The Khanda (Punjabi: ਖੰਡਾ, khaṇḝĝ) is one of most important symbols of Sikhism. This is emphasized by the fact that many Sikh flags, including the Nishan Sahib, have the Khanda on them. It is a collection of four weapons commonly used by Sikhs at the time of Guru Gobind Singh.
In the center of the insignia is the two-edged sword which symbolizes the Creative Power of God that controls the destiny of the whole universe. It is the Sovereign Power over life and death. One edge of the Sword symbolizes divine justice, which chastises and punishes the wicked oppressors; the other edge symbolizes Freedom, and Authority governed by moral and spiritual values. On the outside of the two-edged sword, we can see two swords: On the left is the Sword of Spiritual Sovereignty (Piri); On the right is the Sword of Political Sovereignty (Miri). There must always be a balance between the two, and this balance is emphasized by a circle inside. This circle is what is called a Chakra or Chakkar. The Chakra is a symbol of all embracing Divine Manifestation, including everything and wanting nothing, without beginning or end, neither first nor last, timeless, and Absolute. It is the symbol of oneness, of Unicity of Justice, Humanity, and the Immortality. Almost all Sikh warriors used to wear it in the eighteenth century, and Nihangs of today still do.
