Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tributes to Hindu reformer and Arya Samaj founder Dayananda Saraswati on his birth anniversary and said his emphasis on social reforms made him a personality ahead of his time.

Claiming that social activist Swami Agnivesh's antecedents were doubtful, VHP today demanded a probe into his activities and asked Arya Samaj to clarify whether he is its leader or not.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday praised the contributions of social reformer Swami Dayananda Saraswati to the society, saying his foundation Arya Samaj has been working tirelessly to promote girls' education and clean environment.

Maharishi Dayanand Jayanti is observed on the birth anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj. The Arya Samaj condemns the practices of idol worship, animal sacrifice, pilgrimages, priest craft, offerings made in temples, the castes, child marriages, consumption of meat and discrimination against women.