Relation between "Sengol’ (As Symbol Of Succession) and Independence day

 

 Independence Day 2023, 15 August Independence Day is a special day when people pay attention or tribute to all of India's freedom fighters or leaders who fought for freedom. It is a great time when major government buildings are illuminated with fairy lights and tricolor flags, fluttering in the flag hoist of homes and other buildings too. Radio, print, and online media also organize special contests, programs, and articles to promote the day. Films about Indian freedom fighters were telecasted on television.

Celebration of Independence Day

The President of India gives an "Address to the Nation" on the eve of 15 August Independence Day. The Prime Minister of India will raise the Indian flag and deliver a speech at the Red Fort in Old Delhi. Flag-hosting ceremonies and cultural programs are scheduled in the state capitals and in schools and organizations.

About Indian Flag

The National flag of India is a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron (kesari) at the top, white in the middle, and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of the width of the flag to its length is two to three. In the center of the white band is a navy blue wheel which represents the chakra.

Transformation of the Indian flag

About Chakra in the Indian flag

Ashoka Chakra is also known as the wheel of duty. Ashoka Chakra can be spotted in the middle of the flag's tricolour. It has twenty-four spokes and it was adopted on July 22, 1947. In the centre of the white band is a navy blue wheel which represents the chakra. Its design is that of the wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. Its diameter approximates to the width of the white band and it has 24 spokes.

The Ashoka Chakra is depicting the 24 principles that should be present in a human.

The 24 spokes represent the twelve causal links taught by the Buddha and paṭiccasamuppāda (Dependent Origination, Conditional Arising) in forward and then reverse order.

What is the relation between Sengol and Independence Day?

Sengol  is a sceptre made of gold and silver and is decorated with many precious stones. The Sengol is 5 feet long and carries a golden orb at the top. The orb has a carving of Nandi (Sanskrit: नन्दि), also known as Nandikeshvara or Nandideva, is the bull vahana (mount) of the Hindu god Shiva. He is also the guardian deity of Kailash, the abode of Shiva.

 Almost all Shiva temples display stone images of a seated Nandi, generally facing the main shrine. The Sengol is a powerful symbol of the Chola King’s authority and commitment to justice. 

The Press Information Bureau states “It is blessed by the high priests of a leading Dharmic Mutt in Tamil Nadu. The Nandi, with its unyielding gaze as the beholder of “Nyaya”, is hand-carved at the top.”

Sengol And Hinduism

Segol doesn't only share historical importance with India but it is deeply associated with Hindu philosophy. In Hinduism, a scepter is often associated with deities and symbolizes power, authority, and divine sovereignty. The scepter is primarily depicted in the hands of Hindu gods and goddesses, especially those associated with ruling, protection, and justice. It represents their divine rule and authority over the universe. The scepter is often adorned with intricate carvings, gemstones, or other sacred symbols that enhance its symbolic significance.

Recently on the inaugural occasion of the New Parliament of India on 28 May 2023, our Prime Minister  Narendra Modi Ji received the gold-plated scepter Sengol from Adheenam Priests of Tamil Nadu and installed the Sengol near the Speaker Chair.  

On 14 August 1947 the same Sengol was gifted by the Adheenam Priests of Tamil Nadu to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, and was kept in a Government Museum at Allahabad.

Our Prime Minister  Narendra Modi Ji, a true lover of our Indian history installed the same to recall and respect the freedom moment of South Indians installed the same in New Parliamentary Building.

Let's celebrate independence as a way of life (Hinduism).