The Khanda is a significant Sikh emblem that represents the Sikh faith’s essential concepts. It is made up of three symbols that reflect the three pillars of Sikhism.
The unusual twin-edged sword (also known as Khanda) that stands in the center gives the emblem its name. The sword is a symbol for the heavenly power that rules over life and death and determines the fate of all creation. Its right edge represents authority and freedom, both of which are guided by spiritual and moral principles. The left edge represents divine justice, which punishes and chastises evil tyrants. The sword, in its whole, represents the cleaving of the truth from all lies. It also denotes the dissolution of vanity or false pride, as well as the dismantling of caste boundaries or other injustices.
The Chakra, or circle, that surrounds the Khanda is a symbol for the eternal God. It symbolizes the Almighty’s absoluteness, perfection, and timelessness because it has neither beginning or end. It symbolizes unity, oneness, morality, and humanity, and it invites Sikhs to spread their compassion to all of creation. The Chakra was worn by Sikh fighters in the 18th century, who utilized it as a weapon against oppression and injustice.
The two swords flanking the Chakra represent the sixth Sikh teacher, Guru Hargobindtwo ,’s conceptions of Spiritual and Temporal authority. Piri, the sword on the left, represents spiritual sovereignty, while Miri, the sword on the right, represents political sovereignty. The circle in the Khanda sign also represents the necessity to maintain a balance between the two, emphasizing the need for every Sikh to prioritize spiritual ambitions as well as societal commitments.