These days, many non-practicing Sikhs and anti-Sikh individuals are spreading misinformation on social media, claiming that Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs do not need to wear an actual Kirpan and that wearing a Kirpan pendant is sufficient because it is “symbolic.”
This claim is completely false.
The Kirpan is one of the Five Kakkars (the Five Articles of Faith) that every Amritdhari Sikh is required to wear at all times. It is to remain with the Sikh while sleeping, bathing, at home, at work, and in every other aspect of daily life. It is not meant to be separated from the body.
The Kirpan is not merely a symbol or a piece of jewelry. It has a purpose: it is a weapon carried for self-defense and for the protection of the weak and oppressed. A Kirpan pendant cannot fulfill that purpose and therefore cannot replace an actual Kirpan.
The Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh Code of Conduct) states that Amritdhari Sikhs must wear all Five Ks (Panj Kakkaar) at all times, including a Kirpan. The Kirpan must be worn in a sheath and secured with a Gatra (a shoulder strap, typically worn over the right shoulder and across the body).
While the Sikh Rehat Maryada does not prescribe a specific length for the Kirpan, it must be a functional blade, traditionally curved, single-edged, and made of steel or iron. It must also remain sheathed when worn.
According to historical evidence from manuscripts, weapons preserved in Gurdwaras and museums, historical paintings, and contemporary accounts, we know that during the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Khalsa Sikhs carried:
A full-sized Kirpan (sword), usually with a blade measuring 30-36 inches, as their primary weapon.
A smaller Kirpan, often 6-12 inches in length, or sometimes longer, worn on the body at all times.
Other weapons such as a Katar (push dagger), Chakar, spear, or bow.
Historical paintings, surviving weapons, and contemporary accounts show that Sikhs were expected to remain armed, not merely wear a symbolic object.
Historically, there has never been a prescribed minimum or maximum length for the Kirpan. The emphasis has always been that it is a real, functional weapon, not a decorative ornament or a piece of jewelry.
Historical Rehatnamas
Early Sikh codes of conduct (Rehatnamas) instruct Sikhs to keep Shastar (weapons) and remain armed. For example, Bhai Desa Singh’s Rehatnama instructs Sikhs to keep weapons with them and be prepared to defend righteousness.
ਬਿਨਾ ਸ਼ਸ਼ਤ੍ਰ ਕੇਸੰ ਨਰੰ ਭੇਡ ਜਾਨੋ ਗਹੈ ਕਾਨ ਤਾਂ ਕੋ ਕਿਤੈ ਲੈ ਸਿਧਾਨੋ ॥
Know a person without weapons and uncut hair to be like a sheep, who can be grabbed by the ear and led away anywhere by anyone.
ਇਹੈ ਮੋਰ ਆਗਿਆ ਸੁਨੋ ਹੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥
Listen to this command of Mine, O Beloved.
ਬਿਨਾ ਤੇਗ ਕੇਸੰ ਦਿਵੋ ਨ ਦੀਦਾਰੇ ॥
Do not present yourself before Me if you are without a sword (Tegh) and uncut hair (Kesh).
