Produced by: Hitansh Gaur
Prime Minister Modi is set to install a sacred ‘Sengol’ in the new Parliament building. Union Minister Amit Shah announced the same while talking about Sengol's significance in Indian culture.
Sengol was a significant part of coronation ceremonies during the Cholas period. It served as a ceremonial spear or flagstaff featuring elaborate carvings and decorative elements. The Sengol is considered a sacred emblem of authority, representing the transfer of power between two rulers.
The Sengol was an iconic symbol during Chola reign symbolising their power, sovereignty and legitimacy. The Chola dynasty is renowned for their extraordinary contributions to architecture, literature, arts and culture.
Sengol was also used as a symbolic transfer of power from the British to the citizens of Independent India. The Sengol was received by late Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru on the night of August 14, 1947. Nehru received the symbolic staff around 10:45 pm in the presence of several senior leaders.
Lord Mountbatten had asked Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru how the ceremony should be carried out of this historic transfer of power. Nehru sought advice from his close friend C. Rajagopalachari, also known as ‘Rajaji’. Rajaji suggested this symbolic way of transfer of power from the period of Cholas, as the staff was passed from one ruler to his successor by high priests.
Rajaji approached the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, a 500 year-old Dharmic Mutt located in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. The High Priest of this Adheenam was assigned the task of designing a new Sengol for this historic ceremony.
The High Priest of Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam commissioned a new Sengol. It was designed to be approximately five feet in length, featuring intricate details and symbolism. The Nandi (bull) placed on top of the Sengol represents the concept of “Nyaya," signifying justice and fairness.
The task of crafting the Sengol was given to Chennai’s renowned jewellers - Vummidi Bangaru Chetty. Two of their craftsmen carried out this delicate task, Vummidi Ethirajulu (now 96-years-old) and Vummidi Sudhakar (now 88-years-old).
Three individuals were flown to Delhi from Tamil Nadu to hand over the Sengol and participate in the symbolic ceremony on India gaining Independence. They were Deputy High Priest of the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam, the Nadaswaram player Rajarathinam Pillai, and the Oduvar (singer).
The Deputy High Priest of Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam first gave the Sengol to Lord Mountbatten. He took it back to purify it with holy water signifying its spirituality and sanctity. Then it was taken to the residence of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru along with a procession. The Deputy High Priest then presented the Sengol to Nehru while the other two artists performed a special song written for this ceremony.
PM Narendra Modi will receive the Sengol before the official inauguration of the New Parliament Building. The historic staff will then be prominently placed near the seat of Speaker of the House. The staff will symbolise the transfer of power.