The Khanda is one of symbol of Sikhism. The Khanda is like a "coat of arms' for Sikhs. It was introduced by the Sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji. The Khanda is on the Nishan Sahib or Flag of the Sikhs and in Gurudwaras. It is a collection of four weapons commonly used by Sikhs at the time of Guru Gobind Singh.In the centre it is the Two-Edged sword which symbolises the Creative Power of God which controls the destiny of the whole universe. It is the Sovereign Power over life and death. One edge of the Sword symbolises divine justice, which chastises and punishes the wicked oppressors; the other edge symbolises Freedom, and Authority governed by moral and spiritual values.
In the center is the Khanda, the double-edged sword, used by the tenth guru,Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji to prepare Amrit to initiate the Sikhs. Khanda has cutting edge on both sides indicative of two swords fused together representing Spiritual and Temporal powers, giving birth to “The Khalsa”, who is a saint-soldier (Sant-Sipahi), the saint meaning scholarly in knowledge of Gurbani and soldier meaning martial in spirit.
To summarize, the Sikh national Emblem, reminds the Sikhs that they are warriors, they should take Pahul (Amrit), become ‘Khalsa’ i.e, The ultimate form of the Sikh, keep Guru Ka Langar going so that no body sleeps hungry, protect the weak and hapless, fight injustice and oppression, wherever it takes place, the victory will be theirs: ‘Deg-Teg-Fateh’.
There are three different items used in a Khanda, which also have a symbolic meaning:
• A double-edged sword called a Khanda which is in the centre
• A Chakkar which is circular
• Two single-edged swords, or kirpans, are crossed at the bottom and sit on either side of the Khanda and Chakkar. They represent the two characteristics, one being Miri (Temporal power) and the other, Piri (Spirituality).
On the outside of the two-edged sword, we can see two swords:
• On the left is the Sword of Spiritual Sovereignty (Piri);
• On the right is the Sword of Political Sovereignty (Miri)
The Chakra / Chakkar which was worn by the great martyr Baba Deep Singh is still preserved in the sanctum sanctorium of the Akal Takht.
In the symbol the sword to the left represents truth, and the sword to the right represents the willingness to fight for what is right- dharma (religion). The circle in the middle denotes the one God, never beginning and never ending.
The Khanda represents knowledge of God, the Chakkar represents the eternal nature of God and oneness of humanity, the two swords represent Miri (political sovereignty) and Piri (spiritual sovereignty).
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.......ੴੴੴ
Khalsa Rules
