About this stamp
Early Life and Education
Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj, originally named Harinarayan Ojha, was born in Bhatni village of Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, to Smt. Shivrani Devi and Shri Ramnidhi Ojha on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Shravan, 1907 (Samvat 1964 Vikrami). From an early age, he excelled in Sanskrit, Grammar, Philosophy, Bhagwat, Nyayashastra, and Vedanta.
Though married at the age of 16, he soon renounced worldly life and embarked on a spiritual journey in search of knowledge and truth.
Spiritual Journey
In 1926, he sought initiation (Sanyasa Deeksha) from Swami Shri Brahmananda Saraswati and took the vow of Naishthik Brahmacharya, receiving the name Harihara Chaitanya. Under the guidance of Swami Shri Vishweshwarashram Ji, he mastered various philosophies. He later performed intense penance on the banks of the Ganga and meditated in the caves of Rishikesh Himalayas.
He became known as Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj because of his habit of eating food from his palm (kar = hand, patri = leaf).
Religious Contributions and Writings
In 1931-32, after receiving complete spiritual knowledge from his Guru, he became known as Paramhans Paribrajakacharya 1008 Baba Hariharanand Saraswati Shri Karpatri Ji Maharaj. Through his religious travels across India, he spread spiritual consciousness and engaged in deep discussions with renowned scholars including Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya.
He authored several important works, including:
- Sankirtan Mimamsa
- Varnashrama Maryada
- Sri Bhagvatatva
- Marxism and Ramarajya
- Ramayan Mimamsa
- Bhakti Rasarnava
- Vedarthparijat
His scholarly contributions earned him state and national recognition, including monetary awards for Bhakti Rasarnava and Ramayan Mimamsa. In 1978, Shri Sampurnanand Vishwavidyalaya, Varanasi, conferred upon him the degree of D.Litt.
Dharma Sangh and Social Initiatives
In 1940, Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj founded the Dharma Sangh, promoting Vedic Sanatan Dharma through pilgrimages and teachings. He established Shri Dharmasangh Shiksha Mandal, Kashi, along with several Sanskrit schools. He also founded the Ramrajya Parishad, a political platform to advocate spiritual and cultural values, and participated in the 1951 and 1957 elections.
Legacy
Living a life free from attachment and ego, Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj dedicated himself to the propagation of Vedic religion and culture. He attained Mahasamadhi on 7 February 1982, leaving behind an enduring legacy of wisdom and spirituality.
Philatelic Tribute
The Department of Posts salutes his immense contribution to religion, philosophy, and Indian culture, and is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Swami Karpatri Ji Maharaj.
Release
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the stamp in New Delhi on 29 June 2022. The ₹5 stamp, the first day cover and the brochure were designed by Shri Anuj, and the cancellation by Nenu Gupta; 201,600 stamps were printed by wet offset at the Security Printing Press, Hyderabad. India Post’s text is based on material from the Uttar Pradesh Postal Circle.
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