Paper short abstract:

This paper discusses the early Khalsa practice of Shastar Puja (Worship of Weapons). The paper begins by tracing the ritual in early Sikh literature, followed by an analysis and discussion on how the puja is practiced today in the UK and the way it has been re-interpreted to a new cultural setting.

Paper long abstract:

During the turbulent years of Guru Gobind Singhs reign (1675 - 1708) the Sikhs adopted many practices from the rajput and kshatriya warrior tribes including the worship of weapons, worship of Chandi/Durga, slaughter methods etc. This paper will examine the practice of Shastar Pûja, the worship of weapons, in the Khalsa tradition and how it is practiced among Sikhs in India and the Diaspora community. On the basis of field work among practitioners of shastar pûja, the paper will seek to answer the following questions:

- How is Shastar Puja described in the early historical literature of the Sikhs?

- In what way is Shastar Puja practiced today in the UK?

- What developements are seen in the way the puja is recreated and adapted to a new cultural diaspora setting?

These militaristic practices among Sikhs have largely been neglected in current scholarship and I believe this paper can contribute to introducing the early militaristic practices to the field of modern South Asian studies.