The Kirpan (Punjabi: ਕਿਰਪਾਨ, kirpān) is a religious sword worn in a strap that enables a it to be suspended near one’s waist or tucked inside one’s belt. It must be worn by all initiated Sikhs (Khalsa), after a mandatory religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh Ji (the tenth Sikh Guru) in 1699 CE.

The Sikh sword is a symbol of self-respect, prestige and independence. Guru Gobind Singh hailed it as the Saviour and Protector of saints and the oppressed. In fact he even referred to God as ‘sarbloh’ (Pure Iron). The sword is one of the compulsory symbols of the Khalsa.

When sword is offered, it symbolically represents virtues of a true warrior. The lesson here is that a Sikh must mould himself to become a saint first who always remembers God and then become a warrior who fights for the way of God i.e. to defend truth and righteousness. Amrit ceremony is not too different in terms of the message it conveys.

Amrit of the double-edged sword was meant to create fearlessness in the Sikhs. They were enjoined to carry the Kirpan, for purposes of the defence of others and for the uprooting of evil. This mission of the defence of the weak and the downtrodden gave an impetus to a spirit of service and sacrifice. the Khalsa Panth had to meet the need of the ...

Depicting the Sikh Gurus in pictures can become problematic. It’s a double edged sword because paintings illustrating Sikh history and Saakhis can excite and rouse the spirit of Sikhi within those people who perhaps otherwise would never pick up a book on the Sikh faith.

According to the Panthic Sikh Rehit Maryada the Kakkaar or Article of Faith is a “Strapped Sword” (ਕਿ੍ਰਪਾਨ ਗਾਤਰੇ ਵਾਲੀ). At all Amrit Sanchaars that follow Gur Maryada the Panj Piyaare state that wearing a Kirpan on string, cord or necklace is not acceptable as a Kakkaar.

8. The Granthi places Guru Ji’s Saroop on his or her head, stands and walks to the location where Guru Ji will spend the night. Ideally, another Sikh precedes Guru Ji with sword drawn, and another Sikh follows, waving the Chaur Sahib over Guru Ji.

Afterwards, Guru Sahib brought all the 5 out together dressed up in Saffron coloured clothes, donned with two turbans, with long Kirpans. On their faces they had a special glow, a special happiness. It is with the Guru’s grace that their whole lives changed. Guru Sahib bestowed upon them Amrit of the double-edged sword.

Five initiated Sikhs known for their piety are called Panj Piyaaray, all wearing the five articles of faith – the Kesh (unshorn hair) which is covered with a keski (turban), Kanga (wooden comb), Kachhera (special tailored shorts), Karha (iron bangle), and Kirpan (sheathed sword) which is worn in gatra (strap worn across the body) sit in front ...

II. Kirpan {sheathed sword} (The length of the sword to be worn is not prescribed., III. Kachhehra (The Kachhehra (drawers like garment) may be made from any cloth, but its legs should not reach down to below the shins.), IV. Kanga (comb), V. Karha {steel bracelet} (The Karha should be …