As India awakened to freedom, the transfer of power from the British to the Indians was marked by a symbolic event in which a Sengol (scepter) was handed over to the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru by the last Viceroy Lord Mountbatten through Hindu sanyasis from Tamil Nadu.
This historic Sengol made of gold was crafted to be approximately 5 feet in length with intricate details and rich symbolism. A Nandi (Lord Shiva’s bull vehicle) was positioned on top of the Sengol representing the concept of “Nyaya,” which signifies justice and fairness. Goddess Lakshmi representing wealth and the Indian flag was carved on the orb.
The Sengol was made by Chennai-based Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers under the auspices of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, one of the oldest Saivite Hindu Mutts in the country.
The Sengol was specially flown to Delhi on the eve of India’s independence with the deputy pontiff of the mutt Kumaraswamy Thambiran Swamigal initiating the transfer of power.
Moments minutes before the clock struck 00:00, the Sengol was sanctified with holy water and verses from Kolaru Padhigam of the Thirumurais (compilation of verses hailing Hindu God Siva) were chanted. As the last line “அடியார்கள் வானில் அரசாள்வர் ஆணை நமதே” meaning (Those who chant this set of songs will rule the heavens) was recited, the Swamigal gave the scepter to Nehru, completing the transfer of power.
This high-profile historic event was kept low-key and slowly forgotten over a period of time thanks to the Nehruvian establishment.
Worse, the sacred totemic Sengol representing power and justice, came to be regarded as Nehru’s “golden walking stick”.
For over 7 decades, the Sengol which stands as testimony to India’s rebirth as a new, sovereign independent nation was languishing in a nondescript museum in Prayagraj. The description tag in the display box read “Golden walking stick gifted to Pandit Jawahatlal Nehru”.
Today, this Sengol has got a new lease of life and will be installed at India’s new temple of democracy placed majestically near the chair of the Speaker.
Click here to subscribe to The Commune on Telegram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.