Nishan Sahib

The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh holy flag made of cotton or silk cloth and is triangular in shape. There was a practice of hoisting of flag during the divine ministry of Guru Amar Das, Guru Ram Das and Guru Arjan Dev. The colour of the Nishan Sahib during this phase of the Sikh history was white. Its colour underwent a change, from white to saffron, in the hands of Guru Hargobind and it was hoisted for the first time at Akal Takhat Sahib in the year 1609 CE.

Related Topics:
Sikh - Guru Amar Das - Guru Ram Das - Guru Arjan Dev - Guru Hargobind - Akal Takhat Sahib - 1609

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The Nishan Sahib is placed outside every Sikh Gurdwara and is supported by a pole of timber or metal. You may notice the Sikh symbol, the Khanda on it. It is placed high up as a sign for all Sikhs and indeed any other person that they can come and pray in this building. Great respect is shown to this flag which is shown by its washing using milk and water every year in April at the festival of Vaisakhi.

Related Topics:
Gurdwara - Khanda - Vaisakhi

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This Nishan Sahib, as a matter of religious injunction, must hoist at each and every building of the Gurdwara. It is this Nishan Sahib that is referred to in the daily prayer of the Sikhs asking for its Immortality.

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