| The Khanda
constitutes three symbols in one. However, the name is
derived from the central symbol, Khanda, a special type
of double-edged sword which confirms the Sikhs' belief
in One God. The double-edged sword symbolizes the unitary
view of the world which Sikhism subscribes to.
* On the left side is the sword of spiritual
sovereignty, Piri; on the right side is the sword of
political sovereignty, Miri.
* The right edge of the double-edged
sword symbolizes freedom and authority governed by moral
and spiritual values.
* The left edge of the double-edged
sword symbolizes divine justice which chastises and
punishes the wicked oppressors.
There must always be a balance between
miri and piri and this balance is emphasized by the
joining together of the two swords into one double-edged
one in the middle. The quoit is what is called the Chakra.
This is a symbol of all-embracing divine manifestation
including everything and wanting nothing, without beginning
or end, neither first or last, timeless, and absolute.
The Chakra was also used by the Sikhs as one of the
war weapons against injustice and oppression. Almost
all Sikh warriors used to wear it in the eighteenth
century.
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