May 28, 2023 was a historic day for India, The Prime Minister of India inaugurated the New Parliament Building of India. During the inauguration ceremony a very important piece of our history, Sengol was placed in the Parliament.
The word “Sengol” is derived from the Tamil word “Semmai,” which means “righteousness.” As per the official documents, the Sengol is a historic symbol of independence. This historic piece placed near to the seat of the Lok Sabha Speaker.
What is the Sengol?
The ‘Sengol’ is five feet long and features the majestic figure of Nandi, the divine bull, on top as a representation of justice, authority and fairness. It was given to the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru as a transfer of power from the British and was kept in a museum in Allahabad.
The Governor-General of India, C. Rajagopalachari, informed PM Nehru about a ceremony held under the Chola dynasty in which the transfer of power from one king to another was sanctified and blessed by high priests.
The Sengol not only represent political authority, but it’s significance is way more than that. It also represents the ethical-spiritual authority or ‘Dharma Danda’ in Indian civilisational tradition.
Process of Installment of the Sengol
The Sengol was ceremoniously brought to the parliament in a large procession during the opening of the new Parliament building project under Central Vista Redevelopment Project. The event was heavily influenced by Tamil customs and Nadaswaram, a traditional instrument of Tamil Nadu, was played by a group of musicians from that state.
On the momentous day, all 20 presidents of Adheenam were peresent at the inauguration ceremony of New Parliament. The Adheenams offered their blessings in commemoration of this ancient tradition.
Who made Sengol?
The gold-plated silver ‘sengol’ is designed by Vummidi Bangaru Chetty, a jeweller in Madras at the time. Vummidi Ethirajulu, 96, and Vummidi Sudhakar, 88, are the people who were involved in the making of this legendary sceptre. The Sengol is five feet in length and has a “Nandi” bull (the vahan of Lord Shiva) on top, symbolising justice and strength.
The 96-year-old Vummidi Ethirajulu and 88-year-old Vummidi Sudhakar, the makers of historic Sengol, were also there when it was installed in India’s new parliament.
History of Sengol
During the Chola Dynasty, the Sengol used to play a crucial role and be a symbol of power transfer from one king to another. This ceremony used to be held in the presence of Rajaguru, or the court priest, signifying divine approval for the new monarch.
The Sengol used to be the representation of “Dharma Danda,” which served to remind the king that the ethical and spiritual order of Dharma was the highest authority. During India’s independence in 1947, it was used in a ceremony to symbolise the handover of power from the British to Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister.
Facts about Sengol
- Sengol holds historic significance; it was presented to the First Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, as a transfer of power from the British.
- Sengol is the symbol of justice and fairness.
- Sengol was designed by a jeweller in Madras.
- Lord Mountbatten, the Last Viceroy of India, handed over PM Nehru this sengol as a way to mark India’s independence.
FAQs related to Sengol
A. New Parliament Building was inaugurated on May 28, 2023.
A. The Sengol symbolises justice and fairness.
A. Last Viceroy of India, handed over PM Nehru this sengol as a way to mark India’s independence.
A. The Sengol will be placed near to the seat of the Lok Sabha Speaker.
A. Sengol is the symbol of justice and fairness, and all the decisions related to our country are taken in the parliament.