Flower: Yellow Lotus
Sacred Symbol: Khanda
Mantra/Prayer: Guru Mantra
(Waheguru)
The Sikh Holy Scripture (Guru Granth Sahib), installed at the
heart of every Sikh temple, is a revered compilation of sacred hymns
and writings by Sikh Gurus and spiritual leaders, starting with Guru
Nanak (1469-1539 CE), the founder of Sikhism. It is regarded as the final,
sovereign and eternal Guru.
Within the Guru Granth Sahib there are numerous references to flowers
and plants, each carrying profound symbolism and meaning, and
showing how to live sacred lifestyles. The Lotus is often mentioned and
is considered a metaphor for the spiritual journey, symbolising purity,
enlightenment, and divine grace.
The painting depicts three lotuses, rising above the mud and coming into
the light, which represent the three distinct sounds of the Guru Mantra
Waheguru. Their colour, saffron, represents valour, spirit, sacrifice,
freedom and liberation.
The sacred symbol in the middle of the painting is the
Khanda. It reflects some fundamental concepts and obligations of Sikhism
- that charity, universal friendship and justice should always prevail,
such as responsibility to provide food and protection for the needy and
oppressed. The symbol derives its name from the central upright doubleedged sword (khanda) which represents the straight and narrow path of
righteousness.
The circle around the khanda is the chakkar a symbol of infinity and
reminder that God’s infinite nature has no beginning or end. The circle
also reflects the oneness and unity of mankind in essence, regardless
of race, religion or gender. The chakkar is surrounded by two curved
swords called kirpans, which signify the integration of the spiritual and
the temporal aspects of life.
The Punjabi word surrounding the three lotuses,
written in Roman miniscule script, is Waheguru, taken from the Guru
Granth Sahib and pronounced ‘wha-hay guroo’. By chanting Waheguru,
practitioners are believed to be able to dissolve the ego and come closer
to self-realisation. It is a trikuti mantra, with three distinct sounds that
should be pronounced clearly for maximum benefit.