As India celebrates its independence, a forgotten symbol of the nation’s sovereignty, the sacred Sengol, is finally restored to its rightful place of honour. Originally handed over to Jawaharlal Nehru by Mountbatten as a sign of power transfer, this historic sceptre was long misrepresented as Nehru’s “golden walking stick” and languished in obscurity for decades.
After years of neglect, the Sengol will be installed prominently in the new Parliament building, reclaiming its status as a symbol of justice and authority.
Sengol For India’s 1st PM Nehru By Sanyasis
As India awakened to freedom, an event marked the transfer of power from the British to the Indians. At the symbolic event, the last Viceroy, Mountbatten, handed over a Sengol (sceptre) to the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
This historic Sengol, made of gold, was crafted to be approximately 5 feet long 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. It also has Goddess Lakshmi, representing wealth, and the Indian flag on the orb.
Chennai-based Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers made the Sengol 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 power transfer.
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 Sengol to Nehru, completing the transfer of power.
Thanks to the Nehruvian establishment, this high-profile historic event was kept low-key and slowly forgotten over time.
Worse, the sacred totemic Sengol, representing power and justice, came to be regarded as Nehru’s “golden walking stick”.
The Sengol, testimony to India’s rebirth as a sovereign nation, languished in a nondescript museum in Prayagraj for over seven decades. The description tag in the display box for Sengol read, “Golden walking stick gifted to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.”
Today, this Sengol has a new lease of life and will be installed majestically near the Speaker’s chair at India’s new temple of democracy.
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