Ik Onkar is the first phrase in the Mool Mantra referring to the existence of "one God," present as opening phrase in the Guru Granth Sahib , and the first composition of Guru Nanak.
It is also part of the Sikh morning prayer, Japji Sahib. The Nishan Sahib is the sikh flag and plays an imprtant role in the Sikh community. Nishan means a seal or stamp, a mark of identity and Sahib is added for respect. It is sometimes referred to as Kesri Jhanda Kesri - saffron colored.
Jhanda - flag , Jhanda Sahib or simply Nishan. It is a saffron-colored triangular-shaped cloth with a tassel at its end, and the Khanda, usually in blue, in the middle of it. The Sikh flag is often seen near the entrance to the Gurdwara, standing firmly on the platform, overlooking the whole building.
Sikhs show great respect to their flag as it is, indeed, the symbol of the freedom of the Khalsa. This a militaristic band within the Sikhs who have the ideal of fighting only for defense. They vow not to fight from fear or out of retaliation. Those who belong to the Khalsa Knighthood act to guard the oppressed against tyrants. Here we see the symbolism in Piri and Miri within the Khanda symbol representing a balance between the sovereignty of the divine and the secular.
Though we have seen that the Sikh military has used the Khanda symbol, it still is seen as symbol of unity and solidarity. This concept was starkly illustrated by the Sikh community in New Orleans when they gathered together to remember the Sikh victims of a shooting in Milwaukee. During this memorial, candles were lit and placed under a flag bearing the Khanda symbol.
The Khanda symbol cropped up in the early 20th century and is used to symbolize the basic tenets of the Sikh faith. It represents a combination of:. From this, the Khanda symbol underscores the concept of defending the less fortunate from oppression, and of treating everyone fairly and ensuring that we are doing our social duty to one another.
Tags: Ancient Symbols. Affiliate Disclosures. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets CSS if you are able to do so. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Find out more about page archiving. The Five Ks Last updated This article looks at the 5 Ks: five physical symbols of faith worn by Sikhs. On this page Find out more Page options Print this page. The 5 Ks are 5 physical symbols worn by Sikhs who have been initiated into the Khalsa.
The five Ks are: Kesh uncut hair Kara a steel bracelet Kanga a wooden comb Kaccha - also spelt, Kachh, Kachera cotton underwear Kirpan steel sword Kesh - uncut hair Various reasons and symbolisms have been put forward for the Sikh practice of keeping hair uncut. Throughout history hair kesh has been regarded as a symbol both of holiness and strength. One's hair is part of God's creation. Keeping hair uncut indicates that one is willing to accept God's gift as God intended it.
Uncut hair symbolizes adoption of a simple life, and denial of pride in one's appearance. Not cutting one's hair is a symbol of one's wish to move beyond concerns of the body and attain spiritual maturity.
A Sikh should only bow his head to the Guru, and not to a barber. It is a highly visible symbol of membership of the group.
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