Siddharoodha Swami, Guru

Postal stamp commemorating Siddharoodha Swami

Technical Data

Date of Issue July 6, 2024
Denomination Rs. 5
Quantity 302,650
Perforation 13½
Printer Security Printing Press, Hyderabad
Printing Process Wet Offset
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Credit (Designed By) Mr. Suresh Kumar
Catalog Codes

Colnect codes IN 2024.07.06-01

Yvert et Tellier IN 3645

Stanley Gibbons IN 3906

Themes

Early Life and Spiritual Quest

Born in the village of Chalakapur to Gurushantappa and Devamallamma, Siddharoodha Swami began his spiritual journey at a young age. Guided by Amarashwar Guru Gajadanand Shivayogi, he immersed himself in the practice of Advaita philosophy, serving his Guru with devotion in body, mind, and spirit. Blessed by his Guru, Swami was entrusted with the mission of preaching Advaita as Shree Siddharoodha Bharati.

Teachings and Philosophy

Siddharoodha Swami emphasized the essence of Advaita, transcending barriers of caste, creed, and class. His message centered on overcoming ego, desire, anger, and ignorance to realize the divine light within. He drew from the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, urging seekers to rise above material attachment and discover their inherent divinity.

Service to Humanity and Social Reform

A revered saint, philosopher, and reformer, Siddharoodha Swami championed:

  • Social and communal harmony
  • Peace and brotherhood beyond caste and religion
  • Humanitarian service through upliftment of the downtrodden

He also hosted influential freedom movement conferences, with leaders like Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi attending sessions at his Hubballi Ashram in 1922 and 1924.

Legacy of Siddharoodha Math, Hubballi

Siddharoodha Swami attained Samadhi at Hubballi, where his Math continues to serve as a spiritual sanctuary. The Math is a center of Advaita philosophy, communal harmony, and social service.

Every year, thousands of devotees gather here during festivals like Ramnavami, Shivratri, Shravana, and Punyaraadhane. The Shivratri Rathotsava alone draws over 5–6 lakh devotees, making it a national and international event.

The Math is also renowned for its daily practices of:

  • Nirantar Anna-dasoha (free meals for thousands)
  • Gyandasoha (spreading spiritual knowledge)

Commemorative Stamp

In honor of Siddharoodha Swami’s profound contributions to India’s spiritual heritage, the Department of Posts has issued a commemorative postage stamp. This special issue celebrates his legacy as a guiding light of Advaita, compassion, and human unity.

First Day Cover