Swami Dayanand Saraswati by Meenu Sinhal

Dayanand Saraswati was born in 1824 in Tankara village in Kathiawada district of Gujarat. His father was Shri Krishna Lal Tiwari and his mother was Smt Yashodabai. His family was affluent and religious minded. His parents were staunch followers of the Shaiva creed.
Because of being born in Mul Nakshatra, he was called as Moolshankar. His parents brought him up in an affectionate manner.
Since his childhood, Moolshankar was very brilliant. It is said that he started learning Gayatri mantra, at the age of two. Because of religious attitude and Shiva worshipping attitude of family he had developed an affection for Shiva.