New Commemorative Coin: Sri Shyamacharan Lahiree Mahasaya

The Government of India will issue a commemorative coin of ₹125 to mark the '125th Departure Anniversary of Sri Shyamacharan Lahiree Mahasaya.' The Ministry of Finance issued the gazette notification on August 17, 2020, officially confirming the release of the coin.

Sri Shyamacharan Lahiree Mahasaya, also known as Lahiri Mahasaya, was a revered Indian yogi and spiritual teacher, born on September 30, 1828, in the town of Ghurni in West Bengal, India. Lahiri Mahasaya played a significant role in the revival of the ancient Kriya Yoga tradition. He received initiation into Kriya Yoga from Mahavatar Babaji, a legendary yogi believed to be timeless and immortal.

The metal composition of the ₹125 coin will consist of a Quaternary Alloy, comprising 50% Silver, 40% Copper, 5% Nickel, and 5% Zinc. The coin will weigh 35 grams and have a diameter of 44 mm, featuring 200 serrations along the edge. The coin's description is as follows.

The obverse side of the coin will feature the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar in the center, accompanied by the inscription "सत्यमेव जयते" below. On the left periphery, the word “भारत” in Devanagari script, and on the right periphery, the word “INDIA” in English will be inscribed. Additionally, the Rupee symbol “₹” and the denominational value “125” in international numerals will appear below the Lion Capitol.

On the reverse side of the coin, the central focus will be the image of Sri Shyamacharan Lahiree Mahasaya, with the inscription "श्री श्यामाचरण लाहिड़ी महाशय का 125 वाँ तिरोधान वर्ष” in Hindi and "125th Departure Anniversary of Sri Shyamacharan Lahiree Mahasaya" will be written on the top and lower peripheries of the coin. The years “1885-2020” will be inscribed in international numerals below the image of Sri Shyamacharan Lahiree Mahasaya.

The commemorative coin is expected to be released on 26th September 2020, coinciding with the Death Anniversary.