Piri

The word “piri” has been derived from Persian “pir” literary meaning senior man, saint, holy man, spiritual guide, head of a religious order) and stands for spiritual authority. The word miri and piri are frequently used together.

The adoption of the term “miri, piri” in Sikh tradition has been made to connote the temporal and spiritual components of life. The term represents for the Sikhs a basic principle which has influenced their political thought and has governed their social structure, political behaviour, organisation, leadership and politics.