In a momentous event set to take place on Sunday, 20 pontiffs from Tamil Nadu's "aadheenams" are preparing to hand over the historic 'Sengol' (Sceptre) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the new Parliament building. This symbolic gesture harks back to August 14, 1947, when the British presented the 'Sengol' to India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, marking the nation's independence.
The 'Sengol' Sceptre: A Symbol of Power and Transformation
Derived from the Tamil word 'semmai', meaning righteousness, the golden 'Sengol' sceptre is revered as a symbol of "power and justice." Crafted with silver and coated in gold, the original 'Sengol' received by Nehru featured the seated bull symbol of 'Nandhi' atop it. Symbolizing the transfer of power from the British, the sceptre was handed over to Nehru around midnight on that historic day.
Reviving Tradition: The Role of Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam
The idea to create a 'Sengol' to signify the transfer of power was proposed by C Rajagopalachari, and the responsibility was entrusted to Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam—an esteemed monastic institution associated with Saiva ideology. This ancient tradition draws inspiration from the Chola era, where a 'Sengol' was presented to kings during their coronations. The term 'Sengol' embodies the essence of righteousness.
What Is ‘Aadheenam’?
Aadheenam— a non-brahmin Saivite order–dates back to five hundred years. Aadheenams mean ‘excess wealth’. Aadheenams are monasteries established to develop the Saiva ideology and spread it among the people. The pontiffs of the monasteries are called Athinakarthas.
There are 18 aadheenams in Tamil Nadu. Of the total, the oldest one is Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam in the Mayiladuthurai district.
U Ve Swaminatha Iyer, who is regarded as the father of Tamil for publishing several Tamil works written on palm leaves in book form, collected the palm leaves from the aadheenam, as per a report on The Federal.
Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam was founded during 16th century to spread Saiva ideology. The aadheenam was also involved in publishing Saivite literature including Thevaram and Tiruvasakam. Another Tamil scholar Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai was reportedly tutored in the aadheenam.
The aadheenam has 50 branch monasteries in districts including Madurai, Rameswaram and Kasi. There are also 75 temples under the control of Thiruvavaduthurai Aatheenam.
Thiruvavaduthurai Aatheenam pontiffs are set to fly again to New Delhi this time to hand over the ‘Sengol’ to PM Modi on Sunday.
How Is Sengol Going To Be Installed By Aadheenams?
On Thursday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that 20 pontiffs from “aadeenams” are flying to Delhi based on the invite for the inauguration of the new Parliament building on May 28.
Nirmala Sitharaman, as per PTI said: "The pontiffs will attend the event, there will be Oduvars (scholars in Shaivite scriptures and hymns) who will recite the Thevaram. In 1947 also the Sengol was handed over to Nehru when othuvargal recited Kolaru Pathigam."
“The same Sengol will be installed in Lok Sabha near the chair of the Lok Sabha Speaker with much reverence and it will symbolise "governance with justice and without any bias," she added.