Founder : Swami Dayanand Saraswati , a Hindu monk, founded Arya Samaj in 1876.
Nirguna : Swami emphasized that almighty is featureless and without superstitions.
Puritan : He claimed , original Vedic culture was the best way to lead life.
He did not believe in casteism or cultural identity.
He promoted Sanskrit ; Gayatri Upasana ; Yagya and other sacred rituals.
Sect : Swami Dayanand ji simply defined it as a neo sect among other Hindu sects.
Arya Samaj has its own priests and believes in certain Vedic culture.
Reformist : Arya Samaj was basically meant to reform Hinduism from various dogmas.
It became quite popular in Punjab ; western Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
It was promoted by liberal thinking public figures (Lala Lajpat Rai ; Ram Prasad Bismil)
Facts : Mainstream or Sanatan Dharm believes in Saguna ( God with attributes) Upasana.
Sanatan Dharm does believe in ancient casteism and cultural rites.
But, it also believes in 'Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti' (Truth is one, but the wise speak it as many)
According to Sanatan Dharm ; Vedic rituals are nor meant for all.
Only those who are spiritually qualified can chant Vedic mantras or conduct Yagyas.
Sanatan Dharm believes ; there is space for every spiritual thought in Hinduism.
Sanatan Dharm or mainstream Hinduism is spread across the world in various forms and practices.
Well : To each his / her own !
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