The Khanda constitutes three symbols in one. However, the name is derived from the central symbol, Khanda, a special type of double-edged sword which confirms the Sikhs' belief in One God. The double-edged sword symbolizes the unitary view of the world which Sikhism subscribes to.

* On the left side is the sword of spiritual sovereignty, Piri; on the right side is the sword of political sovereignty, Miri.

* The right edge of the double-edged sword symbolizes freedom and authority governed by moral and spiritual values.

* The left edge of the double-edged sword symbolizes divine justice which chastises and punishes the wicked oppressors.

There must always be a balance between miri and piri and this balance is emphasized by the joining together of the two swords into one double-edged one in the middle. The quoit is what is called the Chakra. This is a symbol of all-embracing divine manifestation including everything and wanting nothing, without beginning or end, neither first or last, timeless, and absolute. The Chakra was also used by the Sikhs as one of the war weapons against injustice and oppression. Almost all Sikh warriors used to wear it in the eighteenth century.