Delhi – In anticipation of the upcoming inauguration of the new parliament, nearly 30 pontiffs from various Adheenams or mutts of Tamil Nadu have arrived in the national capital. These revered heads of mutts, known for their resistance against upper caste domination and their efforts to bring religion to the masses, paid a visit to the Uttara Swami Malai temple on Friday to offer prayers. The seers also performed Tamil hymns such as Thevaram, offering a glimpse of the rich cultural rituals that will accompany the inaugural ceremony. Among the approximately 60 religious heads invited to the event, many hail from Tamil Nadu.
The Adheenams or mutts of Tamil Nadu boast a longstanding history, some dating back hundreds of years, and have played a significant role in preserving Tamil traditions and customs. The responsibility of preparing the Sengol, a ceremonial sceptre symbolizing power transfer, was entrusted to the Thiruvavaduthurai adheenam, an esteemed mutt with a 400-year-old legacy. Representatives from the mutt have also begun to arrive in Delhi.
V Balasubramanian, the president of the temple, emphasized the immense knowledge possessed by these mutt heads regarding Tamil traditions and customs. He expressed his belief that the presence of the Sengol and the inclusion of Tamil rituals in the parliament’s inauguration would enhance the cultural richness of the event.
“The Sengol is said to represent unwavering fairness. It is a proud moment to witness such traditional symbols rightfully taking their place,” Balasubramanian stated.
However, the claims regarding the historical significance of the Sengol and its role in India’s independence have faced criticism from the Congress party. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh alleged that the BJP’s assertion that the Sengol became the symbol of power transfer at the insistence of freedom fighter C Rajagopalachari was baseless. Similar concerns were raised by the RJD and the DMK. In response, the Thiruvavaduthurai adheenam issued a clarification expressing disappointment with the Congress party’s claims.
Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the Congress party for not only disregarding ancient Hindu symbols but also showing disrespect towards holy men.
As the preparations for the grand ‘Sengol’ ceremony continue, the arrival of these seers from Tamil Nadu serves as a reminder of the rich cultural diversity and traditions that are an integral part of India’s heritage. The upcoming inaugural event promises to be a celebration of unity in diversity, showcasing the country’s commitment to upholding its cultural tapestry while embracing progress and change.
