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JAINA CONVENTION 2011
Live and Help Live"
the Jain followers for simple and religious living. Some of the most respected living saints are Acharya Vidhya Sagarji, Acharya Vardhman Sagarji, Acharya Bharat Sagarji, Acharya Mahapragyaji, Acharya Ashokchandra Surishwarji, Acharya Devendra Muniji, Sadhvi Vishudhmatiji, Sadhvi Gyanmatiji, Sadhvi Maniprabhaji, Bhattarak Charukirti Swamiji and may others. The India Post (the present name of an old Government department) has been issuing, since pre-independence era, Stamps, Special Covers & Special Cancellations to honor the ancient heritage of Jain Culture and Religion which are presented below. Also, included are some stamps issued by other countries.
The collection is reproduced below with a small narration against each stamp.
Stamps on Jain Religion, Culture and Personalities:
O
SAURASHTRA POSTACE
The first stamp on Jainism was issued in India by Saurashtra State, a part of India before Independence on October 18, 1929. This three Pies (coin of smallest denomination) stamp bears a view of Girnar Hills where 23rd Jain Tirthankara Neminath Bhagwan had attained Nirvana. Girnar is an important Jain pilgrimage centre.
THREE PIES
The first stamp on Jainism to be issued from outside India came from East Germany. On 23 August, 1979 the East German Postal Department issued a set of four stamps on Indian miniature paintings. One of these showed the beautiful painting of Lord Mahavir from the fifteenth or sixteenth century. On May 6, 1935 Indian Government issued first stamp on Jainism depicting Sheetalnath Jain Temple of Calcutta (now Kolkata) which was constructed in the year 1868 A.D. It is famous for its artistic patch work with colored mirror-glass pieces and enamel on its walls and ceiling. This one & quarter Anna (a coin of higher denomination) stamp was part of a set of four stamps of temples and shrines issued to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V's regime. A stamp worth Rs. 15/- depicting the Shatrunjaya Temple of Palitana (Gujarat) was issued on 15th August 1949. It is first Tirthankara Bhagwan Rishabhnath's temple built in the year 1618 A.D. and famous for its excellent fine carvings and architecture. This stamp was part of first archeological definitive series of 16 stamps.
The one Rupee stamp bearing the photo of a sculpture of a lady writing a letter was issued by the Department of Posts, India on July 1, 1966 as part of the 3rd definitive series on archaeology. The sculpture is from the famous Parshwanath Jain Temple of Khajuraho.
World renowned nuclear and space scientist of India Dr. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai was the first Jain dignitary honored by the Government of India by issuing a stamp on his first death anniversary on 30th December 1972. This 20 paisa stamp was issued showing him with his ROHINI rocket and a dove. He was the father of India's space program.
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