Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a delegation of prominent Sikh community members on Friday to discuss the future of the Jore Sahib — sacred footwear belonging to Guru Gobind Singh and his wife Mata Sahib Kaur — following recommendations for their preservation and public display.
The holy relics, which have remained under the custodianship of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's extended family for over three centuries, are now being considered for a new permanent home to allow greater access for devotees worldwide.
What are ‘Jore Sahib’? Historical significance of the sacred footwear
The Jore Sahib, derived from the Punjabi term 'Joda' meaning a pair of shoes, consists of footwear measuring 11″ by 3½" for Guru Gobind Singh's right foot and 9″ by 3″ for Mata Sahib Kaur's left foot. These artifacts hold profound spiritual significance within Sikhism, as they represent direct physical connections to the tenth and final human Guru of the Sikh faith.
Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth and introduced the fundamental principles of Sikh identity through the five K's — Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kada (iron or steel wrist bracelet), Kirpan (sword), and Kachera (short breeches). He also designated the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal spiritual successor to the lineage of human Gurus.
Family legacy spanning over three centuries
The relics came into Puri's family's possession when one of his ancestors was granted the sacred footwear by Guru Gobind Singh himself as recognition for devoted service. When offered any reward, the ancestor specifically requested permission to maintain custody of the Jore Sahib to carry forward the Guru's blessings through generations.
The most recent custodian was Puri's late cousin, Sardar Jasmeet Singh Puri, who kept the relics at his residence in Delhi's Karol Bagh on a street that was later renamed 'Guru Gobind Singh Marg' in honour of the sacred artifacts housed there.
Authentication and future plans
Following requests from Manpreet, widow of the late custodian, for finding a more accessible permanent location for the relics, Puri arranged for their examination by the Ministry of Culture. The artifacts underwent carbon testing to verify their authenticity and spiritual significance before the committee's presentation to the Prime Minister.
PM Modi characterized the holy relics as integral to both Sikh heritage and India's broader cultural identity. "The holy relics will inspire future generations to follow the path of courage, righteousness, justice, and social harmony shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji," the Prime Minister stated on X after receiving the committee's recommendations.
As per an Indian Express report, the committee's report includes detailed proposals for the safekeeping and dignified display of the Jore Sahib, aimed at enabling more devotees to experience darshan of these revered artifacts. The change in custodianship awaits final approval from the Prime Minister's office, the report added.
Similar sacred belongings of other prominent Sikh figures, including those of Guru Amar Das, continue to be venerated by believers globally and are regularly transported by official custodians to various locations for pilgrim access.
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