Sengol in Parliament, History, Features, Installation Ceremony

Sengol is a gold plated sceptre that represents righteous authority and ethical governance in India’s democratic journey. The word “Sengol” comes from the Tamil term “Semmai”, meaning righteousness or moral order. This sacred sceptre gained national importance during India’s Independence in 1947 when it symbolised the formal transfer of power. In May 2023, during the inauguration of the new Parliament building, Prime Minister Narendra Modi installed the original Sengol near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s seat, restoring its constitutional and cultural significance for the nation.

Sengol in Parliament

The Sengol has been installed in the Lok Sabha chamber of the new Parliament House in New Delhi, placed prominently beside the Speaker’s podium. It is the same sceptre that was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of Independence. It was preserved at the Allahabad Museum in Prayagraj for decades along with several belongings of Nehru. It was relocated in 2023 to mark continuity between India’s freedom moment and present governance.

Sengol in Parliament Historical Background

The Sengol’s origin lies in a traditional Chola Dynasty ritual symbolising legitimate transfer of authority.

• Lord Mountbatten asked how the British would formally signify power transfer to Indian leadership.
• C. Rajagopalachari suggested following the Chola coronation custom of handing a sacred sceptre.
• In the Chola dynasty, a high priest sanctified royal succession by presenting a Sengol to the new ruler.
• The Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam was approached to create and bless the sceptre.
• Vummidi Ethiraju and Vummidi Sudhakar of the Vummidi Bangaru Chetty family designed and handcrafted the 5 foot sceptre in the Madras Presidency.
• On 14 August 1947, emissaries carried it from Tamil Nadu to Delhi for ceremonial handover.
• A priest briefly presented it to Mountbatten before transferring it to Nehru at his residence.
• A devotional hymn composed by 7th century saint Tirugnana Sambandar was sung during the ceremony.
• After Independence, the sceptre was placed in the Allahabad Museum in Prayagraj for decades.
• In 2023, it was moved to the new Parliament building.

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Sengol in Parliament Features

The design  of Sengol in Parliament reflects symbolic meaning rooted in justice and moral authority.

• Material Composition: The sceptre is made of silver and coated with gold plating, encasing a solid wooden staff inside.
• Dimensions: It measures approximately five feet, or about 1.5 metres, in total height. The upper portion has a diameter of around three inches, tapering to nearly one inch at the bottom.
• Nandi Figure: A seated Nandi bull is placed at the top, symbolising justice, righteousness and vigilance. The Nandi’s steady gaze represents “Nyaya” or fairness, reminding rulers of moral accountability.
• ‘Aanai’: The recipient of the Sengol receives an “Aanai”, meaning a moral command to govern justly and impartially.
• Display Arrangement: In Parliament, it is positioned in a glass enclosure near the Speaker’s chair for national visibility.
• Special Occasions Usage: The Sengol may be ceremonially displayed during important national events connected with parliamentary functioning.
• Symbol of Amrit Kaal: It has been described as representing a new era of governance rooted in civilisational values and democratic responsibility.

Sengol in Parliament Installation Ceremony

The 2023 installation ceremony of Sengol in Parliament revived the 1947 ritual tradition in a constitutional setting. The key highlights of the Sengol inauguration and installation ceremony are:

• During the opening of the new Parliament House in May 2023, the Sengol was ceremonially installed in the Lok Sabha chamber.
• Heads of 20 Adheenams from Tamil Nadu attended and offered blessings, linking the event to historic monastic traditions.
• Priests sanctified the sceptre with holy water before its placement near the Speaker’s podium.
• Traditional nagaswaram instruments were played, echoing the cultural practices followed during the 1947 ceremony.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Sengol from Adheenam priests before installing it formally.
• A dedicated website, Sengol1947.ignca.gov.in, was launched to provide historical details and archival material.
• 96 year old Vummidi Bangaru Chetty craftsmen, associated with its making, was present during the ceremony.
• Sacred Placement: The Home Minister stated that Parliament is the most appropriate place for this historic symbol of authority.