Sikhism Research Paper

An image is something we see everywhere we go but the way we interpret its meaning and try to recognize its importance is what really matters. The symbol being acknowledged today is the Khanda. The Khanda is a symbol that represents the Sikh religion just as the cross symbolizes Christianity. It is not only a symbol for Sikhs but also a belief in my religion for me and many other Sikhs. It symbolizes “divine knowledge, truth, and a God who is eternal” (http://www.sikhs.org/khanda.htm). The Khanda is made up of three different symbols, each with their own meaning and importance in the culture and religion. The three symbols are: two swords on the outside, the double-edged sword in the middle, and a circular quoit, called a chakkar, on either …show more content…
The Sikh religion is said to be the world’s fifth largest religion. Sandeep Singh Brar, administrator of www.siks.org states that, “Sikhism preaches a message of Devotion and remembrance of God at all times, truthful living, equality of mankind and denounces superstitions and blind rituals. Sikhism is open to all through the teachings of its 10 Gurus enshrined in the Sikh Holy Book and Living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib”. Sikhism is symbolically portrayed through the Khanda. The Khanda is one of the most important symbols of Sikhism apart from the Ik Onkar symbol which means, There Is Only One …show more content…
This particular emblem of the Khanda appears at the top of the Nishan Sahib, which is the name for the Sikh flag. The two-edged sword symbolizes the creative power of God which controls the destiny of the whole universe. The two swords are the sovereign power over life and death. One edge of the Khanda is the sword which symbolizes divine justice. The other edge of the Khanda portrays freedom. Along with freedom it is authority governed by moral and spiritual values, Piri and Miri. Har Govind, became the sixth guru (teacher) of Sikhs when his father, “Guru Arjan Dev, achieved martyrdom. Guru Har Govind wore two swords to express both Piri (spiritual) and Miri(secular), the two aspects symbolizing his sovereignty and the nature of his throne and ruler-ship. Har Govind built up a personal army. He constructed the Akal Takhat, which is the seat of religious authority, and faces Gurdwara Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple”(sikhism.about.com). The outside of the Khanda which are the two-edged swords symbolizes Piri (left sword) and Miri (right sword) being the spiritual sovereignty and the political sovereignty. The next part of the Khanda is the center wheel, which is the chakkar.. The circle strongly symbolizes oneness; unity of justice, humanity, and immortality. It is said in a source, “Almost all Sikh warriors used to wear it in the eighteenth century, and Nihangs of today still do. The Chakra