2025-04-21 Mon

The next remarkable addition to the Archaeological and Historical Monuments Definitive series from 1949 is of the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lingaraj meaning ‘The King of Lingam,’ and showcases the unique Rekha Deula style of architecture, which is a key feature of Kalinga architecture. It is an Indian temple Architectural style characterized by a tall, pyramidal tower, i.e., vimana over the garba griha, and other halls like the Jagamohana, Natamandira, and Bhogamandapa. The temple complex also houses 50 other shrines, maintained by the Temple Trust Board and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The temple is believed to have been built by the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty in the 11th century, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. In an exciting discovery in 2021, the ASI uncovered a stone structure believed to be the floor of a 10th-century temple during their excavation work!

The stamp honoring this temple was issued twice, both with a face value of 4 Annas. Initially, on 15 August 1949, it was printed in a lovely Lake color, but then on 30 April 1951, the color was changed to a Bright Blue to align with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) color requirements.