In Sikh Religion the Sword known as kirpan, Bhagauti or Khanda is regarded as a form of the Supreme Being God. In their daily supplication (Ardas) after reciting the name of the Lord and victory to the wondrous lord, first of all the Sikhs in their humble petition pay homage to sword. “Pritham Bhagauti Simarke.”
May the revered sword (Shakti, Power of Waheguru God) in the form of the Destroyer of evil doers help us).
The sword is the most revered and essential article of faith for a Sikh. All Amritdhari Sikhs must wear it on their person at all times. This is order of the Sikh Gurus the founders of Sikh religion. This is evidenced by the Sikh scriptures and historical writings. Keeping of sword on one’s person is prescribed by the Rehat Maryada the code of conduct for the Sikhs. No one has the authority to change the Rehat Maryada except the Panj Piaras (representatives of the Khalsa Panth) at the Akal Takhat, Amritsar. They too cannot change anything that might be contrary to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
It is understandable that non-Sikhs (including those who claim to be Sikhs but are ignorant about Sikh practices) cannot comprehend the importance of sword for a Sikh. Unfortunately the authorities, governments, courts and so called Boards of Education call these people as expert witnesses, who are not Amritdhari themselves. Even Amritdhari Sikhs appear to be unable to express the real importance of sword for a Sikh. Taking advantage of ridiculous arguments about safety they try their best to prevent innocent Sikhs from practicing their religion and at the same time claiming medals of secularism, justice and understanding etc. Dr. J.W. Spellman rightfully remarked “the way institutions of education that are supposed to be enlightening others are themselves groping in the dark.”
It is necessary to discuss size or shape of the sword, because the Rehat Maryada and in Sikh literature no specification for sword are prescribed. Asa person wears garments according to one’s size, shape and weight a sword size can also vary. Common sense requires that a sword with a blade size of less than 10 centimeters cannot be called a sword, but a dagger or knife. One must also know that Sikhs aré not supposed to believe in symbolism and their five K’s are their “articles of faith.” At the time of initiation (Amrit Sanchar not baptism as commonly and wrongly translated), A Sikh is supposed to lead his life in accordance with the Rehat Maryada the code of conduct prescribed by the Khalsa Panth. Since the religious freedom is guaranteed under the constitution of Canada, any law, ruling or action limiting Sikhs from practicing their religion will be unconstitutional. Historically, rulers in Muslim India tried to ban other religions but failed. During the Sikh rule of half a century complete religious freedom was enjoyed by all dominations. In the British era that lasted one century (in British Punjab Kashmir area) some religious freedoms were hurt not as a result of government policy but due to administrative tyfanny.
Memorandum No 242 Gazette of India, Shimla 19-5-1917 under Indian Arms Act 1878, 1907 section 27.
“Right to wear and carry kirpan given of Sikhs.” During the current Hindu role in India, the religious freedom of Sikhs has been deceitfully and brutally curbed. All the religious rights are conceded in the constitution of India and many other circulars but in practice all state actions are geared towards deceitful genocide of the Sikh nation. The following documents in India hypocritically and unilaterally passed by the majority community are worth noting.
Constitution of India Right to Freedom of Religion 25, Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.
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