The Royal Coat of Arms

The Coat of Arms

The Royal Coat of Arms of the Arya Cakravartti, Kings of Jaffna, dates back to the 13th century. The Royal Coat of Arms was readopted in 2005. Tradition claims that the symbols and paraphernalia of royalty were conferred by Sri Rama. The family had chosen to retain keep it symbolic its connections with locality of its origin which was famous sacred site in the Southeastern coast (Cetu) of India.

Description

The important elements of the Coat of Arms are: The Royal Crown represents the Kingdom of Jaffna. The Crown of the Arya Cakravartti, Kings of Jaffna, was conical in shape, made of Gold and studded with priceless gems such as Rubies, Diamonds, Emeralds, Blue Sapphires, Yellow Sapphires and priceless Pearls.

The round Shield with a golden outline, shows several important symbols on a white background, the Bull (Nandi) couchant facing left and with its right foreleg raised. It has a hump and a large dewlap and black horns which are uncut. The Nandi with a Magenta outline is adorned with a golden chain around its neck with a golden bell attached to it. From ancient times the Nandi is considered a sacred animal and the Nandi represents strength, faith, purity and power. The Nandi is the official guard of Lord Shiva and his primary "Vehicle" (Vahana).

In the centre above the bull is a white Parasol fringed with gold silk tassels and pearls are attached to the end of the hanging tassels. The Parasol is a symbol of royal authority and power. The Single Conch Shell which spiral to the right are very rare and considered especially sacred. The Conch is an emblem of power, authority and sovereignty. The Crescent and the Sun symbolize of eternity

The legend “Cetu” (செது) is written horizontally below the arms of the bull (Nandi) in Tamil characters. The Arya Cakravartti, Kings of Jaffna, used the legend “Cetu” on their Royal Crest, Royal Shield and Documents. Also all the Coins issued by them had the expression Cetu on them.

The word “Cetu” has several meanings: it may denote a causeway, a dike or a landmark and the reference here is to the island of Rameswaram. Besides, the island of Rameswaram and the reef of sunken rocks connecting the north of Sri Lanka with the mainland of India are generally referred to as Cetu. There were several other localities called Cetu in and around Rameswaram.

The Arya Cakravartti, Kings of Jaffna, had borne the title “Cetukavalan”, (the Guardian of Cetu or Rameswaram). As Rameswaram which was also called Cetu held such a position it may be inferred that the title Cetukavalan which belonged to the Arya Cakravartti, Kings of Jaffna, suggests that they had affiliations with Rameswaram. The historical bridge Rama Cetu, also known as Adam’s Bridge or Ramar Palam it starts as a chain of shoals from the Dhanushkodi tip of India’s Pamban Island and ends at the Mannar Island in Sri Lanka.

The round shield is surrounded by a garland of fragrant Tulasi (Ocimum tenuiflorum also known as Ocimum sanctum or Holy basil) and it is a sacred plant in Hinduism. The worship of Tulasi plant is an ancient part of the Vedic tradition, dates back to thousands of years and continuing to the present day.

The Royal Coat of Arms was drawn by Ing. C. Q. C. M. Walschots, Heraldic Artist (1986-2015) of the Hoge Raad van Adel (The High Council of Nobility).

The Coat of Arms was created with the advice of the History Professors Dr. Sivasbramaniam Pathmanathan, B.A. (Hons), Ph.D. (Jaffna), and Dr. Samathilingam Sathiaseelan, B.A. (Hons), M.A. Ph.D. (Jaffna).

THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - 24 JUNE 2015

Coat of Arms Copyrights

The Coat of Arms and the Royal Symbols are reserved for the Head of the Royal Family, members of the Royal Family and the Royal Household. The Royal Coat of Arms and the Royal Symbols may not be reproduced, copied, published or used without the prior permission of the copyright holder. Any misuse of these items is deemed tantamount to abuse and considered infringing the Copyrights Act.

Request for permission to publish or to use the Coat of Arms or the Royal Symbols, you will need to obtain permission. For further information please contacts us.