WORSHIP OF GODDESS DURGA IN PHILATELY
DDR Stamps depicts on Goddess Durga, Date of issue 8th May 1979
This unique stamps issued by Sao Tome and Principe on May 21, 2015, features a striking image of Goddess Durga. The circular design, reminiscent of a traditional Indian thali, frames the divine figure.
The stamps highlights Durga's powerful and benevolent form. Her serene expression, adorned with a stone bindi on her forehead, symbolizes her divine grace and wisdom. The intricate details of her attire and jewelry showcase the rich cultural heritage of India.
The issuance of this stamps by a distant nation like São Tomé and Príncipe underscores the global appeal and cultural significance of Hindu deities. It reflects the universal nature of spirituality and the shared human experience of devotion and reverence.
Nepal Stamps depicts on Palanchowk Bhagwati (Goddess Durga). Palanchowk Bhagwati Temple is a popular temple in Nepal. This Hindu goddess shrine located around 55 KM north-east of Kathmandu. The temple is situated on a hilltop in Sathighar Bhagwati VDC of Kabhrepalan Chowk District. Constructed during the region of King Manadeva (Lichhavi King Man Deva). The temple enshrines a three feet tail idol of goddess Bhagwati carved in black stone, Nepal Post issued stamps as on 17th October 1969
Third Manifestation : Chandraghanta is the married form of the Mother Goddess. After marrying Shiva, she adorned her forehead with a half moon shaped like a bell, which explains the origin of her name. She is the Goddess who inspires courage in a person and is always ready for war against demons. It is believed that when provoked, she can be malevolent to those who invite her wrath, but she remains the embodiment of serenity to her followers.
Forth Manifestation : Kushmanda, Ku means "a little", Ushma means "warmth" or "energy" and Anda taken from the last three words of Sanskrit word "Brahmand" that means - The Universe. After Taking the form of Siddhidatri, the Mother Goddess began to live inside the Sun, resulting in liberation of the Sun's energy to the universe. Since then, this form of Goddess has been known as Kushmanda, namely for her power and capability to live inside the Sun. The glow and radiance of her body is as luminous as that of the Sun.
Fifth Manifestation : Skandamata, Mother of the war god Skanda (Kartikeya). It is said that those who worship this form of the Mother Goddess get the added benefit of blessings of Lord Skanda, the God of war (also know Kartikeya). She holds the infant Skanda in her right upper arm.
Sixth Manifestation : Katyayani, To destroy the demon Mahishasura, Parvati incarnated as the daughter of sags Katyayana. She is Known for her anger, vengeance and ultimate victory over the demons. It is believed that she will bestow boons upon those who worship and reverse her with a pure heart if she is pleased. Maa Katyayani rides a lion, ready at all times to confront evil.
Seventh Manifestation : Kalratri, This is the fiercest and the most ferocious form of the Mother Goddress, in which Parvati manifests to destroy the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha, Kalarratri, meaning the night of death (death night). All time, light, emotions, life forms and others all blend into her. She is believed to be the death of time and is greater than Kala (time) himself. In her left hand, she holds a vajra or spiked club and dagger, both of which she uses to fight and forces of evil.
Eighth Manifestation : Mahagauri is known as the goddess of purity and cleanliness. It is said that, by her grace, all of flaws, faults and mistakes of worshipper will be burnt to ashes and he will be redeemed. Her right lower hand holds a trident and left upper hand holds a damaru.
Ninth Manifestation : Siddhidhatri, It is said that in the beginning on the universe, Lord Rudra worshipped the unmanifest form of the Mother Goddess, Adi Parashakti for creation. As Adi Parashakti, the Mother Goddess had no form, she thus appeared as Siddhidhatri from the left half of Lord Shiva. She bestows all types of siddhi (supernatural power) to her devotees and hence is worshipped by humans, ghandarvas, asuras and devas alike.
A commemorative special cover was issued by the India Post on 3rd October 2024 to mark the auspicious festival of Navratri. The cover, released from Mumbai, features a vibrant and intricate design that celebrates the Nine days of devotion dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
Durga Puja: A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
The West Bengal Postal Circle celebrated the recognition of Durga Puja in Kolkata as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2021 with a special cover released on September 24, 2022.
Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in West Bengal, especially Kolkata. It involves the installation of beautifully decorated pandals housing idols of the goddess Durga and her family. The festival is not just a religious event but also a cultural extravaganza, with music, dance, and delicious food.
UNESCO's recognition highlights the global significance of Durga Puja, which showcases India's rich cultural heritage and traditions. The special cover commemorates this important milestone and pays tribute to the festival's enduring appeal.
Maa Durga is depicted destroying Corona. Victory of good over evil. Special cover issued from Kolkata as on 1st July 2021
Kamakhya Devi Temple
The Kamakhya Temple, Situated on the Nilachal Hill in western part of Guwahati city in Assam is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Indian. The main temple is surrounded by individual temples dedicated to the ten Mahavidyas : Kali, Tara, Sodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi and Kamalatmika. Being the centre for Tantra worship this temple attracts thousands of tantra devotees in an annual festival known as the Ambubachi Mela. Special cover issued by Assam Postal Circle, from Guwahati as on 12th October 2022.
Maa Hingla Peetha
"Goddess Hingula" is worshiped with great devotion by the people of the surrounding areas Goddess Hingula is believed to be the agni (fire) in the Kitchen of Lord Jagannath at Shree Mandir Puri. The holy place (peeth) of the Goddess Hingula is situated on the bank of the river Singhada in the West of Talchar Estate (now in the district of Angul), Maa Hingula is another name for the cosmic mother. Maa Hingula is otherwise called as Agnirupa, Jwalamukhi, Jyotirmayee, Hingulei and Hingulakshi. Special cover issued by Odisha Postal Circle, Bhubaneswar from Balanda as on 15th October 2020.
Maa Tarini Temple, Ghatgaon
The history of the temple is drawn on the depth of the past. However the known legend indicates that the deity was installed in the year 1480 by the then ruler of Keonjhar state Sri Gobind Bhanja. Everyday is a festival day at Maa's Shrine. Devotees from many parts of the country and around the world come to Maa's Shrine to offer Darsan. Mainly the following three festivals are important and major festivals observed at Maa's shrine : Sunabesa in Maha Visubha Sankranti of Deity (Chaiti Parba) April 09-15 every year. Special cover issued by Odisha Postal Circle, Bhubaneswar from Keonjhar as on 15th December 2018.
Maa Kali Temple, Chandbali
Chandbali town is a gift of river Baitarani. Dakhineswari Kali Temple is situated at the heart of the town. Devotee pay their obeisance to Goddess Kali. Maa Kali is also known as "Param Vaishnavi". Maa Kali is destroyer of evil forces. Special cover issued by Odisha Postal Circle, Bhubaneswar from Chandbali as on 21st September 2020.
Shakti Peethas
Tripurasundari - Baitadi, Date of issue 28th December 1981
A commemorative special cover was issued by the Indian Postal Department on 3rd October 2024 to honor Jari Mari Mata, a revered deity under the aegis of the Kshatriya Maratha Parit Dnyati Mandal Jari Mari Trust. The cover, released from Mumbai, showcases a vibrant and intricate design that pays tribute to the goddess and her significance within the Maratha community.
The Legend of Roro Zongrang
Roro Jonggrang is a famous legend from Central Java. The story is about a beautiful princess who was cursed to be transformed into an idol of the Hindu goddess Durga. For many years this folklore has haunted the existence of Kandy Sewu, Kandy Prambanan and Ratu Boko.
It is said that Princess Roro Zongrang was very beautiful. Once, she had a love affair with a powerful king or prince. However, due to some unfortunate events or a broken promise, she was cursed to transform into an idol of Goddess Durga.
This curse was so powerful that it not only turned her into a stone statue, but also trapped her within the temples to which she was attached.
The Indonesian Post issued stamps on February 2nd, 1998, featuring the legendary Roro Jonggrang. This historical figure is central to the folklore of Central Java. The stamps commemorate the enduring legacy of this captivating tale.
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