The Khanda is the symbol of the Sikh faith, and has the same importance for them as the Cross has for Christians. It represents some basic teachings of Sikhism, and is formed by three elements. The double-edged sword in the middle symbolizes divine knowledge. Its two sharp edges separate truth from falsehood. The circle represents oneness of the God, who is without beginning and end. This also represents unity of humanity and rejects divisions based on caste, race and sex. The two curved swords on the outside represent the concept of miri andpiri, or worldly and spiritual responsibilities. This shows that a Sikh should be a saint-soldier and maintain a balance between spiritual aspirations and societal obligations. The Khanda is generally made of stainless steel or is painted.
The Nishan Sahib is the Sikh flag, and is provided in front of eachGurdwara. The flag is a saffron-colored triangular cloth with a Khanda, the Sikh emblem. The flag post is also covered with the same color cloth as the flag, and has a Khanda or a spear on top.
Read as “Ik Onkar,” it means, “There is Only One Supreme God.” This is the first statement of the Mul Mantra, a basic vivid summary defining God, in the beginning of Guru Nanak’s most philosophical composition – the Jap Ji Sahib – included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
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