Nishan Sahib

The Nishan Sahib, or the flag is made of cotton or silk cloth and triangular in shape, symbolizes sovereignty. When we study the verses of the bards that form an integral part of Guru Granth Sahib - the scripture of the Sikhs - we learn that there was a practice of hoisting of flag during the divine ministry of Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan Dev. The color of Nishan Sahib during this phase of the Sikh history was white. Its color underwent a change, from white to saffron, in the hands of Guru Harigobind and it was first time hoisted at Akal Takhat Sahib in the year 1609 A.D.

The Nishan Sahib, that is in use today, is supported by a pole of timber or metal having Khanda - a double-edged sword fixed at its top. It has also an emblem put on it consisting of

• Two swords, symbolizing temporal and spiritual powers
• Khanda or disintegrator - a double-edged sword representing uprooting of an illusion and ignorance.
• A circular ring symbolizing cyclic order of the universe.

This Nishan Sahib, as a matter of religious injunction, must hoist at each and every building of the Gurdwara. It is this Nishan Sahib that is referred to in the daily prayer of the Sikhs asking for its immortality.

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