Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a set of commemorative postage stamps on the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir along with a compilation of Lord Ram stamps from around the world on Thursday. This comes just ahead of the grand inauguration of the Ayodhya Ram Temple next week.
The postal stamps feature various depictions of the under-construction Ram Temple such as the main structure, sculptures, and even elements like the Sarayu river flowing next to the temple complex. Other stamps display Lord Ram’s images with Lord Hanuman, Goddess Sita, Jatayu, and saint characters from the Ramayana epic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi releases Commemorative Postage Stamps on Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir and a book of stamps issued on Lord Ram around the world. Components of the design include the Ram Mandir, Choupai 'Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari', Sun, Sarayu River and Sculptures in… pic.twitter.com/ISBKLFORG4
— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2024
In total, there are six commemorative stamps in what seems to be a tribute to the upcoming Ram Janmbhoomi temple. The stamps also artistically reflect the five basic elements – sky, air, fire, earth, and water, known as the Panchabhutas.
In a video message during the stamp release, PM Modi congratulated the people of India and Ram devotees worldwide, terming it a matter of pride.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "Today, I got the opportunity to join another event organised by Shri Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Abhiyan. Today, 6 Commemorative Postage Stamps on Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir and an album of stamps issued on Lord Ram around the world have… https://t.co/cgSOT6MGZy pic.twitter.com/QmdB0PrGrL
— ANI (@ANI) January 18, 2024
The event comes as part of the larger set of consecration rituals being conducted at Ayodhya from January 16 onwards by the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. These rituals will culminate in the final ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony on January 22 marking the formal inauguration of the temple by PM Modi himself.
Laxmikant Dixit, the chief priest announced that Modi will be the main benefactor or the ‘yajman’ presiding over the final rituals next Sunday. The construction of the grand Ram Temple has been underway after the Supreme Court verdict permitted it at the disputed Babri Masjid site in 2019.
The release of the special stamps and Modi’s participation in the inauguration carry huge symbolic value for the resurgent Hindu nationalist movement over the decades. The commemorative stamps seem to celebrate the fulfillment of the Ram Temple goal.
