What Ik Onkar (ੴ) means

Ik Onkar pendant necklace: gold-plated Ik Onkar on white enamel, on a chain, on marble with a book

Ik Onkar (ੴ) means “One Creator”: there is one God.

It is the first symbol in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, at the start of the Mool Mantar given by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Ik Onkar and Ek Onkar are two spellings of the same word.

The symbol, piece by piece

ੴ looks like one shape, but it is three parts written together.

The number one comes first. That makes the message clear from the very first sign: there is one Creator, the same for all.

Where it comes from

Ik Onkar is the first word of the Mool Mantar. These are the opening words of Japji Sahib and of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, gave these words.

ੴ ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਨਿਰਭਉ ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਅਜੂਨੀ ਸੈਭੰ ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

ੴ (Ik Oankaar): One Creator
ਸਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ (Sat Naam): Truth is the Name
ਕਰਤਾ ਪੁਰਖੁ (Kartaa Purakh): The Creator of all
ਨਿਰਭਉ (Nirbhau): Without fear
ਨਿਰਵੈਰੁ (Nirvair): Without hate
ਅਕਾਲ ਮੂਰਤਿ (Akaal Moorat): Beyond time
ਅਜੂਨੀ (Ajoonee): Beyond birth and death
ਸੈਭੰ (Saibhan): Self-existent
ਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ (Gur Prasaad): Known by the Guru’s grace

These are short, simple meanings to help you start. They are not a full translation.

How to say it and spell it

Say it like this: ik-oan-kaar. “Ik” is the Punjabi word for one.

In English you will see many spellings. They all mean the same symbol, ੴ.

  • Ik Onkar
  • Ek Onkar
  • Ik Oankar
  • Ek Omkar
  • Ik Omkar
ੴ

Want to use the symbol?
Select it here and copy it into a message or post.

Ik Onkar and Khanda: what is the difference?

They are the two Sikh symbols people know best, and they mean different things.

Ik Onkar pendant: gold-plated Ik Onkar on white enamel, on a marble disc on green satin

Ik Onkar ੴ

The One Creator. The first symbol of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

Khanda pendant: gold-plated Khanda on white enamel, on a marble disc on green satin

Khanda

The emblem of the Khalsa: a double-edged khanda in the middle, a chakkar (circle) and two kirpans.

Wearing Ik Onkar

For many Sikhs, an Ik Onkar pendant or kara is a quiet, daily reminder of faith.

It is also a loved gift: for a Gurpurab, a new baby, a wedding, or someone moving far from home.

Some families have their own customs, like keeping it above the waist. If you are unsure, ask your family or your Gurdwara.

Ik Onkar pendant necklace: gold-plated Ik Onkar on white enamel, on a chain, close-up on green velvet

Our Ik Onkar pendant: white enamel, 18K gold plated.

Caring for it. Our pieces are stainless steel with 18K gold PVD plating, or silver PVD plating. For the longest shine, take it off to swim, shower and sleep.

Our Ik Onkar pieces

Each piece is handmade after you order.

Ik Onkar necklace with a white enamel pendant, gold plated Ik Onkar Necklace: White enamel pendant. 18K gold or silver plated. 30 to 50 cm. Ek Onkar and Khanda open kara bracelet, gold plated, worn on a wrist Ek Onkar Khanda Kara: Open kara with Ik Onkar and Khanda. Adjustable. Gold or silver plated. Khanda necklace with a white enamel pendant, gold plated Khanda Necklace: White enamel Khanda pendant. 18K gold or silver plated.

See all Sikh jewelry

Questions

Is it Ik Onkar or Ek Onkar?

Both. They are two English spellings of the same symbol, ੴ. “Ik” is how “one” is said in Punjabi.

What does ੴ mean in English?

“One Creator”. Many people say it as “There is one God”.

Who wrote Ik Onkar?

Guru Nanak Dev Ji, as the first word of the Mool Mantar. It opens Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.

How do I type the Ik Onkar symbol?

Copy it from this page: ੴ. It is a single letter in Gurmukhi, so it works in texts and social posts.

Is the Haye Nii Ik Onkar necklace real gold?

No, it is gold-plated: stainless steel with 18K gold PVD plating. The silver option is stainless steel with silver PVD plating.

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