The Khanda is found on the Nishan Sahib and on the canopy over the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The name is derived from the central symbol of a Khanda, which is a special type of double edged sword. A Khanda was used by Guru Gobind Singh Ji when preparing Amrit for the Panj Pyarey (five beloved ones).
The Khanda consists of: the khanda sword, a circular Chakra, a sword on the left and a sword on the right.
- Khanda (the central double edged sword) – Represents the creative power of One God.
- Chakra (circle) – Represents the omni presence of God and universal brotherhood. By implication the rejection of caste, ritualism, superstitions and racial and gender inequality.
- Two edges of the double-edged sword – Represents freedom and justice. This is what the Khalsa Panth stands for.
- Piri (left sword) – Represents spiritual freedom.
- Miri (right sword) – Represents political freedom.