Khandha

The Symbol Khanda, the consecrated Sikh/Khalsa logo, is and integral part of the Sikh/Khalsa Nishan Sahib - the Sikh flag ubiquitously adorns the compounds of Sikh Gurdwaras, the Sikh place of congregation and worship. It was the official emblem that distinctly featured on the triangular saffron flag of the sovereign Sikh Kingdom. Therefore, for the Sikhdom the Khanda signifies and projects multidimensional historical, institutional, religious, spiritual, philosophical, distinct identity confirming, temporal and collective aspiration representations.

1. Double- edge dagger-shaped sword symbolically occupies the central place. It signifies as an emblem for the ultimate source and reality of all sources existing in and pervading the entire spectrum and expanse of the visible and invisible creation. This sovereign and peerless awe and wonder-inspiring power or force is both transcendent and immanent. Absolute truth, freedom, justice and cosmic order characteristically pertain to this divine force called WaheGuru - the wonderous all powerful creator Lord God.
   
   
2. The all-steel perfect circle, without beginning or end, represents the eternity and infinity of the timeless and beyond and bounds of space the WaheGuru itself. It also denotes the ideals of spiritual and social equality amongst all races and genders constituting humankind.
   
   
3. The ceremonially flanking two swords symbolise two fundamental concepts and ideals in Sikhism. First, the Sword of Peeree, also often spelt as Piri. It personifies sovereignty in the domain of spiritual affairs pertaining to the practices, traditions, ideals and aspirations as embodied and institutionalised in the classical and contemporary Sikh religion and for the protection of common good and righteousness.
   
   
4. Second, the sword of Meeree sometimes spelt as Miri. This sword signifies of temporal and political sovereignty and absence of subjugation or slavery or oppressive suppression and domination of any kind perpetrated by anybody. It confronts and appropriately deals with the aggressors in in order to deter and avenge the inhumanity, injustices, and violations of human rights and denial of freedom of religion and worship. Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, wore both swords of Meeree and Peeree.
   
   Thus, the Sikh/Khalsa Khanda is an emblematic insignia of profound insights, which signifies a harmonious balance in the realm of human existence and its affairs and concerns both at the temporal and spiritual levels as well as in the numerous universes of creation.