Lord Shiva stamps collection

 MYTHOLOGY OF LORD SHIVA

Lord Shiva is one of the most important deities in Hinduism. He is one of the trinity gods. He is also called the God of Gods, Mahadev. He is also known by the names of Bholenath, Shankar, Mahesh, Rudra, Neelkanth, Gangadhar etc. His name is Rudra in the Vedas. Shankar ji is called the god of destruction.  Just as this universe has no end, no end and no beginning, similarly Shiva is eternal, the whole universe is contained within Shiva, when there was nothing, there was still Shiva, when there would be nothing, there would still be Shiva. Shiva is called Mahakal, that is, time. Shiva sustains the entire creation through this form. Through this form, God has collected all the planets by the power of his energy and heat. This form of God is considered very beneficial because the basis of the whole creation rests on this form. Lord Shiva is worshiped in many forms, in which 12 Jyotirlingas have special significance.

Guyana stamps on Sites & Scenes of India depicting on Lord Shiva, issued as on 4th April 2011

Czech Republic stamps depicting on Lord Shiva with Mata Parvati and Shri Ganesh, issued as on 21st February 2007.

This is 12th Century Hindu Sculpture of Umamaheshwar. Umamaheshwar another name of Shiva-Parvati or Gauri-Shankar. It is the representation when Shiv is represented with his consort Parvati or Uma. The Maheshwar is positioned in a relaxed posture (Lalitasana) with Uma seated on his left, Nepal Post issued stamps featuring the statue of Umamaheshwar, Date of issue 27th December 2004

Nepal stamps depicting on Lord Shiva with Mata Parvati, Date of issue 26th September 1979

Sital Sasthi, is the celebration of the divine marriage of the Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as stated in the Shiva Purana and a major festival of Sambalpur district of Odisha since ages. Date of issue 20th February 2024

According to traditional Thai belief, Shiva will pay an annual 10-day visit to the earth. This visit will start on the seventh night of the waning moon in the month. During the visit, a Brahmin ceremony. Knows as the Tri Yumpawai, will be organized to welcome God. Stamps depicting on Lord Shiva, issued as on 2nd June 2009.

There are many forms of Lord Shiva, one of which is Nataraja form. This dance of Shiva is called Tandava, which is the cosmic dance that both creates and destroys the universe. The energy and wildness of the dance is visible in their bent knees and the extraordinary spread of God's hair. Shiva's locks also contain a skull, a datura flower and a crescent moon which represent the idea that Shiva is always present, even if sometimes he is not always visible. Even more prominent is the shape of the Ganges. He has a small damaru in his upper right hand. In Shiva's upper left hand he holds Agni, the divine fire, which is meant to destroy the universe. Shiva's lower right hand makes the Abhaya Mudra a posture of blessing that pacifies all fear, and the lower left hand with a hand across his torso pointing to his left foot is the Gaj Hasta, a symbol of salvation and liberation. Shiva's right foot is shown stamping on the dwarf figure Apasmara Purush, who bears a cobra and who represents illusion and ignorance, leading humanity away from truth. The cobra motif is repeated and hangs from the right hand of Shiva. The Lord usually wears only a short dhoti which is tied around his waist with a sash. Typically, the two ends of the sash bill for the dancing movement of the god and reach to join the ring of fire. Shiva also wears ornaments – necklaces, armlets and anklets.

"The whole thing is there, you see. The world of space and time, and matter and energy, the world of creation and destruction, the world of psychology…We (the West) don’t have anything remotely approaching such a comprehensive symbol, which is both cosmic and psychological, and spiritual." ―Aldous Huxley, 1961

Chile stamps depicting on Natraj, issued as on 22nd January 1959

Suriname stamps depicting on Natraj, issued as on 21st June 1967

Natesa, Government Museum, Chennai, Date of issue 19th June 2003

Bronze Metal Nataraja Statue, Date of issue 26th August 2016

Mozambique Stamps on Ancient Art of India depicting Natraj, Date of issue 30th October 2011

Ananda K. Coomaraswamy (1877-1947) was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka to a Tamil family. About 100 years ago, one of his essays "The Dance of Shiva" was published. The essay summarizes the essential significance of Shiva as Nataraja, "Lord of the Dance", the summary of the essay is as follows. The Essential Significance of Shiva's Dance is threefold: First, it is the image of his Rhythmic Play as the Source of all Movement within the Cosmos, which is represented by the Arch: Secondly, the Purpose of his Dance is to Release the Countless Souls of men from the Snare of Illusion: Thirdly, the Place of the Dance, Chidambaram, the Center of the Universe, is within the Heart.

A special cover was issued from New Delhi to honor the world’s tallest Nataraja statue crafted from Ashtadhatu (an eight-metal alloy). Lord Nataraja, a revered form of Lord Shiva, symbolizes the cosmic dance of creation and destruction, known as Tandava. This dance posture represents the eternal rhythm of the universe, blending spirituality and artistic magnificence.

The statue, standing an impressive 27 feet tall and weighing 20 tons, is a testament to India's rich cultural heritage and devotion. The use of Ashtadhatu not only highlights traditional craftsmanship but also ensures the structure’s durability and spiritual significance. Such tributes celebrate Lord Shiva’s divine role as the cosmic dancer, embodying harmony amidst chaos. This special cover immortalizes this iconic structure, linking art, religion, and history in a remarkable way.

Natraj Cachet - India Special Cover issued from Kumbakonam as on 10th August 2018

Cachet of Natraj and Kuchipudi - This Special Cover issued on the occasion of International Dance Day, issued by Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle from Vijayawada as on 29th April 2019

Vocal for Local - Moradabad is hub of manufacturing of brass metal products. Metal crafts of India are wide spread with artisans. Shiva is divine cosmic dancer. this Natraj artefact is made Indian art from practiced in Moradabad (U.P.). Special Cover issued from Police Training College Sub Post Office as on 29th December 2022

This temple is 26 kilometers from Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh state, in Tala village on the banks of Maniyari river. It is known as Devrani-Jethani temple. The huge idol of Rudra-Shiva was found in 1987 by the Archaeological Department during excavation. There is no proper evidence of which period this rare statue belongs to. This statue of Rudrashiv is the most unique specimen of architecture and sculpture. This idol made of red sandstone is more than two meters high. Such a unique specimen of sculpture has not been found anywhere in the history of archeology till date. Many figures of animals have emerged in this idol. Shivji is also called Pashupatinath i.e. The god of animals and this form of Shivji emerges well through the figures of various animals engraved in the form of body parts in this idol. India Post issued My Stamp in 2019

Kartikeya or Kartik is the first child of Lord Shiva. Kritika, the wife of a sage, nurtured him and he was named Kartikeya. Skanda Sashti or Kumar Sashti, a popular Hindu festival is dedicated to him. His other name is Skanda. Skanda Purana, the largest of all the Puranas, is titled after him. Shiva-Parvati gave birth to this child to kill Tarakasura. In South India, this son of Shiva is worshipped as Murugan.

Portugal Post issued stamps on 24th February 2014 to commemorate 400th Anniversary of First Edition of Peregrinacao by Fernao Mendes Pinto, The six-headed Lord Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and victory, riding a peacock is depicted in the stamps.

Nandi

According to the Puranas, Nandi is the incarnation of Shiva who is in the form of a bull. Who is the means of transport of Lord Shiva and the Gatekeeper of Kailash. Who are worshiped in Shiva temples in the form of a bull. According to beliefs, whatever wish is asked in Nandi's ear is fulfilled.

7th Century Sculpture of Khemer (Combodia) depicts on Cambodia Stamps, issued as on 13th April 1991

The painting depicts Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of Hinduism, seated majestically on his divine bull, Nandi. Shiva's serene expression and Nandi's calm demeanor symbolize the divine power and tranquility associated with them.

The Indian Postal Department released a commemorative stamps on February 2, 2014, showcasing a painting of Lord Shiva riding Nandi from the Indian Museum, Kolkata. This stamp celebrates India's rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy.

12 Jyotirlingas

Baidyanath Jyotirlinga - Baidyanath Dham temple is Lord Shiva temple located in Deoghar Jharkhand State. As per Hindu mythology it is believed that this Jyotirlinga had been established by demon King Ravana so this Jyotirlinga also called Ravenshwar Jyotirlinga. On the occasion of Dumka Stamps Festival Jharkhand Postal Circle issued a special cover as on 17th January 2017

Baba Baidyanath Dham Kanwar Yatra

The text describes the annual Baba Baidyanath Dham Kanwar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for Hindu devotees. Every year during the month of Sawan, millions of devotees walk 105 kilometers from Sultanganj to Deoghar, carrying water from the holy Ganges River to offer to Lord Shiva at the Baba Baidyanath Temple. It is believed that Lord Rama himself initiated this tradition. This cover was issued from Sultanganj on August 14, 2024, likely in commemoration of this important pilgrimage.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga -

In Ujjain, the city of the world-famous Baba Mahakal, every festival is celebrated with great pomp, but the month of Shravan has a very special significance. The month of Shravan is derived from the Shravan constellation and Shravan is considered prominent for the devotion and worship of Lord Shiva. All India Shravan Mahotsav is organized every year by Mahakal Temple administration. This cover was issued from Ujjain on 24th August 2024.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, shrines which are said to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Shree Mahakal Lok new name is Shree Mahakal Mahalok is newly constructed corridor of this temple. This special cover issue from Ujjain as on 13th October 2022

Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Temple is situated on the western bank of the sacred north-flowing Ganga river in Kashi City (Varanasi). The temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. The structure of the temple has three major pinnacles, two of which are gold studded. The main temple is quadrilateral and surrounded by other deities. This Special Cover issued from Varanasi as on 7th March 2024

Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga - Trimbakeshwar Temple located in Trimbak, which is about 28 km from Nasik, Maharashtra. The Godavari River originated near Trimbak. There are three hills surrounding this temple - Brahmagiri, Nilagiri and Kalagiri. The entire temple is constructed of black stone. The main feature of Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is that the Jyotirlinga has three faces representing Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Hence it was named Trimbakeshwar (three Gods).

Combination of Shiv and Parvati on cover - Left side of cover showing Kamakhya Temple. Which is situated on the Nilachal Hill in Western part of Guwahati city in Assam is one of the oldest of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. This Special Cover issued from Nashik as on 18th April 2023

France UNESCO Service stamps on Bhagdaon Temple- Nyatapola is a five tiered temple located in the central part of Bhaktapur, Nepal. It is the tallest monument within the city and is also the tallest temple of Nepal. This temple was commissioned by King Bhupatindra Malla, Date of issue 23rd November 1991

Sri Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu - Sri Pashupatinath temple is most important Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva. This temple is located on both banks of Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Here is god Shiva worshipped in his from as Pashupati "Protector of animals". The main temple of Pashupatinath is a building with a bunk roof and a golden spire and is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture. Nepal Post issued a stamps on Sri Pashupatinath Temple as on 1st October 1949

Shiva in Nepal Official Stamps - 

Shri Pashpatinath depicted in the old coat of arms of Nepal, The patron deity Sri 108 Pashpatinath in a landscape with the Himalyas in the background all proper.

Crest: Two kukri’s in saltire between a crescent and a sun, the footprints of Sri 108 Gorakhnath in chief and Verse of Valmiki Ramayana "जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपि गरीयसी" Hindi translation जननी और जन्मभूमि स्वर्ग से भी श्रेष्ठ हैं। English translation One’s mother and motherland are superior to the highest heavens. Stamps issued in 1959.

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Brihadeeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur in the Tamil Nadu state. It is also known as Periya Kovil, Raja Rajeswara Temple and Rajarajesvaram. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period. Built by emperor Raja Chola I and  It turned 1,000 years old in September 2010. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. India post issued My Stamp as on 1st February 2020

India post issued Commemorative Stamps as on 25th September 2010

Sri Saraparameswarar Temple, Tiruchirai - Lord Shiva Temple for Debt Relief. It is located at 15 KMs from Kumbakonan in Thirucherai  district of Tamil Nadu State. The lord here is also praised as Sri Senneriyappar. This means that the lord shows everyone the righteous way of living (“senneri” means “right way” and “appar” meaning the lord in Tamil). Sage Markandeyar installed and worshiped a Shivalingam here. He prayed to Lord Shiva here and he was cleansed of the debts that he had accrued in his previous birth (“poorva janma kadan”). He also attained salvation (“moksham”) here. The Shivalingam of this temple is known as “Sri Rina Vimochana Lingeswarar” (the lord who gives relief from debt) and “Kadan Nivartheeswarar”. Devotees throng to this temple on Mondays and Fridays in large numbers. It is believed that Lord Suryan and Sage Thoumiya have worshiped the lord here. Special Cover issued from Kumbakonam as on 11th August 2018

The Gopinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Gopeshwar, the district headquarters of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Renowned for its mythology and architecture, the temple is surrounded by a magnificent dome and features a 30-square-feet sanctum sanctorum. It houses a life-sized idol of Lord Shiva’s Nataraja form, crafted from Ashtadhatu (eight-metal alloy), which stands as a symbol of divine artistry and spirituality.

According to legend, when Lord Shiva aimed his trident to destroy Kamadeva, it became lodged at this site, enhancing the temple’s mythological significance. Surrounded by lush landscapes, the temple attracts pilgrims and architecture enthusiasts alike.

To celebrate the cultural and religious importance of the Gopinath Temple, a special cover was issued from Gopeshwar on October 5, 2024, by the Uttarakhand Postal Circle. This cover commemorates the temple’s heritage and was released during a philatelic exhibition held in Gopeshwar, Chamoli district.

Mhatobar Shri Murdeshwar Temple - Murdeshwar is another name of Hindu god Shiva. Murdeshwar is famous for the world's second-tallest Shiva statue.  Murdeshwar is a town in Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada District.  Murdeshwar Temple is build on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea. This Special Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle from Kumta as on 16th December 2017

Dodda Basappa (Great Nandi) Temple is one of the architectural novelties in Dambal in Gadag district in Karnataka State, built by the Kalyani Chalukya Dynasty. The deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the symbolic form of the Shiva linga. The temple architecture is a star shaped with a stellate plan made with soapstone. The temple has an incessant stellate star shaped model. The vehicle of Lord Shiva, the Nandi, the bull, is placed right in the entrance towards the east. The temple was built in century AD. Special cover issued as on 9th August 2014.