Sengol: The golden symbol of Independence that found its way into the new parliament building

Viceroy Lord Mountbatten asked Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: “What is the ceremony that should be followed to symbolise the transfer of power from British to Indian hands?”

Nehru consulted veteran C Rajagopalachari, and identified the Chola model where the transfer of power from one King to the other was done using a 'Sengol', and sanctified by high priests.

The word Sengol is derived from the Tamil word 'semmai', meaning 'righteousness'.


The new ruler would be vested with the 'Sengol' with the order ('aanai' in Tamil) to rule with ‘dharma’, meaning justly and fairly.

'Sengol, is one of the main attractions of the new Parliament building Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate on May 28.

The 'Sengol', historical sceptre from Tamil Nadu, was received by first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to represent transfer of power from the British and was kept in a museum in Allahabad till now.

The story goes, that Rajaji approached the Dharmic Mutt in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu – the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam. The leader of the mutt commissioned the five-feet Sengol, with the Nandi on top, a symbol of 'Nyaya'.

Three people were specially flown to New Delhi from Tamil Nadu on August 14, 1947 – the Deputy high priest of the Adheenam, the Nadaswaram player Rajarathinam Pillai and the Oduvar (singer) – carrying the Sengol.

They conducted the proceedings. The priest gave the Sengol to Lord Mountbatten, and took it back.

The Sengol was purified with holy water.



The Sengol was taken in procession to Nehru’s house, where it was handed over to him. A special song was rendered, as specified by the high priest.

The song was composed by the 7th century Tamil saint Tirugnana Sambandar, a child prodigy who lived only 16 years.

Called Kolaru Pathigam, the song was belived to curb the ill effects caused by planetary positions.


The song concludes with the words “Adiyaarkal vaanil Arasaalvar aanai namadhe” meaning “The followers (referring to the King) will rule as in the heavens, as per our order”.

Thus was power transferred to Indian hands. Nehru accepted this in the presence of Dr Rajendra Prasad and many others.

The new building of the Indian Parliament is all set to be unveiled, with Prime Minister Modi scheduled to inaugurate it on May 28.

This new structure has been created in record time and the contribution of 40,000 Shramjeevis will be honoured by thePrime Minister at the dedication ceremony, the government said in a release.

The new building, being constructed by Tata Projects, will come up in front of the existing Parliament House that was built nearly 100 years ago at a cost of Rs 83 lakh at that time and would eventually be turned into a museum.