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Dev Samaj
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Dev Samaj

atheistic organization
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Quick Summary

The Dev Samaj, founded by Shiv Narayan Agnihotri in 1850, was initially a theistic reform movement within Hinduism. Agnihotri, a former member of the Brahmo Samaj, established the Dev Samaj with a focus on strict ethical conduct and social reform. The movement advocated for the integration of castes and the education of women.1

While the Dev Samaj denied the existence of traditional gods, it emphasized the semidivinity of its founder, Agnihotri, asserting that he had reached the highest plane of existence and that his guidance was essential for eternal bliss. The Brahmo Samaj, a related movement, was founded in 1828 by Ram Mohun Roy and also focused on reforming Hinduism, rejecting Vedic authority and polytheism, and promoting social reform.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Brahmo Samaj
  2. Shiv Narayan Agnihotri

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