Swami Dayananda Saraswati is remembered as one of the most respected traditional teachers of Advaita Vedānta in modern times, a Vedic scholar whose life was dedicated to unfolding the vision of the Upaniṣads, the Bhagavad Gītā, and the Brahma Sūtras. He became known for a clear, methodical, and non-mystical exposition of these texts, showing how self-knowledge is to be gained through a rigorous teaching tradition rather than through isolated techniques or fleeting experiences. His approach preserved the traditional sampradāya while making subtle ideas accessible to contemporary seekers, without diluting their depth. In this way, he stood as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern sensibilities, while remaining firmly rooted in the classical Advaita Vedānta lineage.

A central feature of his work was the establishment of Arsha Vidya Gurukulam and related institutions, both in India and abroad, as centers for serious, long-term study. These gurukulams offered structured residential courses in Sanskrit, chanting, and the core Vedānta texts, following the traditional guru–śiṣya mode of instruction. Through these institutions, he trained many disciples who themselves became qualified teachers, thereby ensuring the continuity of the teaching tradition. His emphasis on proper Sanskrit and śāstra study discouraged superficial or selectively modernized interpretations, inviting students instead into a disciplined engagement with the original sources.

Swami Dayananda Saraswati also contributed significantly through his writings and public teaching. He authored commentaries, translations, and educational materials that articulated Vedāntic ideas in a language intelligible to modern students while remaining faithful to the original texts. His talks and writings consistently highlighted the practical relevance of Vedānta, encouraging seekers to see how its vision could inform daily life and ethical conduct. Beyond the classroom, he participated in interfaith and community forums, presenting a reasoned, scripture-based understanding of Hindu dharma and fostering a wider appreciation of its philosophical heritage.

Taken together, his legacy lies in preserving the authenticity of traditional Advaita Vedānta while making it available in a systematic, accessible form to serious students around the world. Through his teaching, institutions, and writings, he helped shape a generation of seekers and teachers who continue to carry forward this vision.