Miri Piri (Gurmukhi: ਮੀਰੀ-ਪੀਰੀ; mīrī pīrī) is a concept[1] that has been practiced in Sikh religion since the seventeenth century.
Miri is believed to have originated from the Perso-Arabic “Amir” or “Emir”, intended to signal political power, while Piri is believed to have originated from the Perso-Arabic “Pir”, meant to signal spiritual power.[2]
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The concept of "The Mir and the Pir" (temporal power and spiritual authority) was introduced by the sixthSikhGuru,Hargobind. Shortly before theShaheedi (martyrdom) of his father and predecessor, the thenGuru Arjan Dev, nominated Hargobind for theGuru Gaddi (ਗੁਰੂ ਗੱਦੀ). After his father's death,Guru Hargobind introduced the two swords of Miri and Piri symbolizing both worldly (political) and spiritual authority.[3] Where action informed or arising out of the spiritual heart completes one’s purpose and meaning in the world of action:spirituality.[4]
Some Sikhs believe that this fulfills a prophecy given byBaba Buddha that the Sikh will possess spiritual and temporal power.[citation needed]
TheSikh Khanda shows the two swords of Miri and Piri are tied together with a larger verticalkhanda in center. This, in combination with thechakram, displays the Sikh concept ofDegh Tegh Fateh.
