Sant Ravidas (c.1450-c.1520)
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | June 24, 2001 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 3 |
| Quantity | 700000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Eagle Press Ltd. |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1835 Stamp Number IN 1894 Yvert et Tellier IN 1601 Stanley Gibbons IN 2001 |
| Themes | Commemoration | Famous people | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Men | Philosophers | |
Table of Contents
Commemorative Stamp for Sant Ravidas
Design Elements:
Stamp Design:
- Description: Honors Sant Ravidas, a key figure in the Bhakti Movement known for his teachings on equality, devotion, and social reform.
- Visuals: Features an image of Sant Ravidas, reflecting his humble and spiritual nature.
Key Features:
- Historical Background:
- Early Life: Depicts Sant Ravidas’s humble beginnings as a cobbler, his early spiritual inclination, and his initial resistance to conventional education.
- Teachings and Philosophy: Highlights his message of equality, devotion, and spiritual self-realization. Emphasizes his call for universal love and his challenge against the rigid caste system.
- Contributions: Notes his role in the Bhakti Movement, his rejection of caste discrimination, and his influence on religious harmony. Includes references to his disciples like Mira Bai and the respect he earned from figures such as Sikandar Lodhi.
- Iconic Imagery:
- Portrait of Sant Ravidas: An image capturing his spiritual demeanor and devotion.
- Shabdas: Mentions the inclusion of his shabdas (hymns) in the Guru Granth Sahib and their divine wisdom.
- Symbolism: Incorporates elements representing spiritual devotion and universal equality, echoing his teachings that “God is everywhere.”
Cultural and Historical Significance:
- Bhakti Movement: Recognizes Sant Ravidas’s pivotal role in the Bhakti Movement, which emphasized devotion over ritualistic practices and challenged social hierarchies.
- Social Reform: Celebrates his contributions as a social reformer advocating for equality and challenging caste-based discrimination.
- Religious Harmony: Acknowledges his efforts to promote religious harmony and his influence on other prominent figures of his time.
First Day Cover:
- Design: Features symbolic elements related to Sant Ravidas’s teachings, such as representations of his shabdas or depictions of his interactions with disciples.
- Additional Features: Includes a brief overview of Sant Ravidas’s life, his major contributions, and the impact of his teachings on society.
Significance:
The stamp commemorating Sant Ravidas honors his profound impact on spirituality and social reform. It highlights his role in the Bhakti Movement, his teachings on universal equality and devotion, and his influence on both contemporary and future generations. The stamp and first-day cover together celebrate the enduring relevance of his message and the transformative power of his philosophy.