Pictorial Date Stamp of Gomatesvara

Summary

S.N. Ashok Kumar Jain’s brief note reports on the Karnataka Postal Circle’s introduction of a special pictorial date‑stamp for the year 1978 depicting the colossal statue of Gommaṭeśvara at Śravaṇabeḷgoḷa. The author explains that while most people glance at a postal cancellation only to see the date and place of posting, an attractive pictorial design can draw attention and promote tourism. The round, stereo‑typed date‑stamp features the meditating figure of Bahubali and was used on all mail posted at Śravaṇabeḷgoḷa, Belur, Halebeedu, Somanāthapura, Hampi and Nagarahole during 1978. Jain notes that this is not the first time the Postal Department has highlighted Jain monuments: the Hassan Philatelic Club issued a special cancellation of Gommaṭeśvara in 1973, and during KARNAPEX‑1975 another limited‑edition cancellation featuring the statue was used. What makes the 1978 stamp unique is that it was employed for an entire year rather than for a single day. The article suggests that India’s rich heritage of Jain monuments could be further utilised by postal authorities to create commemorative cancellations and thereby raise awareness of Jain culture while encouraging philately.