Reform sect of Hinduism , founded in 1875 by Dayananda Sarasvati , in order to reestablish the
The Arya Samaj opposes idolatry, ancestor worship , animal sacrifice , a caste system based on birth rather than merit, untouchability (see untouchable ), child marriage, {{link=pilgrimage">pilgrimages , and temple offerings. It upholds the sanctity of the cow, samskaras , oblations to fire, and social reform, including the education of women. Strongest in western and northern India, it is governed by representatives elected to samaja s ("societies") at the local, provincial, and national levels, and it played an important role in the growth of Indian nationalism.