Sengol: Symbol of fair and equitable governance to be installed in new Parliament building

New Delhi: The sacred Sengol, a symbol of fair and equitable governance, will be installed in the new Parliament building.

Sengol was given to the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, at his residence on August 14, 1947 when the power was transferred to India.

What is a Sengol?

Sengol is a symbol of the King's power. It is a symbol of just rule. It is made of silver and plated with gold. Jeweller Vummidi Bangaru Chetty from Madras (Chennai) handcrafted it.

With its unyielding gaze as the beholder of "Nyaya", the Nandi is hand-carved at the top.

Sengol was crafted for the Adheenams (Spiritual Torchbearers) 500 years ago, according to the government website: sengol1947.ignca.gov.in

The Chola dynasty was sanctified by persists from Saivite order. During that time, for the transfer of power, Sengol was designed. When the power was transferred from Tamil Nadu to the Indian hands, Sengol was passed on. On August 14, 1947 a team of Adheenams came to Delhi to give the Sengol to Jawaharlal Nehru.

A forgotten story

Home Minister Amit Shah, in a detailed briefing before the inauguration of the Parliament building on May 28 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says, "History is going to repeat itself on May 28, 2023. After 75 years of independence, most Indians are not aware of this event where the transfer of power took place by handing over Sengol.

It was a special occasion on the night of August 14, 1947. The first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, received the 'Sengol' from the Adheenams (Priests) of the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam (Mutt) in Tamil Nadu, who had specially arrived for the occasion. It was precisely the moment in which power was transferred by the British into the hands of Indians. What we are celebrating as independence is actually marked by the very moment of handing over the 'Sengol'. People must learn and celebrate this moment."

It is about righteousness

Sengol is derived from the Tamil word 'Semmai', meaning righteousness. The highest priests of Dharmic Mutt in Tamil Nadu have blessed it. The recipient of the Sengol has the "order" ("Aanai" in Tamil) to rule justly and fairly.

Presence of Adheenam

The plan to install it in the Parliament Building has been done in consultation with 20 Adheenam presidents. They will perform the sacred ritual and shower their blessings.

Shah says, "I am glad that 96-year-old Shri Wummidi Bangaru Chettyji, associated with its construction, will also participate in this sacred ceremony. I express my gratitude to him."

Sengol in Allahabad museum

The Sengol was kept in the Allahabad museum after it was received by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The decision to keep it in the new Parliament building near the Lok Sabha speaker's seat was taken after the History of Sengol was told to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.