After the martyrdom of his father, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the young Guru Hargobind ascended to the Guruship as the sixth Sikh Guru. During his coronation ceremony, the venerable Baba Buddha Ji brought forth the 'Seli,' the traditional woollen cord worn by previous Gurus to symbolize their spiritual meditation. However, Guru Hargobind respectfully declined the cord and instead requested a sword. When Baba Buddha Ji presented a sword, the Guru asked for a second one. He donned two swords: one on his left side and one on his right. He explained to the gathered Sikhs that these two swords represented 'Miri' and 'Piri.' Miri symbolized temporal power and political sovereignty, while Piri symbolized spiritual authority and divine grace. This act marked a revolutionary shift in the Sikh faith, establishing that a Sikh must be a 'Sant-Sipahi'—a Saint-Soldier—who is deeply devoted to God but equally prepared to fight against tyranny and injustice to protect the weak.
True righteousness requires the balance of spiritual devotion and the courage to defend justice in the physical world.
Advertisement
Questions about this story
What do the two swords of Guru Hargobind signify?
The two swords represent Miri and Piri. Miri stands for temporal or political power, while Piri stands for spiritual authority, signifying that a leader must possess both.
Who adorned Guru Hargobind with the two swords?
Baba Buddha Ji, a highly respected figure in early Sikh history who served the first six Gurus, performed the ceremony and adorned the Guru with the swords.
Why did Guru Hargobind choose swords over the traditional Seli?
Following the martyrdom of the fifth Guru, it became necessary for the Sikh community to protect themselves physically. The swords symbolized the shift toward a defensive, martial identity.
What is the concept of a Sant-Sipahi?
Introduced through this event, a Sant-Sipahi is a 'Saint-Soldier' who maintains internal spiritual peace while standing ready to fight external oppression and injustice.
Advertisement
