Brahmo Samaj

Brahmo Samaj is a Hindu reform movement that was founded in the 19th century in India.

During the 19th century, Indian society had various social and religious problems in its society. Several movements "samajs"were started to help reform it, and various were formed, including the Prathna Samaj, the Satya Shodhak Samaj and the Theosophical Society. The Brahmo Samaj was one of these.

Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828. It can also be said as the first attempt by Hindus to reform their religion and end its harmful practices. Under Keshab Chandra Sen, Brahmo Samaj made great progress, set up many branches across India and helped reform Indian society.

Some of its important reforms were to end the practice of sati (the widow committing suicide on her dead husband's funeral pyre), opposing the worship of many gods, and ending costly sacrifices and meaningless rituals. The movement proposed the belief that God is omnipresent, promoted marriage between castes and by widows, and opposed child marriage and polygamy,.

The following doctrines during the Hindu Renaissance are common to all varieties and offshoots of the Brahmo Samaj:^[1]

• Brahmo Samajists have no faith in any scripture (holy writings) as an authority.
• Brahmo Samajists have no faith in avatars (gods taking on a bodily form).
• Brahmo Samajists denounce polytheism (multiple gods) and idol-worship.
• Brahmo Samajists are against caste restrictions.
• Brahmo Samajists make the doctrines of karma and rebirth optional.