Complete Set of 4 nos of commemorative postage stamps on the INPEX-EMPIREPEX 2001 : Hindu Temple Architecture : Kedarnath (Uttaranchal), Tryambakeshwar & Aundha Nagnath (Maharashtra) and Rameshwaram (Tamilnadu) :

Issued by India

Issued on Dec 22, 2001

Issued for : The Department of Posts is bringing out a set of four stamps on temple architecture. Four temples noted for their antiquity and architectural features have been included in this set. These are also popular pilgrimage centres and form part of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, considered to be the abodes of Lord Shiva.

Design : The first stamp depicts the temple at Kedarnath, set against the majestic Kedarnath range of mountains of Uttaranchal. It is a handsome building with a neat facade, incorporating architectural features typical of the Himalayan region. The Tryambakeshwar temple, featured on the next stamp, is situated in the district of Nashik in Maharashtra. It is built in black stone and follows the Nagara style of architecture. The third stamp is on Aundha Nagnath temple, located near Nanded in Maharashtra. The temple is famous for its exquisite carvings. Spread over an area of 60,000 sq. ft., it follows the style of architecture called Hemadpanthi. Figuring on the fourth stamp, the temple of Rameshwaram is famous of its majestic pillars and well fashioned corridors. Built around the twelfth century A.D., with its beautifully embellished Gopurams and towers, it is a classic example of Dravidian architecture.

The First Day Cover carries an illustration of the Kashi Vishwanath temple at Varanasi, noted for its antiquity and architectural features.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Sankha Samantha
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Colour : Four Colour

Denomination : 400, 400, 400 & 1500 Paise

Overall size : 2.90 X 3.91 cms.

Printing size : 2.90 X 3.91 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported Unwatermarked stamp paper

Stamps Printed : 3 million each

Number per issue sheet : 40

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Madras Security Printers Ltd.

About : 

• Religion has been a formative influence on every form of human activity in India, particularly art and architecture. Thus, the evolution of the temple over two thousand years offers a fascinating subject to students of architecture. The different styles of Indian temple architecture also offers insight into the economic, cultural, social and climatic factors that were predominant in different historical periods.
• Models derived from religious considerations have been central to temple architecture in India. Thus, various elements and decorative details which originated on account of the structural requirements of the earlier timber buildings were carried over into the era of stone construction also, because of religious beliefs. The horseshoe shaped window, post and beam and corbelled vaulting are examples of such elements. However, there was enough scope for architectural elements and sculptural forms that are so characteristic of Indian temple architecture and which have few parallels in the entire world.
• The different architectural styles of the temples of India have been traditionally classified into three, viz. The Nagara of ‘northern’ style, the Dravida or ‘southern’ style, and the Vasara or hybrid style which is seen in the Deccan between the other two. There are also distinct and localised styles in areas like Bengal, Kerala and the valleys of the Himalayas.

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