Vernal Equinox): 21 March to 20 June

3. Dakṣiṇāyana Period (Summer Solstice): 21 June to 22 Sept.

4. Pitṛyāna period (Autumn Equinox): 23 Sept. to 20 Dec.

Note: Course access will remain open only for the specified duration. Participants are advised to complete and access all course materials within this period, as access will not be available once the course window closes.

Registration is open

•  Those who want to participate in the course can register hereunder: 

 Commencement Dates of Course  

Satyarth Prakash Course in Hindi medium will  starting from  Jan. 3 2026 .

Those who have registered can download the country-wise schedule of classes from the download page of this website.