This gold coated silver sceptre features an intricately carved ‘nandi’ at the top, is five feet in height, is well known that the majestic Rishabha (bull) adorning this Sengol symbolizes Nandi. Since the Cholas were Shiv Bhakts, the head of Nandi Maharaj is inscribed atop the sceptre.
Rishabha is mentioned as the symbol of power, rule and Dharma in the Rigveda itself, and it is the same idea that gives way to the later Puranic conception of Nandi becoming the Vahana (mount) of Lord Shiva, chief of the Shiva Ganas and also as the primal Guru of the Saiva Agama tradition.
Raja-daṇḍa (राज-दण्ड) or sceptre is a pan-Indian royal tradition with very ancient roots. Dand has two meanings; One is डंड (sceptre) other one is दण्ड (punishment). There are coins of Samudra Gupta depicting the king with Raja-daṇḍa on one side and Devi Lakshmi on the other side. Similar Kushana coinage is also found. These notable facts are that these sceptres can be used as divine weapons too and these sceptres can't be balanced by anyone else.
Bhagwan Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, is often depicted holding a sceptre known as "Kaumodaki." This sceptre represents his authority and power to maintain cosmic order and protect the world. There are sculptures of Yama with the Daṇḍa. According to the Aitareya Brahmana when a new king assumed power, he was sprinkled with the purifying waters of holy rivers while he knelt next to the throne. This tradition was followed from the time of Manu right upto Maharaj Bharat, the son of Dushyant and Shakuntala.
Similarly, Bhagawan Shiva, the destroyer and transformer, is sometimes depicted holding a sceptre called "Trishula," which symbolizes his supreme power and ability to transcend the three aspects of existence, creation, preservation, and destruction and a spectre can be seen in the hand of bhagwan brahma as well, it is known as "Brahmdand."
Kol means stick or staff in Tamil. Sengol (noble staff) usually meant dharmic rule by a king in ancient Tamil kingdoms - as opposed to kodungol (kodumai = cruel) meaning adharmic rule. The sacred Sengol was passed on by the Chola kings to their successors, signifying transfer of power and upholding the duties of an able ruler.
The symbolism of the Sengol extends beyond its physical representation. It signifies the importance of leaders being impartial, transparent, and accountable in their decision-making processes. It embodies inclusivity, where leaders are expected to listen to diverse perspectives, promote social justice, and ensure equal opportunities for all. It signifies their authority, sovereignty, and ability to govern justly.
While Tirukkural has an entire chapter "Sengonmai" named after the sceptre, devoted to explaining the importance of why the king should be just and rule according to Dharma, many Sanskrit texts also have ample references on Rāja-daṇḍa. Shakuntalam 5.8 has the reference "नियमयसि विमार्गप्रस्थितानात्तदण्डः" for example.
The crown was placed on the head of the king who was also handed over the Raja-Danda in many parts of the country as in the south Indian tradition. According to Shukla Yajurveda the priest blessed the newly crowned king with the message; It is our order that the follower of Lord Shiva, the King, shall rule as in the Heavens.
May God who rules the world bestow on you the power to rule your subjects. May Agni, worshipped by householders, bestow on you supremacy over the householders. May Soma, the lord of trees, bestow on you supremacy over forests. May Brihaspati, the God of speech, bestow on you supremacy in speech. May Indra, the highest among Gods, bestow on you the highest supremacy. May Rudra, the cherisher of animals, bestow on you supremacy over animals. May Mitra, who is truth, make you supreme in truth. May Varuna, who cherishes holy works, make you supreme in holy acts.
It ends with the final exhortation “If you will be a ruler, then from this day judge the strong and the weak with equal justice, resolve on doing good continually to the people, and protect the country from all calamities." So, Rishabha in the Sengol symbolizes Dharma.
This important piece of our history which till date was unknown to most of us, will be revived, and installed in the new Parliament building. What was displayed in Allahabad museum as Golden Walking Stick, is actually an important piece of our culture, tradition and history, dating back to Chola period. Due to the pathetic and disgraceful cultural apathy from the previous governments, the Sengol languished in a corner of a museum with a misleading label "Walking stick gifted to Nehru".
It took India 75 years to revive an ancient tradition that has been followed only once before in our independent history. Sengol will be placed in a glass case next to the Speaker's seat. PM Modi will dedicate the newly constructed building of Parliament to the nation on 28th May.
In this context, one cannot deny that our PM Modiji has restored the lost pride and dignity of our ancient Sanatan Dharma; the essence of our cultural roots. This Sengol became a symbol of the transfer of power, we should not forget the eternal presence of Nandi Maharaj, the ever loyal follower of Shivji. When Nandi Maharaj steps into our kingdom, it is apparent that Shivji's reign will prevail here.
May the inauguration of a modern parliament using the ancient symbol of justice and fairness remind our leaders to never forget the responsibilities that our scriptures assign to them. May this symbolic gesture of establishing the Sengol at the highest seat of democracy in the country herald true Dharmic and civilizational renaissance.
Authored by Dr Anadi Sahoo
