DEG TEGH FATEH, a Sikh saying which literally means victory (fateh) to kettle (deg) and sword (tegh). All the three words have been taken from Persian which was the State language in the formative period of Sikhism. The word deg, i.e. a large sized kettle or cauldron having a wide mouth, which in the Muslim Sufi tradition signified charitable distribution of cooked food, also called langar, has here acquired an expanded meaning.
While retaining its literal meaning, it has come to stand in the Sikh tradition for the ideal of public welfare or general benevolence or munificence.Guru Nanak in one of his hymns likens the Earth to a deg from which sustenance is received by all living beings (GG, 1190). Similarly, tegh has also acquired a wider connotation and has been used in the Sikh tradition as a symbol for chatisement of the evil and protection of the good. As Guru Hargobind is said to have told a Maharashtrian saint, Ram Das, during their meeting at Srinagar (Garhval), the tegh is for garib ki rakhia (defence of the weak) andJ`arvane ki bhakkhia (destruction of the aggressor).
Guru Gobind Singh identified the tegh or sword with the Lord Creator and thereby gave it a still deeper meaning.He addressed it as Bhagauti (goddess), Sri Kharag (Lord Sword), Jag Karan (Creator of the World) and Sristi Ubaran (Saviour of the Creation), besides reiterating its role as protector of the good (suikh santan karnan) and destroyer of the evil (dumiati daman). The two ideals of degand tegh supplemented each other. In a supplicatory passage in his Krishnavtar Guru Gobind Singh says: “Deg teg jag mai dou chalai deg and tegh both prevail in the world.
” In Charitropakhyan, deg and tegh (charity and valour) constitute a composite virtue that was the characteristic of the heroes of yore (Charitra 200. 1; 272. 3; 307. 2).When Sikhs passing through a period of fierce persecution established their power in the Punjab, this maxim was adopted as an ideal for the Khalsa State and imprinted on their seals, coins and banners. The term fateh added to deg and tegh was the expression of Sikhs` belief that the use of tegh (in the last resort, as permitted by Guru Gobind Singh), with the ideal of deg or charity steadfastly cherished, must lead to fateh or victory.
Guru Gobind Singh had introduced the salutation “Vahiguruji ka Khalsa, Vahiguruji ki Fateh,” ascribing victory to God. The Khalsa affirmed through this slogan that victory, a gift from God, followed the use of tegh in a righteous cause and adherence to the principle of magnanimity (deg) deg, tegh, fateh.Banda Singh who first occupied territory, had a Persian inscription on his seal which, rendered into English, read: “Kettle and Sword (symbols of charity and power) and Victory and Ready Patronage have been obtained through the grace of Guru Nanak Gobind Singh.
” Here tegh (sword) is used as a symbol of victory over tyranny and deg (kettle) as a symbol of ready patronage (welfare) for the good. Both being gifts from the Gurus constituted the governing principles of the polity of the new State. The same Persian inscription incorporating the Sikh ideal of Deg Tegh Fateh was reproduced on the coin introduced by Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluvalia in 1765 after the Khalsa had gained a decisive victory over the Afghans.
The practice continued during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first Sikh sovereign of the Punjab as well as in some of the cisSutlej Sikh states which had accepted British suzerainty. Over the centuries the principle of Deg Tegh Fateh has taken a firm root in Sikh psyche and tradition. The maxim has become part of the Sikh ardas, prayer which is recited at the end of all Sikh services.
Every time when the ardas is offered, blessings of the Lord are invoked for the triumph of the ideal of deg and tegh. In the ardas Sikhs also recall their past heroes : “They who dwelt on His Name, ate only after sharing their victuals with others, maintained the deg` and wielded the tegh and sacrificed their lives for the sake of dharma, remember them, Khalsa Ji and proclaim Vahiguru ….”
References :
1. Teja Singh, Sikhism : Its Ideals and Institutions. Bombay, 1937
2. Sher Singh, The Philosophy of Sikhism. Lahore, 1944
3. Prakash Singh, The Sikh Gurus and the Temple of Bread. Amritsar, 1964
4. Nripinder Singh, The Sikh Moral Tradition. Delhi, 1990.
Deg Tegh Fateh: The Sikh Principle of Prosperity and Protection
Deg Tegh Fateh is a core principle in Sikhism that embodies the ideals of prosperity, service, and righteous defense. Translated from Punjabi, Deg means “cauldron” (symbolizing community kitchen or langar), Tegh means “sword” (symbolizing protection and the defense of justice), and Fateh means “victory.” Together, this phrase represents the victory of generosity and righteous action, highlighting the balance between providing for the needy and standing up against oppression.
Historical Context
The concept of Deg Tegh Fateh was formalized during the time of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, and Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Guru Hargobind introduced the dual responsibility of spiritual guidance and temporal authority, symbolized by the two swords of Miri (temporal) and Piri (spiritual). This laid the foundation for Sikhs to embrace both the principles of selfless service and the defense of justice.
Guru Gobind Singh reinforced this philosophy through the establishment of the Khalsa in 1699. The Khalsa was tasked not only with upholding spiritual values but also with protecting the weak, fighting against tyranny, and ensuring equality and freedom for all. The slogan Deg Tegh Fateh became a rallying cry for the Khalsa, signifying their commitment to serving humanity and resisting injustice.
Symbolism
- Deg (The Cauldron): The Deg represents the langar, or community kitchen, a cornerstone of Sikh practice. Initiated by Guru Nanak, the langar embodies the principles of selfless service (seva), equality, and sharing. Regardless of caste, creed, or status, everyone is welcome to partake in the langar, which promotes inclusivity and social harmony.
- Tegh (The Sword): The Tegh symbolizes the duty to protect the oppressed and defend righteousness. It reflects the Sikh commitment to justice, courage, and standing against tyranny. The sword is not a symbol of aggression but of protection and moral responsibility.
- Fateh (Victory): Fateh represents the triumph of these principles—service, equality, and justice—over ignorance, oppression, and inequality. It is a victory of righteous action guided by divine will (Hukam).
Philosophical Significance
Deg Tegh Fateh encapsulates the holistic Sikh worldview that balances spiritual devotion with active engagement in the world. It reminds Sikhs that spirituality must manifest in actions that uplift and protect others. The principle emphasizes the dual responsibility of providing for the physical and spiritual well-being of all, while also ensuring that justice prevails.
This philosophy challenges the dichotomy of spirituality and activism, demonstrating that both are essential for a just and compassionate society. It serves as a call to Sikhs to be both providers and protectors, living in service to humanity while standing up for what is right.
Modern Relevance
The principle of Deg Tegh Fateh continues to guide Sikhs in the modern world. The tradition of langar thrives in gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) worldwide, feeding millions regardless of background. Additionally, Sikhs actively participate in humanitarian efforts, disaster relief, and social justice movements, embodying the spirit of Deg Tegh Fateh.
In a world facing challenges such as inequality, poverty, and oppression, the principles of Deg Tegh Fateh offer a powerful framework for creating a more equitable and compassionate society. It inspires individuals to contribute to the welfare of others while courageously addressing injustices.
Conclusion
Deg Tegh Fateh is more than a slogan; it is a way of life that encapsulates the Sikh values of service, justice, and victory over injustice. It reflects the Sikh commitment to uplift humanity, guided by the principles of generosity and moral courage. This timeless philosophy serves as an enduring reminder of the power of collective responsibility, compassion, and righteousness.
