Kirpan ਕਿਰਪਾਨ
What is the Kirpan?
The Kirpan (pronounced ‘Kirr-paan’), is a small sheathed curved single edged blade with a handle worn on the body by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs.
What does the Kirpan represent?
The word Kirpan is derived from two words. ‘Kirpa’ meaning compassion and kindness and ‘aan’ meaning honour and dignity.
From a western onlooker’s perspective, the Kirpan may be considered a sheathed knife, dagger, ceremonial sword or even a weapon. However, from an Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh’s perspective, these labels do not come close to defining this deeply spiritual and practical article of faith.
The Kirpan encapsulates an Amritdhari Sikh's solemn obligation of upholding dignity and human rights for all. It denotes courage and self-reliance, the capacity and readiness to always defend the weak and the oppressed. The Kirpan helps sustain a Sikh’s martial spirit and the determination to sacrifice oneself in order to defend truth, oppression and moral values.
Image above: A Kirpan worn on a gatra outside clothing. A Sri Sahib held in the hand.
Image above: A Kirpan worn on a gatra outside clothing.
Traditional and historical background
Traditionally, Kirpans were carried in addition to a full sized sword or tulwaar known to Sikhs as a Sri Sahib. The traditional Sri Sahib is usually around 75cm - 90cm in length (i.e. 2.5 - 3 feet). Carriage, training and use of the Sri Sahib was mandated by the Sikh Guru for initiated Sikhs to protect those needing help. The Kirpan and Sri Sahib were physically used in resisting the oppressive rulers of the time.
Some Amritdhari Sikhs will wear a full size Sri Sahib when dressed in traditional attire (e.g. long flowing robe).
How is the Kirpan kept on the body?
Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs are required to always carry a Kirpan. In everyday life, the Kirpan is usually worn underneath clothing in a cloth sling called a Gatra that keeps the Kirpan secure (i.e. difficult to remove and open) and up against the body. Some Sikhs will wear their Kirpan on the outside of their clothing when attending religious functions such as a gathering at the Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship). Due to its size, a traditional Sri Sahib is worn on the outside of clothing.
The Kirpan is an integral and irremovable part of the initiated Sikh’s identity and to ask for it to be removed is contrary to the tenets of the religion.
Who wears a Kirpan?
Only Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs wear the Kirpan on their body at all times.
Sikhs and their practices
Sikhs can be broadly broken up in to the following groups:
All Sikhs generally wear a Kara.
Practising Sikhs may carry/wear some of the 5 Ks (e.g. Kara and Kes but not the Kirpan)
Only Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs carry/wear all of the 5 Ks including the Kirpan
While not all Sikhs are initiated, the 5 Ks are deeply respected by all Sikhs whether Amritdhari (initiated) or practicing.
Note:
The categories of Sikhs outlined in the diagram do not bear any resemblance of a Sikh’s spiritual journey.
These categories are only being used for the purposes of providing an explanation of Sikh practices to a non-Sikh audience. Sikhs tend not to utilise these categories on the basis that they infer discrimination, which Sikhs oppose strongly in any shape or form.
Australian States and Territories Law - Kirpan
All Australian states and territories have recognised the importance of the Kirpan to the adherents of the Sikh religion and have provided for its legal carriage / wearing by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs.
Each state or territory has its own law with respect to the carriage / wearing of the Kirpan. Some state laws expressly refer to ‘Sikhs’ and the ‘Kirpan’ in the legislation (e.g. in VIC). Other states and territories have a specific ‘religious exemption’ applicable to Sikhs (e.g. ACT, SA and QLD). Other states and territories have a more general ‘lawful excuse’ or ‘reasonable excuse’ provision which includes religious observance either expressly or through relevant authority policy (e.g. NSW, NT, TAS, WA).
Table 1: Summary of Australian Kirpan Laws - States and Territories Comparison
Australian States and Territories law regarding the Kirpan:
Kirpans in Australian schools:
Kirpans in Australian courts:
Frequently asked questions:
Can men and women become Amritdhari (initiated) and wear the Kirpan?
Yes, as Sikhs practice equality, any Sikh may become Amritdhari (initiated).
How is the Kirpan kept on the body?
Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs are required to always carry a Kirpan. In everyday life, the Kirpan is worn underneath clothing in a cloth sling called a Gatra that keeps the Kirpan secure and against the body.
When is the Kirpan used?
The Kirpan is only physically used for religious ceremonies where it is taken out of its sheath to bless food.
Are all Kirpans small and blunt?
Some Kirpans may be small and blunt however not all are. However, all Kirpans are worn by initiated Sikhs for religious observance only.
Is the Kirpan worn for self-defense?
The Kirpan is not worn by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs for self-defence. It is carried to remind them of their duty to uphold high moral values to help others at all times. Kirpans are worn by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs for religious observance only.
Is the Kirpan ever used by Sikhs?
Yes the Kirpan is 'used’ physically by Sikhs in a formal prayer session in which the Kirpan is taken out and used to ceremonially bless food that has been prepared for sharing with all in a concept known as Langar.
How do Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs travel on planes with their Kirpan?
Some countries allow Sikhs to carry Kirpans on planes. For example domestic travel in India caters for Amritdhari Sikhs who carry a Kirpan. Similarly flights from and within the UK and Canada allow for Kirpans of certain sizes (e.g. blades of less than 6cm) to be carried on planes. However many countries do not allow for Kirpans on planes. Where Sikhs are not allowed to wear their Kirpan on the plane they generally have to take the Kirpan off and put it in their check-in luggage prior to departure and then put it back on upon arrival. While this is standard practice, it is still considered by most Sikhs as a lapse in religious practice. Accordingly, some Sikhs may do a small prayer before taking off the Kirpan and putting it back on again.
Are Kirpans always worn underneath clothing?
In Australia, the Kirpan is usually worn underneath clothing. In some circumstances the Kirpan is worn outside clothing. Examples of this include wearing ceremonial dress at the Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) and travelling Sikh scholars in traditional attire.
Do all Sikhs who have a turban carry a Kirpan?
No. Only a small percentage of Sikhs in Australia are initiated and thus carry all of the 5Ks including the Kirpan. Practising Sikhs do not carry the Kirpan. Only initiated Sikhs.
Is there a standard Kirpan?
No. There is no standard Kirpan. Kirpans come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, bluntness and even materials. Each Sikh chooses their Kirpan according to their own belief.
What size is the Kirpan?
There is no standard size for Kirpans.
Are Kirpans handed down from generation to generation?
Not usually, although there are historical Kirpans that may be passed down through families due to their family’s link with particular historical events.
Is the Kirpan a symbol?
No, the Kirpan is not a symbol. It is an article of faith.
Does this mean that any person can walk around with a knife and get away with it if they say they are a Sikh?
No. Only initiated Sikhs have a genuine religious reason to be wearing a Kirpan and are able to wear a Kirpan on their body. Non-initiated Sikhs have no genuine religious reason for carrying a Kirpan on their body. If a person does not have all of the 5K’s on their body, it is unlikely that this person is an initiated Sikh.
Is it reasonable to ask a Sikh to view their Kirpan?
It is perfectly reasonable to ask a Sikh to view their Kirpan however it is also perfectly reasonable for a Sikh to refuse this request. This could be due to a number of factors:
The Kirpan is one of the 5Ks and is a deeply personal item worn by a Sikh. Something personal is usually not shared with others unless they feel comfortable to do so.
If the Kirpan is worn underneath clothing, a certain degree of undressing may need to take place which may not be appropriate under the circumstances.
The circumstances in which the question has been asked may be one that is unfairly putting a spotlight on the Sikh’s Kirpan and their religious beliefs. Seeking to gain a better understanding of the Kirpan could be done in other ways than sighting the Sikh’s Kirpan at that particular moment in time.
Image gallery - Kirpans worn by initiated Sikhs
There are no standard Kirpan. Kirpans come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, bluntness and even materials. Each Sikh chooses their Kirpan according to their own belief.
The images below are provided to assist you in gaining a better understanding of what Kirpans look like. The images are by no means an exhaustive or complete picture of all Kirpans that initiated Sikhs may wear on their body. A ball point pen is included in some images to provide some reference to size of the Kirpan and the blade. Further photos are included showing the Kirpans sheathed and unsheathed. Note that of all Kirpans shown below, only one has a cutting edge. While most have sharp point at the end they are blunt without a cutting edge.
The 5 Ks
Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs gave his Sikhs a unique physical identity. An important part of this physical identity was that all Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs were to maintain the Panj Kakaar or the ‘5 Ks’ on their body at all times.
All Amritdhari Sikhs are mandated to wear the five articles of faith which are:
Kes (unshorn hair on whole body with the long hair on the head usually covered by a turban or headscarf)
Kangha (wooden comb)
Kara (iron/steel band worn around predominant wrist)
Kachhehra (prescribed undershorts)
Kirpan (small sheathed curved blade shaped object with handle)
For Sikhs these religious articles have deep spiritual and practical significance. The 5 Ks are not symbols. They are mandatory articles of faith to be worn at all times.
5 K’s graphic depiction above taken from publication ‘Sikhi - Faith and Followers’ by the Sikh Research Institute