Theosophical
Society was founded in 1875 in New York in the USA by Madame H. P. Blavatsky
and Colonel H. S. Olcott. They came to India in January 1879 and set up the
headquarters of the society at Adyar, presently a suburb of Chennai in Tamil
Nadu. It was however with the joining of the society by Annie Besant in 1888 in
England that the movement began to gain momentum. Theosophical society owes its
success in India to Annie Besant who arrived in India in 1893 at the age of forty
six and made permanent residence in the country.
Fundamental
teachings of the Theosophical Society
·
The
spiritual hierarchy of God
·
The
unity of God and three-fold emanation of God
·
Universal
brotherhood
Though
Theosophical society had several branches all across India, it exerted a
compelling influence on the social and religious life of South India to a good
measure. Its role in “the awakening and self-respect of the Indians” has been
acknowledged by everyone. However, since its beliefs were a bizarre mixture of
religion, philosophy and occult mysticism, they proved to be a deterrent for
many who might have supported the movement.
Theosophical
society is remembered for its great work in the field of education. The opening
of the Central Hindu College in Varanasi by Annie Besant in 1898 is case in
point.
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