1st Dohara: "Saang Sarohi…”

Last updated on Feb 23, 2022

Seva of Shastars being done at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchal Nagar Sahib

This steek is being written through the translation of existing steeks, existing Kosh, kathas, and other historical references. This list is not complete: Dasam Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Shromani Steek by Giani Isher Singh Ji Ramgarhia (Ropar) as published by Sant Teja Singh Ji Nihang Singh (Gurdwara Rajdhani Bunga Nihang Singha, Mehron) Vidyarthi of Sant Giani Gurbachan Singh Khalsa Ji Bhindranwale, Guru Shabad Ratnaakar Mahaan Kosh by Bhai Kahn Singh Ji Nabha, Katha by Giani Harbhajan Singh Dhudike, Katha by Giani Sher Singh Ji Ambale Wale (Budha Dal), Katha by Bhai Sukha Singh Ji UK wale, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji Steek by Pandit Narain Singh Lahore Wale, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji Steek by Giani Bishan Singh (Khalsa College Amritsar), Sri Dasam Granth Teeka by Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi, ancient Indian texts such as Dhanurveda, Mahabharata, among the like.
All of the steeks mentioned can be found on www.gurmatveechar.com
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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)
ਸਾਂਗ ਸਰੋਹੀ ਸੈਫ ਅਸ ਤੀਰ ਤੁਪਕ ਤਰਵਾਰ ॥
Saa[n]g Sarohee Saif As Theer Thupak Tharvaar
ਸਤ੍ਰਾਂਤਕ ਕਵਚਾਂਤਿ ਕਰ ਕਰੀਐ ਰੱਛ ਹਮਾਰ ॥੧॥
Sathraa[n]thak Kavachaa[n]th[i] Kar Kareeai Rachh Hamaar
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The attempt is to provide an in-depth explanation of the Shastar in question and provide an image that allows one to understand that specific Shastar. This steek will start off with examples of many South Asian Shastars but with repetitions of the Shastar names, there will be other examples from all over the world.

18th-19th century Saang made of Iron/Silver (Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Resource	ਸਾਂਗ/Saa[n]g
Mehron Steek (also same definition in Giani Bishan Singh Steek and Pandit Narayan Steek)	ਦੋ ਮੂੰਹੀ ਬਰਛੀ: lit. two faced spear, referring to double sided blade on top of spear
Mahaan Kosh	ਇੱਕ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਦੀ ਬਰਛੀ, ਜੋ ਦਸ ਫੁਟ ਲੰਮੇ ਛੜ ਵਾਲੀ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ, ਸਾਰਾ ਛੜ ਲੋਹੇ ਨਾਲ ਮੜ੍ਹਿਆ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ. ਨੋਕਦਾਰ ਫਲ ਚਾਰ ਫੁਟ ਦਾ ਲੰਮਾ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ: A type of spear which has a 10 feet long staff, it is completely wrapped in metal, the point of the spear is about 4 feet long
Giani Harbhajan Singh Dhudike Katha translation	Giani Ji echo what is said in Mahaan Kosh and compares: the average spear’s point is 1.5-2 feet long, this one is 4 feet long

From these various explanations, we can understand that a Saang is a type of metal lance. Giani Sher Singh Ji give an example of Mata Bhaago Ji using a Saang in battle. We can find this in Gurpratap Suraj Prakash:
ਇਕ ਮਾਈ ਭਾਗੋ ਹੁਤੀ, ਚਾਲੀ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਝਾਰ।
Eik Maaee Bhaago Huthee Chaalee Singh Majhaar
There is one Mai Bhago amidst the 40 Singhs
ਤੁਰਕ ਹਤਯੋ ਖਰ ਸਾਂਗ ਤੇ, ਗੇਰਯੋ ਧਰਾ ਮਝਾਰ ॥੧॥
Thurk Hathyo Khar Saa[n]g Thae Gaeyo Dhharaa Majhaar
She killed a Mughal with a sharp Saang, dropping him on the ground
(Adhiyaye 11, Ayan 1).

The Saang is so heavy that even without swinging it, the weight of it will pierce through anyone that meets its tip. It tears up armour and horses in battle.

Sirohi style sword – generally marked by it's slight curve (Shastardhari.com)

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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 can make a strong cut.

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

Rajasthan is known for producing many kinds of swords and you can still find many authentic armouries today. It is hard to define a Sirohi because some may define the sword based on the region itself whereas others may simply refer to the technique in which it was made or the design of the blade.

A historic Saif which belonged to Imam Ali & currently sits on the Takht at Sri Kesgarh Sahib

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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):

(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

Maharaj puts the Saif & Sirohi together multiple times in Shastar Naam Maalaa. It is as if Maharaj is telling us that all swords from both the west and east belong to Akaal Purakh. Vaheguru Ji's Shakti is not selective and just within South Asia. All of the weaponry of the world is Maharaj's Shakti.

Swords that belong to Dhan Dhan Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji Maharaj (at age 13, Maharaj fought Kartarpur Sahib battle with this Sword) & Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji Maharaj which currently sit on the Takht at Sri Kesgarh Sahib (Maharaj blessed Bhai Trilok Singh with this Sword)

Resource	ਅਸ / Us
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.

Giani Sher Singh explain to us that the origins of the word As[i] comes from the Sanskrit "Asee Dhaathoo"; meaning a shastar that cuts. Us/As[i] & Talwar are general names for swords. There are many specific kinds of swords that fall underneath the label of As[i]/Us or Talwaar.

Gold plated arrows of Dhan Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj (seated on Takht at Sri Akaal Bunga Sahib). Whoever was shot with These Arrows could receive medical care with the gold or would be enough to provide the receiver's family with financial assistance

Resource	ਤੀਰ/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)

Thupak of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji

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 term "Thupak" refers to a firearm. The cannon evolved into muzzleloading portable firearms such as the matchlock, the wheel lock, flintlock, percussion caps. Muzzleloading means you would stuff the ammunition into the barrel of the firearm. The ways of igniting the ammunition changed. Matchlock requires lighting a wick with a flame (like a cannon), wheel lock and flintlock requires friction and a piece of metal/stone that would ignite the ammunition, percussion caps require a small explosive cap that would be carried around to ignite the ammunition. Most modern firearms use cartridges which include ammunition, gunpowder, and the primer that propels the bullet (Source: RCMP Firearms Safety Guide). Thupak is also inclusive of modern firearms such as shotguns, handguns, assault rifles, etc.

A Miraculous Sri Sahib at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib when it is placed at the bottom of the other Shastars, it ends up on the top by the end of Amrit Vela Ardaas (the shastar after is an Ashtbhuja!)

Resource	ਤਰਵਾਰ/Tharvaar
Mehron Steek (Same definition as Dr. Rattan Singh Ji Steek	ਤਲਵਾਰ: Thalvaar
Mahaan Kosh	ਸ਼ਤੂਆਂ ਦੀ ਗਤਿ (ਚਾਲ) ਨੂੰ ਜੋ ਵਾਰਣ ਕਰੇ (ਰੋਕੇ), ਉਸ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਤਰਵਾਰਿ ਹੈ. ਤਲਵਾਰ, ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਣ, ਕੁਰਬਾਲ, ਸ਼ਮਸ਼ੇਰ, ਸ਼੍ਰੀਸਾਹਿਬ, ਭਗੌਤੀ: The one that stops the movement of the enemy, that is what is referred to as Talwaar[i].Thalwaar, KripaaN, Kurbaal, Shamsher, Sri Saahib, Bhagauti.:
Giani Sher Singh Ambale Wale Katha Translation	That which is struck (Vaar) from below (Thhaleyo) (Giani Ji explains this while making a gesture to show how a sword is swung to gain inertia as part of the attack)

Here we see As[i] & Talwaar appear in the same pangkti despite being synonymous with each other. There is a lot of repetition of Names in Shastar Naam Maalaa. Giani Sher Singh Ji explain that this Bani is just as if we were repeating "Vaheguru, Vaheguru...". The more we repeat these names with love, they become engrained in us and become our bhagti.

Resource	ਸਤ੍ਰਾਂਤਕ/Sathraa[n]thak
Mehron Steek (similar definition by Pandit Narayan Singh, Giani Bishan Singh, Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi, Giani Sher Singh)	ਵੈਰੀ ਦਾ ਅੰਤ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ: That which brings an end to the enemy

Maharaj's Saroop is Nirvair (without enmity) so what is an enemy for a Sikh? In Gaathaa by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji, Maharaj refer to the five vikaars as the five enemies:
ਹਤੰ. ਪੰਚ ਸਤ੍ਰਣ ਨਾਨਕ; ਹਰਿ ਬਾਣੇ ਪ੍ਰਹਾਰਣਹ ॥੬॥
Hath[ng] Pa[n]ch SathraN Naanaak Har[i] BaaNae PrahaaraNah
Killing the five enemies by attacking them with the Arrow of Vaheguru.

Developing Samdrishti (ability to see equally everyone as Vaheguru), both enemies and friends are seen as One. Just as Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Ji teach us in Raag Aasaa:
ਮਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਤ੍ਰੁ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਏਕ ਸਮਾਨੈ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਅਪੁਨੇ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਜਾਨੈ ॥੨॥
Mithr Sathr[u] Ja Kai Aek Samaanai; Prabh Apunae Bin[u] Avar[u] n Jaanai
Knowing both friend and enemy as One, [you] do not accept anyone else's existence besides that of Vaheguru's.

Bhai Jagraj Singh Ji explains the warrior spirit of the Khalsa!

As we touched on briefly in the last section: Khalsa exists to serve those in need and protect the defenseless (Degh-Tegh Fateh). Dhan Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji stood up to Babbar when he was terrorizing South Asia. Dhan Guru Amar Das Sahib Ji made Akbar eat langar equally with the common people. Dhan Guru Arjan Dev Ji gave Shaheedi for maintaining the sanctity of Gurbani. Dhan Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji fought battles of Dharam Yudh (maintaining righteousness). Zafarnama is often quoted for this couplet (Maharaj's Letter to Aurangzeb):
ਚੁ ਕਾਰ ਅਜ਼ ਹਮਹ ਹੀਲਤੇ ਦਰ ਗੁਜ਼ਸ਼ਤ॥
Chu Kaar Az Hamah Heelathae Dhar Guzashth
When all the strategies have been exhausted,
ਹਲਾਲ ਅਸਤ ਬੁਰਦਨ ਬ ਸ਼ਮਸ਼ੀਰ ਦਸਤ॥
Halaal Asth Burdhan B Shamsheer Dasath
It is righteous to take a sword in your hand.
(adapted translation from multiple different translations)

Those who terrorize the innocent are political enemies. There are many political strategies to help out those who are weak even before picking up the sword, they will be spoken about later in this steek.

Resource	ਕਵਚਾਂਤਿ ਕਰ/Kavachaanth[i] Kar
Mehron Steek (similar definition in Pandit Narayan Singh, Giani Bishan Singh, Dr. Rattan Singh Steek, Giani Sher Singh)	ਕਵਚਾਂਤਿ (ਜੋ ਸੰਜੋ ਨੁੰ ਕਟਕੇ ਉਸਦਾ ਅੰਤ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੀ): that which cuts/penetrates through armour/chain mail and thus, ends it Giani Sher Singh also provides example of a peshkabz dagger that is pointed from the tip and slowly gets wider as the puncture gets towards the grip (this allows it to first pierce through armour then proceed to make the gap larger and larger)
Mahaan Kosh	ਕਵਚ (ਸੰਜੋਏ) ਦਾ ਅੰਤ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲਾ ਖੜਗ, ਤੀਰ ਨੇਜ਼ਾ ਅਤੇ ਬੰਦੂਕ: The Kharrhag, Theer, Nezha, and Bandhook which ends the armour. (Kavachaant(i)/Kavachaant(i)kar are put together to have same definition. Kar by itself can mean hand; ie the hand which destroys armour)

Kavach refers to armour. Maharaj has combined the word with -aanth[i] referring to the end of something. There is Gurbani with "Kavach" in the title which emphasizes seeking Maharaj's protection and having shakti on our side. These include Ram Kavach, Brahm Kavach, Durga Kavach, and Sarbloh Kavach. You can learn more about them in Brahm Kavach & Bhagauti Asthothr Steek by Giani Gurwinder Singh Ji.

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ਕਰੀਐ ਰੱਛ ਹਮਾਰ/Kareeai Rachh Hamaar

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

ਸਾਰੇ ਸਾਡੀ ਸਸਤ੍ਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਕਤੀ ਰੂਪ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਹੈ, ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਤੂੰ ਰਛਾ ਕਰ: All of the Weapons’

are Akaal Purakh’s Shakti Roop (Form of Power/Energy)... Oh Master, protect us!

Giani Sher Singh Ambale Wale Katha Translation

Giani Ji echo what is said in the steeks and add on: the presence of weapons can avoid conflict. If you are unarmed, an assailant won’t think twice about attacking you.

Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Ji complete Sri Charitropakhyan with Benti Chaupai Sahib and they begin with:
ਹਮਰੀ ਕਰੋ; ਹਾਥ ਦੈ ਰੱਛਾ ॥
Hamree Karo Haathh Dhai Rachhaa
Please protect me with Your Own Hand
Maharaj, please protect us from vikaars, our own ego, and the overall illusion of Maya. Maharaj, let your shakti be on our side in maintaining Dharam.
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Please correct all mistakes made as soon as you see them Ji. We all contribute to make this the best steek for the benefit of the Sangat. Please send pictures and videos of shastars for this steek. This Steek is being offered in the laps of the Khalsa Panth. Again please forgive me for all my mistakes Ji.
~ Aaeenaa