3rd Dohara: "As[i] Kripaan Khando Kharrag..."

Last updated on Oct 20, 2023

Shastars seated upon the Takht at Sri Kesgarh Sahib

Dhan Dhan Kalgidhar Maharaj, Chittey Baja Wale Paatshah, Neela-Ghorh Asvaar, Sarbans Daani, Dasmesh Pita Ji Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj
–
ਦੋਹਰਾ (Doharaa)
ਅਸਿ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ ਖੰਡੋ ਖੜਗ ਤੁਪਕ ਤਬਰ ਅਰੁ ਤੀਰ॥
As[i] Kripaan Kha[n]do Kharrag Thupak Thabar Ar[u] Theer
ਸੈਫ ਸਰੋਹੀ ਸੈਹਥੀ ਯਹੈ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਪੀਰ॥ ੩॥
Saif Sarohee Saihathhee Yahai Hamaarai Peer
–
This is the 3rd Doharaa, please see previous sections for relevant context

The Egyptian Mameluke sword popular in the West during the 1800s (British, French, and American Forces). This Mameluke was presented to a British Lt. General by Egyptian Prince Mehmet Tewkif (National Army Museum [UK])

Resource	ਅਸਿ / Us[i]
Mehron Steek (same definition in Giani Bishan Singh Steek)	ਤਲਵਾਰ: Talwaar
Pandit Narayan Singh Steek and Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi Steek	ਖਮਦਾਰ ਤਲਵਾਰ: A Talwaar with a bend to it.
Mahaan Kosh	ਤਲਵਾਰ, ਦੇਖੋ, ਅਸਿ: Talwaar, see As[i]: ਅਸਿ/As[i]: ਕੱਟਣ ਦਾ ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰ: A Shastar that cuts.

Most Amritdhari Sikhs around the world have at least a minimum small kard serving as their kirpan kakkar. We must always take care of our shastars: cleaning, sharpening, & providing other care for them

Resource

ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ/Kripaan/Kirpaan

Mahaan Kosh (similar definition provided by Bhai Vir Singh in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Kosh)

ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਯਨ. ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਦਾ ਘਰ, ਦਯਾ ਦਾ ਨਿਵਾਸ।
The home of blessing/grace; where compassion resides
ਤਲਵਾਰ/ਸ੍ਰੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ/ਸ਼ਮਸ਼ੀਰ: Talwaar, Sri Sahib, Shamshir;

References Bhai Nand Lal Ji’s Q&A
ਕੱਛ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ ਨ ਕਬਹੂ ਤ੍ਯਾਗੈ।
Kachh Kripaan n Kabahoo Tyaagai
Never let go of the Kirpan or Kachheraa
ਸਨਮੁਖ ਲਰੈ ਨ ਰਣ ਤੇ ਭਾਗੈ
Sanmukh Larai n RaN Thae Bhaagai
They fight facing the battle and never run from away from it

(ਪ੍ਰਸਨੈੱਤਰ ਭਾਈ ਨੰਦ ਲਾਲ)

None of the steeks nor kathas mention Kirpaan, perhaps due to the name being common knowledge

Khanda used to prepare Amrit by Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj

Resource	ਖੰਡੋ/Khand(o) [Khanda]
Mahaan Kosh	ਦੋਧਾਰਾ ਖੜਗ. ਦੋਹਾ ਪਾਸਿਆ ਤੋਂ ਖੰਡਨ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰ Double-edged sword, that which can attack from both sides
Giani Sher Singh Ambale Wale Katha Translation	Giani Ji explains the word khand which can mean breaking into bits
None of the steeks explain the Khanda, perhaps due to the name being common knowledge	--

Although the general punjabi community refers to the Khanda as the symbol (two kirpaans, straight-sword, and chakkra), the Khanda refers to the double-edged sword. The Khanda is quite spiritually important as well. In Chandi Di Vaar – after the Pauree you hear in Ardaas (Pritham Bhagauti Simar Kai till Sabh Thaaee Hoe[i] Sahaae[i]) – Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji then explain the creation of the Universe:
ਖੰਡਾ ਪ੍ਰਿਥਮੈ ਸਾਜਿ ਕੈ ਜਿਨ ਸਭ ਸੈਸਾਰੁ ਉਪਾਇਆ॥
Kha[n]daa Prithmai Saaj[i] Kai Jin Sabh Saisaar[u] Oupaaeiaa
Firstly, the Khanda was created... then from which the entire creation came from.

The Khanda is representative of Aad Shakti – the initial energy/power – from which the entire universe was created. Maharaj used this same Khanda to make the Khalsa.

Thaeghaa of Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, appears to fit the Dhanurved description of Kharrag (preserved by Dal Baba Bidhi Chand)

Resource	ਖੜਗ/Kharrag
Mahaan Kosh	Sanskrit origin. ਜੋ ਖੰਡਨ (ਭੇਦਨ) ਕਰੇ ਸੋ ਖੜਗ, ਦੇਖੋ, (ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਣ, ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ) That which which breaks/separates is called Kharrag, see Kripaan, Sree Saahib ਧਨੁਰਵੇਦ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਖੜਗ ਚਾਰ ਅੰਗੁਲ ਚੌੜਾ ਅਤੇ ੫੦ ਅੰਗੁਲ ਲੰਮਾ ਹੋਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਏ.ਖੜਗ ਚਲਾਉਣ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ੩੨ ਲਿਖੇ ਹਨ According to the Dhanurved, a Kharrag needs to be 4 fingers wide and 50 fingers long. There are 32 ways to use a Kharrag
Giani Bishan Singh Steek	ਤਲਵਾਰ: Thalwaar

Kharrag is another umbrella term for a sword; Similar to Sree Sahib, Kripaan, Shamshir, and Tegh. However, there are variations in how it's used as a name. The Dhanurved gives a specific description as mentioned in Mahaan Kosh yet some may even refer to the Kharrag as a Khanda. The above photograph is of a Thaeghaa/Teghaa. Teghaa has a distinct wide blade. It is worth noting that not all Teghs are Teghaas.
The Kharrag has been mentioned by Guru Sahib many times in Spiritual contexts. The following updesh is from Dhan Dhan Guru Ramdas Ji Maharaj in Raag Gauree:
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਕਾ ਖੜਗੁ ਸੰਜੋਉ, ਹਰਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਹੈ; ਜਿਤੁ ਕਾਲੁ ਕੰਟਕੁ ਮਾਰਿ ਵਿਡਾਰਿਆ ॥
Sathiguroo Kaa Kharrag[u] Sa[n]jo-o[u] Har[i] Bhagath[i] Hai Jith Kaal Ka[n]tak[u] Maar[i] Vidaariaa
Bhagti of Vaheguru is Guru Sahib’s Kharrag and Armour, which kills and sends the thorn of death away.
(Ang 312)

Similarly – in Raag Maaroo – Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Ji Maharaj refer to the Spiritual Sword called the Giaan Kharrag:
ਤਸਕਰ ਪੰਚ; ਸਬਦਿ ਸੰਘਾਰੇ ॥
Thaskar Pa[n]ch Sabadh[i] Sa[n]ghaarae
There are five robbers, [I] killed them through the Shabad
ਗਿਆਨ ਖੜਗੁ ਲੈ ਮਨ ਸਿਉ ਲੂਝੈ; ਮਨਸਾ ਮਨਹਿ ਸਮਾਈ ਹੇ ॥੩॥
Giaan Kharrag[u] Lai Man Sio[u] Loojhai Mansaa Manah[i] Samaaee Hae
Take the Kharrag of Spiritual Wisdom and fight with the mind, with this mindset... the mind will merge with Vaheguru
(Ang 1022)

It is very important for the Khalsa to engrain these qualities of Bhagti and Giaan. These qualities help us see the world clearly. It is important for a warrior to be able to think clearly and strategize. Khalsa should pick and choose their battles wisely. They should make sure they are not just following a crowd or fighting for their own desires.

A very short introduction to the Avtomat Kalashnikov

Resource	ਤੁਪਕ/Thupak
Mehron Steek (Same definition as Dr. Rattan Singh Ji Steek	ਬੰਦੂਕ/Ba[n]dhook: Gun
Mahaan Kosh	ਫ਼. ਤਪਕ ਸੰਗ੍ਯਾ- ਛੋਟੀ ਤੋਪ। ੨. ਬੰਦੂਕ ਤੁਫ਼ੰਗ. From Farsi word Thapak, meaning: small cannon 2) Ba[n]dhook, Thufu[n]g
Pandit Narayan Singh Steek	ਤੋਪ/Thop: Cannon

The most well-known assault rifle in the last 100 yrs. Originally developed by the Russians, it is used by official armies and militant groups around the world.
It was also utilized by Kharku Shaheeds in the 1980s-1990s.
During the Dharam Yudh Morcha, it was used by many Shaheeds such as Dal Baba Bidhi Chand's Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma.

Shaheed Bhai Avtar Singh Brahma with an AK74u (submachine gun evolution of the AK)

Declaration of Bhai Sahib Ji: “Our guns are pointed at those Police touts who torture Singhs and kill them in fake encounters. We do not believe in spilling the blood of any innocents. Our fight is against injustice, tyranny, and oppression. Whoever is part of this will not be able to escape our sights.”

Firearms are classified through different factors, this includes their action [how cartridges are loaded], the barrel length, the size of overall weapon, their firing rate, and the cartridge type among many other things.

What the average person refers to as a bullet is actually a cartridge. The bullet is the projectile launched from the cartridge. In a shotgun cartridge, there are pellets called shot or slugs but not any bullets. There are other components of the cartridge that contain parts for firing the weapon (primer & gunpowder) and providing aerodynamics (casing).

Thabar/Tabar of Dhan Dhan Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji with a hidden kard inside, sits on the Takht at Sri Akaal Bunga

Resource	ਤਬਰ/Thabar
Mehron Steek, Pandit Narayan Singh Steek, Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi Steek, Giani Bishan Singh Steek	ਕੁਹਾੜਾ. ਛਵੀ. Kuharra. Chhavee. Various names for an axe
Mahaan Kosh	Farsi origin. ਛਵੀ. ਲੰਮਾ ਅਤੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਤੇਜ਼ ਗੰਡਾਸਾ Chavee. A long and really sharp Gandaasaa (Axe)
Giani Sher Singh Ambale Wale Katha Translation	Giani Ji says this weapon is also called a Parsa/Parsha referring to the (famous) weapon of Parshuram (one of the avatars of Vishnu Ji)

The Axe is mentioned in different contexts within Gurbani.

Bhagat Kabir Ji refer to the axe in terms of hurting yourself while in a state of spiritual blindess:
ਕਬੀਰ, ਦੀਨੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਦੁਨੀ ਸਿਉ; ਦੁਨੀ ਨ ਚਾਲੀ ਸਾਥਿ ॥
Kabeer Dheen[u] Gavaaeiaa Dhunee Sio[u] Dhunee n Chaalee Saathh[i]
Bhagat Kabeer Ji: [You] lose [your] faith due to the world but the world isn’t going to go with [you] [when you die]
ਪਾਇ ਕੁਹਾੜਾ ਮਾਰਿਆ; ਗਾਫਲਿ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਹਾਥਿ ॥੧੩॥
Paae[i] Kuhaarra Maariaa Gaafal[i] Apunai Haathh[i]
[You] hit your own foot with a Kuhaarraa, in carelessness with [your] own hand
(Ang 1365)

While praising Dhan Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji Maharaj, Bhatt Kal Sahaar Ji refer to many divine beings singing the Praises of Guru Sahib (including that of Parasraam, the famous Axe-wielding avatar):
ਗਾਵੈ ਜਮਦਗਨਿ, ਪਰਸਰਾਮੇਸੁਰ ਕਰ ਕੁਠਾਰੁ; ਰਘੁ. ਤੇਜੁ ਹਰਿਓ ॥
Gaavai Jamdhagan[i] Parasraamaesur Kar Kuttaar[u] Ragh[u] Thaej Hario
The Son of Jamdhaganee: Parasraam Ji who used an Axe and lost his power to Ram Chandra Ji... He sings [of Guru Nanak Dev ji as well]
(Ang 1389)

If you wish to read about Parasraam Ji's story then please read Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj's Chaubis Avatar.

Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa Bhindranwale holding a Theer/Teer

Resource	(ਅਰੁ) ਤੀਰ/ (and) Theer
None of the steeks nor Mahaan Kosh define Theer	N/A; perhaps no definition is provided because it is a common punjabi word for arrow.
Sri Guru Granth Kosh by Dr. Gurcharan Singh	ਕਮਾਣ ਵਿਚ ਰੱਖ ਕੇ ਚਲਾਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਲੰਮਾ ਨੋਕਦਾਰ ਹਥਿਆਰ: A long pointed weapon that is fired by placing within a bow
Giani Sher Singh Ambale Wale Katha Translation	That which is launched (Giani Ji makes a gesture of pulling a bow while explaining this arth)

The history of bow-and-arrows is quite ancient. They can be looked at from various traditions. In India, the Dhanurveda describes the characteristics of the bow and arrows in much depth. As we are used to using seeing the arrowhead being triangular and pointed, the Dhanurveda explains there are other types as well: needle-tipped, crescent-moon tipped, serrated tipped, among many more. The feather of the arrow can be made of a chicken-feather, heron-feather, crane-feather, swan-feather, among feathers of various other birds. There are 3 types of arrows: heavy arrows used for piercing thicker targets (male), light arrows used to go fast and long distance (female), neutral arrows (in between male & female) which are used for practice (napunsak).

Bronze Duan Jian (short sword) from Eastern Zhou dynasty (specifically from Warring States Period [China] 475-221 BCE, Saint Louis Art Museum)

Resource

ਸੈਫ/Saif

Mehron Steek (same definition in Pandit Narayan Steek, similar definition in Giani Bishan Singh and Dr. Rattan Singh Steek)

ਲੈਸ (ਦੋ ਧਾਰੀ ਸਿਧੀ ਤੇ ਲੰਬੀ ਤਲਵਾਰ ਜਿਸ ਦੀ ਮੁੱਠ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਲੰਬੀ ਹੁੱਕ ਕੜੇ ਨਾਲ ਅੜਾਉਣ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਲਗੀ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ):

Saif (written "Lais", believe to be typo): Double-Edged Straight and Long Talwaar which has a handle with a long hook to fix a Kara upon

Mahaan Kosh

ਸਿੱਧੀ ਤਲਵਾਰ

Arabic word for a straight sword

How did Sirohi get it's name?

Resource

ਸਰੋਹੀ/Sarohee

Mehron Steek (similar definition in Pandit Narayan Steek and Dr. Rattan Singh Steek)

ਸਰੋਹੀ (ਭਾਵ ਇਹ ਇਕ ਨਗਰ ਹੈ-ਜੋ ਰਾਜਸਤਾਨ ਦੀ ਦਖਣੀ ਰਿਆਸਤ ਦਿਉਰਾ ਰਾਜ ਪੂਤ ਵੰਸ ਦੀ ਰਾਜਧਾਨੀ ਜੋ ਲਗ-ਪਗ ੧੪੨੫ ਵਿਚ ਵਸਿਆ ਸੀ-ਉਥੇ ਦੀ ਬਣੀ ਤਲਵਾਰ: This is a city in the Southern Rajasthani Kingdoms of Rajput Deora Lineage. A capital which was established in 1425. This refers to a Talwaar made in Sirohi. (Sirohi-style Talwaar)

Mahaan Kosh

1) ਰਾਜਪੂਤਾਨੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਚੌਹਾਨ ਜਾਤਿ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਾਖ “ਦੇਓਰਾ” ਰਾਜਪੂਤ ਵੰਸ਼ ਦੀ ਇੱਕ ਰਿਆਸਤ ਅਤੇ ਉਸਦੀ ਰਾਜਧਾਨੀ. ਸਿਰੋਹੀ ਨਗਰ ਸਨ ੧੪੨੫ ਦੇ ਕਰੀਬ ਰਾਉ ਸੈਨਮੱਲ ਨੇ ਵਸਾਇਆ ਹੈ.

2) ਸਿਰੋਹੀ ਨਗਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਬਣੀ ਹੋਈ ਤਲਵਾਰ ਦੀ ਇੱਕ ਜਾਤਿ, ਜੋ ਬਹੁਤ ਕਾਟ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ. ਦੋ ਫੌਲਾਦੀ ਅਥਵਾ ਸਕੇਲੇ ਦੇ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਕੱਚਾ ਲੋਹਾ ਦੇ ਕੇ ਸਿਰੋਹੀ ਘੜੀ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ, ਐਸਾ ਕਰਨ ਨਾਲ ਸਿਰੋਹੀ ਟੁਟਦੀ ਨਹੀਂ:

1) Within the Rajput lands, under the Chauhan's Deora Lineage

governance and its capital. Rao Sainmal had settled this town in 1425.

2) A type of Talwar made in Sirohi Town which has a strong cut.

Putting two pieces of Faulaad (tempered metal) together and then putting raw metal between is how a Sirohi is shaped. In this way the Sirohi does not break.

Maasai indigenous person holding 3 spears. Maasai are found in modern day Kenya/Tanzania

Maasai use the spear as a daily weapon of self-defense against wild animals preying on their grazing animals

Resource	ਸੈਹਥੀ / Saihathee
Mehron Steek (same definition in Giani Bishan Singh Steek, Dr. Rattan Singh Steek, Pandit Narain Singh)	ਬਰਛੀ. Barchee. Spear.
Mahaan Kosh	Sanskrit Origins. ਬਰਛੀ. Barchee. Spear.
Giani Sher Singh Ambale Wale Katha Translation	Giani Ji says Sai-hathee refers to that which is used by 100 hands, meaning can be utilized in 100 different ways.

Budha Dal (Raqba) doing Aarti-Aarta worship of Sri Gurbani Ji & Sri Shastar-Astar

Resource	ਯਹੈ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਪੀਰ/Yahai Hamaarai Peer
Mehron Steek	ਬੇਸਕ ਸਾਨੂ ਕੰਮ ਦੇਂਦੇ ਨੇ ਪਰ ਇਹ ਸਾਡੇ ਪੀਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਥਾ ਹਨ Without a doubt, they come in handy/utilized by us but they have the status of Peers: Saints/Elders
Pandit Narayan Singh Steek, Dr. Jaggi Rattan Singh Steek, Giani Bishan Singh Steek	All of these Shastars are our saints/gurus.
Giani Harbhajan Singh Dhudhike Katha Translation	These Shastars are worthy of worship
Giani Sher Singh Ambale Wale Katha Translation	This is the reason why Shastars are sitting on the [Sikh] Takhts

The tradition of worshipping weapons comes directly from Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj themselves. Maharaj gave shastars the status of Saints. The Khalsa worships the Shastars as the form of Akaal Purakh.

In Sohila Sahib, Dhan Guru Ramdas Ji Maharaj give us updesh:
ਕਰਿ ਸਾਧੂ ਅੰਜੁਲੀ; ਪੁਨੁ ਵਡਾ ਹੇ ॥
Kar[i] Saadhhoo A[n]julee Pun[u] Vadaa Hae
To fold your hands in front of a Saint, is a great deed
ਕਰਿ ਡੰਡਉਤ; ਪੁਨੁ ਵਡਾ ਹੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥
Kar[i] Da[n]douth Pun[u] Vadaa Hae
[even more] to bow down (fully flat like a stick) [infront of them] is a great deed

Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj gives similar updesh in Bachithhar Naatak:
ਜਿਤੇ ਸਸਤ੍ਰ ਨਾਮੰ ॥ ਨਮਸਕਾਰ ਤਾਮੰ ॥
Jithae Sasthr Naam[ng]; Namaskaar Thaam[ng]
Wherever Shastars are named, Namaskaar to that place
ਜਿਤੇ ਅਸਤ੍ਰ ਭੇਯੰ ॥ ਨਮਸਕਾਰ ਤੇਯੰ ॥੯੧॥
Jithae Asthr Bhaey[ng]; Namaskaar Thaey[ng]
Wherever there are Asthars (projectiles) present; Namaskaar to that place

Just as Bhagat Kabir Ji turned his weaving into Bhagti, Bhagat Dhanna Ji turned his farming into Bhagti, and Bhagat Beni Ji turned his Yoga into Bhagti; in this way, Maharaj has turned the Warrior Practice of the Khalsa into Bhagti.
–
Just as Vaheguru is Beant, so are Their Shastars. With Maharaj's Kirpa, Aap Ji are developing a stronger relationship with Shastars and appreciating them more and more. Please forgive any mistakes.
Guru Panth Da Daas,
~Aaeenaa