Kakaji Maharaj (1918-1986)

Technical Data
Date of Issue | March 30, 2003 |
---|---|
Denomination | Rs. 5 |
Quantity | 500,000 |
Perforation | comb 13¼ |
Printer | Calcutta Security Printers Ltd |
Watermark | No Watermark |
Colors | Multicolor |
Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1953 Stamp Number IN 2001 Yvert et Tellier IN 1718 Stanley Gibbons IN 2122 WADP Numbering System - WNS IN010.03 |
Themes | Commemoration | Famous people | Headgear | Men | Philosophers | Religion |
Table of Contents
Commemorative Stamp Set: Kakaji Maharaj (1918-1986)
Design Elements:
- Portrait of Kakaji Maharaj: The stamp features an image of Kakaji Maharaj, radiating warmth and serenity, symbolizing his role as a spiritual leader and guide.
- Swaminarayan Faith Symbolism: The Swaminarayan emblem is subtly integrated into the background to highlight his connection with the faith.
- Women’s Emancipation: A motif of women in spiritual activities is included, symbolizing his revolutionary work in promoting women’s involvement in spiritual movements.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
- Swaminarayan Faith: As a revered figure in the Swaminarayan faith, Kakaji Maharaj’s contributions to the spiritual development of his followers have had a lasting impact.
- Women’s Emancipation: His groundbreaking efforts in empowering women within the faith to engage in spiritual activities broke traditional barriers and brought about significant change.
- Spiritual Legacy: As a spiritual successor of Yogiji Maharaj, he expanded on the Aksharpurushottam doctrine, teaching followers to transcend worldly challenges and attune themselves to divine consciousness.
Usage:
- Cultural and Spiritual Recognition: The stamp can be used to commemorate the rich spiritual heritage of the Swaminarayan faith and Kakaji Maharaj’s contributions to it.
- Spiritual Organizations: The Yogi Divine Society and other spiritual groups may use the stamp to honor his teachings and spread awareness of his spiritual legacy.
- Special Commemorative Collections: The stamp will appeal to collectors focusing on spiritual and religious leaders, as well as Indian history and culture.
Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set:
- Honoring a Spiritual Leader: This stamp honors Kakaji Maharaj’s work as a spiritual guide, philosopher, and reformer within the Swaminarayan faith.
- Promotion of Women’s Empowerment: The stamp emphasizes his unique contributions to advancing women’s roles in spiritual life, a pioneering move in religious traditions.
- Spiritual Brotherhood: His message of Suhrad Bhav (spiritual brotherhood) and the importance of spiritual community continues to inspire followers and spiritual practitioners.
Example of the Stamp Design:
- Dimensions: Standard commemorative stamp size.
- Color Scheme: Shades of saffron and white, symbolizing spirituality and purity, with divine motifs in the background.
- Text: “Kakaji Maharaj (1918-1986)” with the phrase “Spiritual Guide and Reformer” inscribed below.
The commemorative stamp set might include:
- Portrait of Women in Spiritual Circles: One stamp could highlight women in spiritual assemblies, symbolizing Kakaji Maharaj’s efforts in their empowerment.
- Spiritual Practices: Another variant could depict followers engaged in prayer and meditation, representing the spiritual techniques he introduced.
Significance:
The commemorative stamp honors the life and contributions of Kakaji Maharaj, a spiritual guide who not only enriched the Swaminarayan faith but also worked tirelessly for women’s emancipation and the spiritual upliftment of his followers. His teachings and his founding of the Yogi Divine Society continue to inspire generations of spiritual seekers across the world.