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Sikh
Symbols: What do they signify?
In the Sikh
religion, there are quite a few symbols. However, only some of these
symbols apply to all people. What I mean is that some of the major
symbols of Sikhism only apply to those people that have been
baptized. The major Sikh Symbols are:
1) Ek-Onkar
2) Khanda
3) Kesh
4) Kangha
5) Kara
6) Kachhera
7) Kirpan
8) Nishan Sahib
Ek-Onkar
The words
Ek-Onkar have a firm place in Sikhism and it symbolizes a lot. The
Guru Granth Sahib Ji opens with these words. Ek-Onkar means 'There
is one God.' Many Gurdwaras and Sikh
organizations use this symbol on letters and other documents. In
fact, many Sikhs also use this symbol on their letters. This
constant repetition of Ek-Onkar is done so that Sikhs are constantly
reminded that there is only one God in the universe.
Sikh Symbols
Khanda
The Khanda,
like Ek-Onkar is a very important symbol in Sikhism. The Khanda is
commonly seen in Gurdwaras and on the Sikh flag. The Khanda
symbolizes God's Universal and Creative Power. In it's center is a
double edged sword, which symbolizes the primal and almighty power
of the creator. The 'Chakra' or the circle is a symbol of the
continuity. The two swords on the outside are symbols of the
spiritual and political balance in the universe.
Sikh Symbols
Kesh
Kesh
is one
the 'Panj Kakar' or 'Five Ks' that people have after being
baptized. However, Kesh, or uncut hair from everywhere on their
body, is one of the two Ski's that most people have, even if they
aren't baptized. Sikh males tie their hair into a 'Joora', or bun.
They cover this with a 'Pag', or turban. At a younger age, people
cover their Joora with a 'Patka', a smaller turban. Most females
either braid their hair or put it in a bun on the back of their
head. There are some women who tie and cover their hair like the men
do. A lot of emphasis is put on Kesh because it is the body in the
natural way that it was created by God.
Sikh Symbols
Kangha
The Kangha is another of
the Panj Kakar, and it primarily in the possession of people who
have been baptized. It is a comb and used for the cleanliness of the hair.
Sikhs are asked to clean their hair in the morning and at bed time.
Sikh Symbols
Kara
The Kara is
the third of the Panj Kakar and it is the other Kakar that most
people where, regardless of the fact whether they are baptized or
not. The Kara is an iron or steel bracelet that binds the Sikh, who
is wearing it, to God. The Kara is used to remind the Sikh to do the
right deeds. The Kara is usually worn in the predominant hand so
that the Sikh can see the Kara whenever he does anything.
Sikh Symbols
Kachhera
The
Kachhera is yet another of the Panj Kakar and it's worn by people
who have been baptized. It ensures agility and freedom of
movement. Kachhera is a form of boxer shorts that symbolize chastity
and sexual restraint.
Sikh Symbols
Kirpan
The Kirpan
is the last of the Panj Kakar and it is only worn by people who have
been baptized. However, like the other Panj Kakar, it isn't worn at
all times. This is because Sikhs take it off when they ride on
airplanes so they don't start a commotion. Sikhs agreed to these
terms with the FAA.
Sikh Symbols
Nishan
Sahib
Nishan
Sahib is the name for the Khalsa Flag. Saffron in color and of triangle
shape it is a religious flag. It has a black Khanda in the middle. The
flag post is also covered in saffron cloth and has a metallic Khanda at
the top. Sighting of a Nishan Sahib gives the idea that there is a
Gurdwara around.
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