Question

Swami Vagbhatananda denounced caste barriers and idol worship and exhorted his followers to abjure such practices. He was the founder of

• A. Sidhasramam
• B. Atma Vidya Sangham
• C. Yogakshema Sabha
• D. Arya Samaj

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Atma Vidya Sangham

• Atma Vidya Sangham was established by Swami Vagbhatananda in 1917 at Karaparamba in Kozhikode, Kerala.
• The core objective of the organization was to achieve social reform through education and the elimination of superstitious practices, specifically caste discrimination and idol worship.
• The movement emphasized 'Atma Vidya' (knowledge of the self) as a tool for personal and social liberation, encouraging followers to adopt rational thinking over orthodox religious rituals.
• Swami Vagbhatananda, originally named V. Kunhikannan, was a prominent social reformer influenced by the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru and Brahmananda Sivayogi.
• He was a prolific writer and orator who founded the magazine Abhinava Keralam to propagate his reformist ideas and challenge social inequalities.
• He also established the Vagbhatananda Press at Uralungal, which played a crucial role in spreading progressive literature across the Malabar region.
• The organization significantly contributed to the Kerala Renaissance by promoting inter-caste dining and advocating for the abolition of 'theendu' (untouchability) and other restrictive social customs.
• He famously advocated for the slogan 'One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind' in his own unique interpretation, aligning with the broader reform movements of his time.