Recently, I came across a clip of a respected kathavachik (preacher) who usually delivers insightful katha, but in this instance seemed to miss a vital aspect of Gurmat (the Timeless Way of the Guru). He suggested that older Indic traditions were bound by superstitious beliefs that certain metals were holier than others, and that Guru Sahib liberated us from such notions by teaching that no material is inherently sacred. He went further to claim that in Sikhi there is no guidance about which metal or material should be used for eating or cooking, and that all are equal in this regard. In doing so, however, he completely overlooked the deep significance and sacred role of sarbloh — pure iron — in Sikhi, a metal cherished not out of superstition, but because of its unique place in the spiritual, historical, and practical life of the Panth from the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through Guru Gobind Singh Ji and beyond.
At first glance, his words may sound reasonable. It is certainly true that in Gurmat the highest purity does not come from any material substance, but from Naam — the Divine Name, the sacred sound-current of the Almighty. No metal or vessel by itself has the power to spiritually sanctify food in the way that Naam does. However, it is equally true that sarbloh — pure iron, often mistaken for ordinary or stainless steel by non-Sikhs — holds a unique and irreplaceable place in Sikhi. From both a practical and spiritual perspective, there is a profound science and symbolism to sarbloh, rooted in the Guru’s own divine choices and teachings, which this kathavachik unfortunately overlooked.
The most sacred thing consumed in Sikhi is Amrit — Khande-di-Pahul. Guru Sahib had every material at His disposal, yet from the time of Guru Nanak Dev Ji through Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Amrit was always prepared in a sarbloh batta (iron bowl), whether it was Charan Amrit or Khande-da-Amrit. This was no accident; it was a deliberate and divinely guided choice. To this day, it is universally accepted across the Panth — recorded in historic Rehat-namas (written codes of discipline) and later codified in the Maryada of Sri Akal Takht Sahib — that Amrit must be prepared using only a sarbloh batta and khanda. The use of stainless steel or any other material is not permitted, and is universally accepted that doing so would violate the sanctity of Amrit and render the sacred ceremony invalid. In the same way, Guru Sahib chose sarbloh for the karra and the kirpan among the Panj Kakkaar (5 Ks). If all metals were the same, why would the Guru consistently select sarbloh for the holiest gifts and ceremonies of Sikhi?
History records that Guru Har Rai Sahib Ji, the seventh human form of Satguru, blessed the ironsmiths of Gharuan village in Ludhiana. During one of his visits to the area, Guru Sahib gave them a special blessing of prosperity for making sarbloh utensils. He declared that the sarbloh vessels they produced would one day be valued equal to gold — a powerful sign that living by the sarbloh code is truly priceless. For what is more precious than health and spiritual well-being? By comparing sarbloh to gold, Guru Sahib showed its timeless value for both the body and the soul. Remarkably, this blessing continues to bear fruit: even today, families in Gharuan keep the age-old craft alive, and demand for sarbloh utensils steadily grows across the world. This enduring tradition stands as living proof of Guru Sahib’s words and a reminder of the honoured place of sarbloh in Sikhi. When Guru Sahib blessed sarbloh as equal to gold, He revealed its eternal worth in physical and spiritual well-being.
4. Symbol of the Divine
Guru Gobind Singh Ji Himself addressed Vaheguru as Sarbloh in the Bani (revealed prayer) of Akaal Ustat, using this powerful metaphor to describe the Divine as possessing the strength, purity, and indestructibility of iron. He blessed Himself with "the defense of Sarbloh"—suggesting that the Divine shields us with unbreakable, ever-present power. He further composed a manuscript entitled Sarbloh, where "Sarbloh" stands as a central motif uniting spiritual resilience with martial strength. The very name and essence of the holy manuscript conveys the idea that the Khalsa must embody unwavering toughness, purity, and ready resolve. If all metals were viewed equally, why would Guru Gobind Singh Ji intentionally elevate Sarbloh in Akaal Ustat and devote an entire composition to its symbolism? Clearly, Sarbloh is more than a metal—it is a living emblem of divine power, spiritual fortitude, and unwavering commitment.
Unlike neutral materials like stainless steel or clay, sarbloh actively enriches food rather than simply carrying it. When meals are cooked or served in sarbloh, trace amounts of iron naturally leach into the food, boosting hemoglobin, improving oxygen flow, strengthening the blood, and helping prevent anemia — a major benefit for vegetarians and vegans who often face iron deficiencies. By contrast, aluminum cookware can release particles linked to negative effects on the nervous system, while non-stick pans rely on chemical coatings that may break down and leach toxins at high heat. Plastic and paper utensils are even worse, as they can release microplastics, dyes, and chemicals when exposed to hot food, while also creating harmful waste. Stainless steel and clay remain neutral — they neither damage nor benefit health — but sarbloh is unique in being both safe and actively beneficial, turning every meal into not just nourishment but also natural medicine.
Conclusion
In Gurmat (the Timeless Way of Guru), sarbloh is regarded as superior not out of superstition, but because of its unique blend of hygiene, health benefits, tradition, divine symbolism, and Satguru Ji’s own blessing that honored it as equal to gold. Chosen by the Gurus for Amrit, Karah Parshaad, and daily rehat, sarbloh is more than a metal — it is a sacred medium that absorbs and amplifies the power of Naam and Gurbani. For anyone seeking a clean, health-giving, and spiritual lifestyle, sarbloh offers a timeless code of living that connects us to both nature and the Divine.
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