Modi releases Ram temple postage stamps ahead of Jan 22 opening

PRIME minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (18) released commemorative postage stamps on the Ram temple in the northern Indian temple town of Ayodhya and a book of stamps issued on Lord Ram around the world, and said they offer a snapshot of him, Sita and the Hindu epic Ramayana.

The release of the stamps comes days before the consecration ceremony at the Ayodhya temple on January 22.

The stamps are not merely a piece of paper or artwork but they are a miniature form of epics and great ideas, the PM said in a video message.

In a post in Hindi on X that also carried pictures of him releasing the stamps, Modi said, "Today we had the privilege of releasing a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to the heritage of the holy Ayodhya Dham and Lord Shri Ram. On this occasion, a book related to stamps issued on Lord Shri Ram around the world was also unveiled. I am confident that the commemorative postage stamp and this book will continue to remind many generations to come of this auspicious occasion of the consecration of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple."

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Officials said the components of the design include the Ram temple, sun, the nearby Saryu river and sculptures in and around the temple.

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Modi said the appeal of Ram, Sita and Ramayana goes beyond the boundaries of time, society, caste, religion and region and connects with everyone.

Ramayana gives the message of the victory of love and teaches people sacrifice, unity and bravery in the most difficult of times while connecting humanity, he said, adding that is why the epic has been a centre of global attraction and is looked at with respect everywhere.

The six stamps released by him are on the Ram temple, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj and Ma Shabri, officials said.

The stamp book is an attempt to showcase the international appeal of Lord Ram and the 48-page book covers stamps issued by more than 20 countries, including the US, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Cambodia, and organisations such as the United Nations.

Modi said the stamps and the book will help the youth learn a lot and are infused with the spirit of devotion to Lord Ram.

They also offer a glimpse into the temple's architecture and into the philosophy of panchtatva (five elements) as well, he said.

Many countries have issued postage stamps on Lord Ram, Modi noted, adding that he has been an ideal for many outside India and has made a deep impact on different civilisations.

(With PTI inputs)