2005 Guru Granth Sahib Miniature Sheet – 400th Anniversary Commemorative Issue by India Post-Withdrawn Issue

Issued by India Post in 2005, the Guru Granth Sahib Miniature Sheet commemorates the 400th Anniversary of the Installation of Guru Granth Sahib at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar. This beautifully designed philatelic issue pays tribute to the sacred scripture of Sikhism, revered by Sikhs worldwide as the eternal Guru.

The miniature sheet features a commemorative stamp depicting the revered Guru Granth Sahib along with artistic elements associated with Sikh heritage and spirituality. Rich in symbolism and cultural significance, the issue celebrates four centuries of the Guru Granth Sahib's role in guiding humanity through its teachings of devotion, equality, compassion, and universal brotherhood.

"400 Years of Guru Granth Sahib" stamp and miniature sheet became controversial and were officially withdrawn by the Department of Posts shortly before formal release.

The withdrawal occurred after objections were raised by Sikh religious bodies, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akal Takht. The main concern was that the design depicted the Guru Granth Sahib without a Rumala (the ceremonial cloth covering the scripture), which was considered disrespectful and hurt religious sentiments. Following these objections, India Post ordered the withdrawal of the issue from post offices across the country.