307) “Mahabodhi Temple”: MyStamps (issued by India Post): Rajeev:

307) “Mahabodhi Temple”: MyStamps (issued by India Post): Rajeev:

(This post is in continuation of my previous posts on “MyStamp” albums issued in Sumita’s name and my name, with famous Indian locations, heritage treasures etc, with our photographs affixed thereon – Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Ghats of Varanasi, Fairy Queen Locomotive. The links to these interesting posts are as under:

1) "Ajanta & Ellora Caves": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Sumita and Rajeev

 2) "Ghats of Varanasi": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Sumita

3) "Sun Temple, Konark": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 

4) "Fairy Queen": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 

5) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 

Given below is a sheet of 12 Stamps titled “MyStamps”, featuring my (Rajeev’s) photo, together with an image from the Mahabodhi Temple, Gaya (Bihar) showing the Temple along with an image of a meditating Buddha:

The above is an image of the MyStamps Sheet containing 12 Stamps of the value of Rs.5/- each, depicting the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar and a meditating Buddha, together with my (Rajeev’s) photograph. 

This stamp sheet is contained in an elegant Stamp Album, image of which is as under:

             

The Stamp Album is also titled: “Bhartiya Dak Tikit” (in Hindi) and “India Postage stamps” (in English).

About the “Mahabodhi Temple”:

Location & period of construction:

The “Mahabodhi Mahavihar” (meaning “The Great Awakening Temple”) is a Buddhist Temple in Bodh Gaya (about 96 kilometres or 60 miles from Patna, the Capital of the Indian State of Bihar). The Temple is located at the place where the Buddha attained Enlightenment.

The “Mahabodhi Mahavihar” or the “Bodhgaya Temple” or the “Great Stupa” or “Mahabodhi Temple” is one of the shrines out of the 84000 shrines erected by Samrat Ashok in the 3^rd Century B.C. (260 BC) i.e. about 272 years after the Buddha attained Enlightenment.

 The “Mahabodhi Mahavihar” is the sole surviving example of what was once an architectural style which was in vogue in this Region and of which vestiges are still in existence in the ruined temples at Nalanda and some other sites. 

                    An image of the Mahabodhi Temple

Deep Spiritual Energy:

 Throughout the centuries, this magnificent structure has retained its deep spiritual energy and has inspired thousands of seekers towards treading upon a spiritual path. The “Vihar” itself stands out as a breath-taking artistic landmark and a tribute to one of the greatest Spiritual Teachers of all eternity – the Enlightened Buddha. The Buddha attained his Enlightenment under a “Peepul” Tree (“Ficus religiosa” or “sacred fig”), which is known ever since as the “Bodhi Tree” which also stood on this site (Presently a descendant of the Bodhi tree is present at this site.

The Seven Weeks after Enlightenment – Contemplation by the Buddha at this site:

 After attaining Enlightenment, the Buddha spent seven more weeks in meditation in seven different places around the “Bodhi Tree” contemplating on his State of Enlightenment. According to Buddhist tradition, after three days and three nights of contemplation under the Bodhi Tree, Prince Siddharth (Lord Buddha), found his Enlightenment.

He spent the next seven weeks as follows –

 The first week he spent under the Bodhi tree.

In the second week the Buddha remained standing and stared uninterrupted at the Bodhi Tree at which spot now stands the “Animeshlocha Stupa” (meaning the “Unblinking Stupa or Shrine”) which stands on the North-East of the Mahabodhi temple Complex. There is also a statue of the Buddha with eyes fixed towards the Bodhi Tree.

Thereafter, during the third week, the Buddha walked back and forth between the location of the Animeshlocha Stupa and the Bodhi tree. This path is now called the “Ratnachakrama” (meaning the “Jewel Walk”).

During the fourth week, the Buddha positioned himself near a place, presently called the “Ratnakar Chaitya” which is located near the North-East side.

The fifth week, the Buddha spent under the “Ajapala Nigodh” tree answering in detail the queries/questions of his disciples and devotees. This spot is now marked by a pillar.

The sixth week was spent next to a Lotus pond, while the seventh week was spent under the “Rajyatna tree”.

Other Deities associated with the Mahabodhi Temple:

Also associated with the site of the Mahabodhi Temple are – images of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Surya (the Sun God), “Avalokitesvara” (the “Lord who looks down” and is a Bodhisattva, who embodies the compassion of all the Buddhas), “Vajrapani” (one of the earliest appearing Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. He is the protector and guide of Gautam Buddha and symbolises the Buddha’s power), “Tara” (a female Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism who appears as a female Buddha in Vajrapani Buddhism), “Marichi” (She is a Bodhisattva associated with light and the Sun. She is also known as the woman who is endowed with the “Rays of Light” and rides a fiery chariot drawn by seven savage boars or sows), “Yamantaka” (a “Dev” or God who symbolises  “terminating death” which is a quality of all Buddhas as they have stopped the Cycle of Rebirth, Samsara etc. Yamantaka represents the goal of the Mahayana practitioner’s journey to Enlightenment), “Jambhala” (He is the “God of Wealth” and is a member of the Jewel Family. He is also known as “Kuber”. He is also believed to be the emanation of “Avalokitesvara”, the Bodhisattva of Compassion) and “Vajrarahi” (She is a form of Tantric deity in Tibetan Buddhism).

From the memoirs/Travelogue of Huen Tsang the Chinese pilgrim/traveller:

Huen Tsang, the well-known Chinese pilgrim had visited this Temple during his travels and made a mention of the “Mahabodhi Temple” in his Travelogue/Memoirs, which roughly translates into English as follows:

“To the East of the “Bodhi” Tree, there is a “Vihar” about 160 to 170 feet in height. Its lower foundation-wall is 20 or more paces in the front. The building is of blue bricks covered with “chuna” (meaning “burnt lime-stone”). In all the niches different stones hold golden figures. The four sides of the building are covered with wonderful ornamental work: in one place figures of stringed pearls (meaning “garlands”), in another, figures of heavenly Rishis and so on can be seen. The whole is surrounded by gilded copper amalaka fruit. The Eastern face adjoins a storied pavilion, the projecting caves of which rise one over the other to the height of three distinct chambers; its projecting caves, pillars, beams, doors and windows are decorated with gold and silver ornamental work with pearls and gems placed in a manner so as to fill up the interstices (small spaces)”.

Interestingly, the Temple retains the dimensions and general features which characterised it during the time of Huen Tsang’s visit to India.

The Mahabodhi Temple over the years:

Mahabodhi Temple was managed by the Buddhist Sangha (meaning community) till the first half of the 13^th Century.

The Mahabodhi Temple has undergone several man-induced depredations and natural calamities/disasters and suffered substantial damage.

During the 11^th century, Burmese rulers undertook restoration of the Temple Complex and the surrounding walls.

The Temple suffered massive damage/destruction by Muslim/Turkish invaders during the 12^th Century AD, who could tolerate no other religion than their own. Thereafter, the Mahabodhi Temple fell into disrepair and worship stopped for some time.

In the 13^th Century, Burmese Buddhists built a Temple modelled on the original Mahabodhi temple.

In 1590, a wandering “Sanyasi” (meaning “mendicant”), who was a Shaivite Hindu monk named Ghamandi Giri (literal translation in English of his name is roughly “Proud Mountain”) came to Bodh Gaya and claimed that he was the legitimate heir of the “Mahavihar” claiming descent from the Buddha’s family. He was appointed the “Mahant” (meaning “Chief Priest”) of the Temple.

The Temple has undergone several restorations, renovations and repairs in subsequent periods by a number of Buddhist Kings, donors and philanthropists both from India and abroad.

A thorough renovation was undertaken in 1874 by the Burmese King Mindon-Min which was completed by 1884 which has once again, restored some of the Mahabodhi Temple’s pristine grandeur.

In 2013, the upper portion of the temple was covered with gold gifted by the King of Thailand and Buddhist devotees.

Present Day Temple Management:

A Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee which was conceived through a Bill known as the Bodhgaya Temple Act of 1949.

The Temple affairs through this Act formally passed onto a Committee comprising of a Chairman and eight other members in 1953, all of whom were Hindus.

Presently, the Committee serves a three-year term and consists of four Buddhist and four Hindu representatives, including the head of the Shankaracharya Math monastery who is an ex-officio Hindu member, with the District Magistrate being the Chairman, even if he is not a Buddhist or a Hindu. There is also an Advisory Committee which consists of the Governor of Bihar and 20-25 members of which half are from foreign Buddhist countries.

The Committee looks after, the upkeep and repair of the Temple, improvement of the Temple land, welfare and safety of the pilgrims and proper performance of worship at the Temple.

The Temple derives no fixed income and depends largely on donations made by pilgrims/devotees/donors etc.

The Mahabodhi Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2002:

The Mahabodhi Temple has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2002.

The description given of the Temple in a UNESCO compendium titled “Treasures of the World – A complete guide to the UNESCO World Heritage sites” in my personal library reads:

“The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is one of the four holy sites related to the life of the Lord Buddha (566-486 BC) as the place where in 532 BC, he attained the supreme and perfect insight while seated under the Bodhi Tree. It provides exceptional records for the events associated with his life and for subsequent worship, particularly since Emperor Asoka made a pilgrimage to this spot around 260 BC and built the first temple at the site of the Bodhi Tree. The present temple dates from the fifth or sixth centuries and is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick still standing in India.

The most important of the sacred places is the giant Bodhi Tree (“ficus religiosa”). This Tree is to the West of the main temple and is supposed to be a descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha spent his first week and where he had his enlightenment”.

(For my post on the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha on stamps issued in 2007, please click on the following link:  2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post ) 
(For my posts on the Buddhist Jataka Tales, please click on the following links: 

1) Thailand postage stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Magha Puja Day (Part I)

2) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Asalha Puja Day (Part II)  

3) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Visakha Puja Day (Part III)

4) Postage stamps from Thailand commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales (Part IV)
  

 Links to other Posts on Buddhism and DR. B.R. Ambedkar on this Blog:

 1) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev

 2)"Ajanta & Ellora Caves": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Sumita and Rajeev

 3) The Gilgit Record (Manuscripts): National Archives of India (Part 2) A 30 paise Stamp issued in 1979,  by the Department of Posts, India.

 4) Samrat Ashok - Commemorative Stamps issued on the legendary Emperor of Ancient India 

5) Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedker by Department of Posts, India with a stamp titled "Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution"

6) Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar : Father of the Indian Constitution, Eminent Political Leader, Philosopher & Freedom Fighter (14.04.1891-06.12.1956) 

 

7) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post   

8) "Deekshabhoomi": The place of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's initiation into Buddhism: Two Commemorative stamps of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- denomination issued by India Post on 14.04.2017 

Links to posts on Indian Post-Cards:

1) Historical First Day Covers on Post Cards compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle on Post Independence India

2) For Part I of the DYKS (32) "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" (Part I) - Description of 16 birds with picture postcards)

3) For Part II of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)

4) For Part III of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas" please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)

5) Two Series of Postage Stamps issued during the reign of George V: Inauguration of New Delhi in 1931 and Silver Jubilee of the reign of George V in 1935 compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle   

6) Aero India 2015: Asia's Premier Air Show: A set of 10 Post cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post in 2015. 

7) Himalayan Lakes: Chandratal, Roop Kund, Sela, Tsangu and Tsomo Riri: A set of five post cards issued by India Post in 2015 

8)  Incredible India: (Part I) A set of 48 Post Cards issued by India Post in 2015
9) Incredible India: (Part II) A set of 48 Post cards issued by India Post in 2015
10)   Incredible India: (Part III): A set of 48 Post cards issued by india Post in 2015
 11) Olympic Events: A set of 12 Post cards issued by the Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 11.07.2016  

12) "Orchids": A set of 12 postcards issued by the Karnataka Postal Cicle of India Post, with designs inspired by 6 Stamps on Orchids issued by India Post on 21.10.1991 and 6 Stamps issued on 08.08.2016 
  
Maximum or Maxim Cards: 

1) Did You Know series (33): 1) Maxim or Maximum Cards 2) A set of 5 Maximum Cards issued by the Department of Posts, India to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Establishment of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad

"My Stamps" Albums:

1) "Ajanta & Ellora Caves": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Sumita and Rajeev

 2) "Ghats of Varanasi": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Sumita

3) "Sun Temple, Konark": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 

4) "Fairy Queen": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 

5) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev 
  
 6) "Port Blair Island": "My Stamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev

Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2016:

1)  Special India Post Cover  carried in a dedicated Hot Air Balloon flown during the II International Hot Air Balloon Festival held in Pollachi, Tamilnadu, released by Tamilnadu Circle of India Post in January 2016

2) "Vibrant India": Postage Stamps issued by India Post on this theme

3) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nasik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 1) Spl. Covers on Pandu Leni Caves and Smt. Kusum Dhirubhai Mehta released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 16.01.2016 

4) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.2016: (Part 2) Spl.Covers on Kalaram temple and Nashik "Grape City & Wine Capital of India" released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 17.01.2016 

5) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 3) Spl. Covers on "Nashik Dhol" and "Dr. Anand Gopalrao Joshi" released by Maharashtra postal Circle on 18.01.2016 

6) International Fleet Review - 2016 (IFR - 16) held at Vishakhapatnam from 04.02.16 to 08.02.16: Commemorative Postage stamps issued by India Post 

7) Celebrating 75 Years of setting up of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal : Commemorative Postage Stamps brought out by India Post. 

8) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06 - 09.02.2016: (Part 1): Spl. Covers on "Indian Dak Runner" & "The PUNPEX-16 logo" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 06.02.2016 

9) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 2): Spl. Cover on "Butterflies of Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016 

10) PUNPEX - 16  held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 3): Spl. Cover on "Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016 

11) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 4): Spl. Cover on "Migratory Birds of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh" released on 07.02.2016 

12) "Gurudwara Shri Paonta Sahib": Spl. Cover released by HP Postal Circle, of India Post 

13) India's First International Fleet review held on 18.02.2001 at Mumbai 

14) "Jal Mahotsav" on the River Narmada from 12-21.02.2016: Spl Cover issued by the Department of Posts, India 

15) "Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv", Ujjain 22.04.2016-21.05.2016: MAPPEX-2016 Spl Cover released by Postmaster General, Indore Region, India Post on 07.02.2016 

16) Unique Handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh: MAPPEX 2016: A Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General , Indore Region, Indore, on 05.02.2016 

17) Golden Jubilee of The Statesman Vintage & Classic car Rally": Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi on 28.02.2016 

18) Mahamaham Kumbha Mela Festival, Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu: February 13-22, 2016. Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai, India Post. 

19) "Maharaja Agrasen ki Baoli " in New Delhi: "UTSAV 2016"- A Special cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 17.02.2016 

20) Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Birth Centenary celebrations : A Special Cover issued by Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi, India Post on 15.02.2016

21) Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple: UTSAV 2016: A Spl Cover issued on 17.02.2016 by Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi 

22) National Science Centre Delhi: UTSAV 2016: A Spl Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi , Department of Posts, India on 16.02.2016 

23) Commemorating the Birth Centenary of Vasantrao Srinivassa Sinai Dempo: A Rs.5/- Stamp issued by  India Post on 04.03.2016 

24) 150th Anniversary of the Allahabad High Court : Commemorative Stamps & Coins issued by the Department of Posts, India & India Government Mint, Mumbai respectively 

25) National Archives of India (Part 1): 125th Anniversary Celebrations: Commemorative Stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India on 13.03.2016 

26) The Gilgit Record (Manuscripts): National Archives of India (Part 2) A 30 paise Stamp issued in 1979,  by the Department of Posts, India. 

27) "A Minor Rock Edict" of Samrat ashok found in Gujarra , Distt. Datia M.P. : A Special Cover issued by the Indore Region, MP Postal Circle, Deptt. of Posts, India

28) "Batesara Group of Temples": A Special Cover issued by Indore Region, M.P. Postal Circle, Deptt. of Posts, India 

29) "India-UN Women HeForShe Programme": Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post  

30) Fire Services of India: A Rs. 5/- Stamp issued by the department of posts, india to honour the "Fire Services of India" 

31) Govardhanram Tripathi: Commemorative Rs.5/ Stamps brought out in his honour by the Department of Posts, India. 

32) The "Everlasting Flame international Programme 2016": A Special Cover issued by Delhi Postal Circle, Department of Posts, India. 

33) "Ahimsa Ball": Commemorating the 10th Installation Ceremony of the Ball: A Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 26.04.2016 

34) "BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 14-16 April 2016, held at Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle on 14.04.2016 

35) "25th Shukla Day Coin and Philately Fair" held from 22-24.04.2016 at Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle, India Post on 22.04.2016 

36) "Indian Coast Guard Air Station Chennai Silver Jubilee": A Special Cover issued by Tamilnadu Postal Circle of India Post on 07.03.2016 

37) Swami Chidananda: A Rs.5/- Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 21.05.2016, celebrating his Birth Centenary. 

38) "Brave Fighter Narvir Shivaji Kashid: A Special Cover issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 05.05.2016 

39) Tata Power: Commemorating the centenary of the establishment of The Company by India Post, by issuing Rs.5/- stamps on 10.06.16 

 40) "Surya Namaskar": The theme of second International Day of Yoga: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 21.06.2016

41) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Jharkhand: DEOPEX:2016: A Special Cover issued by the Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 18.03.2016 

42) "Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar": DEOPEX-2016: A Special Cover issued on him by Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 18.03.2016 

43) "Philatelic Seminar, Jaipur": A Special Cover issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle, India Post on 28.02.2016 

44) "Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey Namme - 2016": A Spcial Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 03.05.2016 

45) The Indian Institute of Architects: Commemorating the Centenary year of the Institute by issuing a Special Cover by Maharashtra Postal Circle, India Post on 12.05.2016  

46) Indian Naval Air Squadron 300 (INAS 300): A Special Cover issued on the Induction of MiG-29Ks and de-induction of Sea Harriers in the Squadron, by the Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 11.05.2016 

47) State Trading Corporation : Celebrating 60 Glorious Years: A Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, India Post on 18.05.2016 

48) Christ Church Fort Teppakullam, Tirichirappalli: 250th Anniversary Celebrations: A Special Cover issued by Tamilnadu Postal Circle, India Post on 17.05.2016 

49) "BSE" (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange): Commemorating the 140th Year of its establishment: A Rs.5/- commemorative stamp brought out by India Post on 09.07.2016 

50) "VIKAS PARV - CHHAU DANCE": A Special Cover issued by Jharkhand Postal Circle on 17.06.16 

51) 65th Plenary of the North Eastern Council held on 26-27 May 2016 at Shillong: A Special Cover brought out by the NE Postal Circle of India Post, on 03.06.2016 

52) Platinum Jubilee of the First Philatelic Bureau set up in Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 21.06.2016 

53) Chennai Book Fair: A Special Cover issued by the Tamilnadu Postal Circle of India Post on 01.06.2016

54) Chennai Book Fair (Part II) A.K. Chettiar : One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

55) Chennai Book Fair (Part III): T.Janakiraman: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

56) Chennai Book Fair (Part IV): P.V. Akilandam: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

57) Chennai Book Fair (Part V): D. Jayakanthan: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

58) Chennai Book Fair : (Part VI): Pudhumaipithan: One of Six Eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

59) Chennai Book Fair: (Part VII): Va Ramasamy: One of six eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

60) Tadoba Andhari National Park: Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on "International Tiger Day" at Nagpur on 29.07.2016 

61) Tara Mata Temple Shimla: Famous Temples of Himachaal Pradesh Series: A Special Cover issued by HP Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016 

62) Bagla Mukhi Temple, Bankhandi, Kangra: Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh Series: A Special Cover released by the H.P. Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016  

63) Chintpurni Temple , Chintpurni Una, HP: Famous temples of Himachal {radesh Sries: A Special Cover released by H.P.Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016 

64) Ter-Centenary of the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur: A Special Cover brought out by Delhi P0stal Circle of Indiapost on 20.06.2016 

65) "Rio 2016" Summer Olympics: Commemorative Stamps and booklets issued by the Department of Posts, India on 05.08.2016

66) "Orchids": A set of 6 Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post on 08.08.2016  

67) Indian Metal Crafts: A set of six Stamps issued by India Post on 26.08.2016 

68) Independence Day - Tourism in India: A Rs. 25/- Commemorative Stamp issued by India Post on 15.08.2016 

Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:

1) 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil - A set of four stamps issued by India Post.

2) Commemorative Stamps on "Swachh Bharat" Mission

3) Commemorative Stamps on "Project Rukmini"

4) Commemorative Stamps on "Indian Ocean & Rajenda Chola I"

5) International Day of Yoga - "Commemorative Stamps & Coins" 

6) India-France - 50 Years of Space Co-operation - Commemorative Stamps

7) Commemorative Stamps on 50 years (Golden Jubilee) of "Engineers India Limited"

8) Bicentenary of the "Old Theological Seminary" (OTS) Kottayam, Kerala

9) Commemorative stamps issued on Nabakalabera (Jagannath Temple, Puri)

10) Commemorative stamps issued on an Indian Game called "Sagol Kangjei" originated in Manipur, from which Polo was adapted all over the World  

11) Samrat Ashok - Commemorative Stamps issued on the legendary Emperor of Ancient India 

12) Women Empowerment - Commemorative Stamps

13) Baba Amte - Commemorative Stamps 

14) Did You Know Series (4): A sample of the beautiful stamps brought out by Department of Posts, India 

15) 10th World Hindi Conference held at Bhopal - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts India

16) 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak War: Commemorative stamps issued by Department of Posts, India. 

17) Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedker by Department of Posts, India with a stamp titled "Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution" 

18) The "Charkha" or the Spinning Wheel: Commemorative stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India 

19) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India 

20) 50th Anniversary of the Border Security Force (BSF): Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India 

21) 3rd India- Africa Forum Summit at New Delhi - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts, India 

22) Commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL): Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post.

23) Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Raising Day of the First and Third Gorkha Rifles: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.  

24) India-Singapore Joint issue: 50 Years of Bilateral Relationship: Two Commemorative Stamps issued by India-Post. 

25) Celebrating 60 years (Golden Jubilee) of EEPC India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post. 

26) Centenary of the setting up of the Zoological Survey of India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post 

27) Celebrating Children's Day on November 14th - Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post. 

28) Musicians of India - Commemorating Classical Musicians of India by issue of Stamps by India Post. 

29) Sumitranandan Pant (poet and writer) : Commemorative postage stamps issued on him by India Post 

30) Golden Jubilee of the Establishment of the IDSA, New Delhi: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post 

31) 100 Years of Return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915: Commemorative postage stamps issued by India Post 

32) Commemorating Alugumuthu Kone, one of the first Freedom Fighters against the British: Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post

33) Centennial of the Patna High Court of Judicature: Commoemrative Stamps issued by India Post 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013: 

1) Commemorative Postage stamps on the "Wild Flowers of India" issued by India Post.

2) 100 Years of Indian Cinema: 50 commemorative stamps issued by India Post. 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2012:

1) Shekhawati and Warli Paintings (Part I) - Warli Paintings - Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post in 2012

2) Shekhawati and Warli Paintings (Part II) - Shekhaati Paintings - Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post in 2012 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2011:

1) Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.100/- issued on Mahatma Gandhi on Khadi Cloth for the first time ever by India Post.

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2010:

1) Princely States of Indore, Sirmoor, Bamra and Cochin : Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts issued in 2008: 

1) Centenary of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru: Commemorative Stamps brought out by Indiapost in 2008

2) Standard Chartered Bank: Commemorating 150 Years of Banking in India: A Rs.5/- Commemorative Postage Stamp issued depicting the SCB Mumbai Heritage Building 

3) "Aldabra Giant Tortoise": A commemorative postage stamp brought out by India Post in 2008 

List of Commemorative Stamps issued in 2007:

1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post  

Commemorative stamps issued in 1931, 1947 and 1950:

1) Three Series of original Indian stamps which depict : Inauguration of New Delhi (1931), First Independent India postage stamps (1947) and Republic of India Inauguration (1950)

 Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:

1) Thailand postage stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Magha Puja Day (Part I)

2) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Asalha Puja Day (Part II)  

3) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Visakha Puja Day (Part III)

4) Postage stamps from Thailand commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales

Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):

1) Forever Stamps: A Series of Stamps commemorating the "US Civil War 1861-1865"

2) Forever Stamps: The Hindu Festival of Lights - Diwali (2016) 

Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey: 

1) "Man of Steel": A Superman movie. Jersey post stamps commemorating a local lad Henry William Dalgliesh who played Superman in the Movie 

Postage Stamps from Gibraltar:

1) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal guidepost/landmark in Liberty and Freedom: A miniature stamp sheet issued by the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau

Postage Stamps issued by Hongkong Post:

1) Working Dogs in Government Service: A sheetlet showing six dogs issued by Hongkong Post in June 2012

Postage Stamps issued by New Zealand Post: 

1) ICC Cricket World Cup - 2015 14 Commemorative Stamps issued with the theme "Have A Ball"

International Philately Exhibitions :

1) World Stamp Show New York 2016

2) Thailand 2016 - FIAP 32nd Asian International Stamp Exhibition 10-15 August 2016