At some stage in the past an article-Blue Brilliance was published on Sikhnet website [1]. The article discussed how Guru Gobind Singh ji desired that the color of his army Nihangs’ outfit would be blue. The blue uniform of Nihang is also called Bana. On one Hola Mohalla day, Guru Gobind Singh dressed his son in blue garment to represent “Akal Purakh” meaning timeless being. Here, the blue symbolism points to the concept of immortality.
Blue light is a component of electromagnetic (EM) radiation and is located in a narrow band near an outer edge of the visible part of the spectrum (with wavelengths close to those of ultraviolet light). Blue light triggers our eyes to react, especially the lens, retina, and cornea. Our eyes are not that sensitive to violet and indigo colors (which are more energetic than blue radiation) of the visible spectrum. Any color of the object we see is the color that is reflected when visible light part of the EM spectrum falls on the object.
In Sikhism, the blue color is most strongly associated with the tenth guru of Sikhism- Guru Gobind Singh ji, who established Khalsa. The term “Khalsa” refers to both the Sikh community as well as a special group that was initiated by the Sikhs. On the day of its formation, Guru Gobind Singh had raised a blue flag. It was a key event in the history of the Sikhs. The color of sky and the sea-blue refers to inherent values of the religion that evolved over time.
Blue symbolism is also seen in the clothing of Nihang (also called Akali) or the armed Sikh warriors. Traditionally, Nihangs adorn super electric blue (selected among different shades of blue) colored uniform that Guru Gobind Singh had selected. The bright blue color of Nihang helps in distinguishing the warrior class from others. It is also said that in one of his travels to the holy place of Mecca, Guru Nanak Dev ji had worn blue colored clothes. The Nihang warriors adopted the same outfit and thus, many people believe that Guru Nanak was the first Nihang Singh himself [2].
In Sikh folklore, Guru Gobind Singh’s rare, blue colored horse is extremely popular and is an important figure in Sikhism. The gurdwara at Putthi Sahib (Punjab) commemorates a popular incident when Guru Gobind Singh arrived at this place from a long journey seated on his blue horse. There they met a local artisan working at a furnace with baking bricks. When the Guru asked him if he knew a place where they could rest, he mocked at him. The artisan further challenged him that if he was a true Guru, he would sleep in the hot furnace instead [2].
The man had not only posed a challenge to him but also indirectly questioned the divinity of the founder of Sikhism- Guru Nanak Dev. In such a situation, Guru ji had no choice but to usher Neela to move forward. However, as soon as Neela stepped on the side of the furnace, it instantly cooled down. The Guru then spent the entire night in the cool furnace. Impressions of the blue horse’s hooves inside the gurdwara can still be found [2].
Based on research, color psychology tells us that certain colors can evoke different moods, feelings, and emotions. Blue color happens to be the favorite color of nature as blue radiation scatters up more (for being made up of shorter wavelength) producing pale blue of a daytime sky. Blue color is often considered a spiritual color not only for its hues make up the sky (which is representative of heaven), but it is also that about 71% of the earth land is covered with water reflecting rich dark blue color of a deep mass of water. Blue being the primary color of the oceans and seas makes many people feel connected to these bodies of water spiritually. This is perhaps why we often describe blue as calm and serene. Yet, as a cool color, blue can sometimes seem icy, distant, or even cold.
Blue symbolizes trust, responsibility, dedication, and bravery. Those traits are instilled in early and are a part of the life of Nihangs-the soldiers of the guru’s army. The blue bana of Nihangs not only reminds and keeps them tuned continuously to the Almighty (a breath without His name is useless- Guru Granth sahib page 730), but it also consistent with the favorite chroma of the Creator prevalent on the earth (mata dharat mahat).
When Sikh Ardaas is done, ‘it is said munn neevan mut oochi. This resonates with the divine nature of blue color making a person to stay serenely attuned to the Almighty, think calmly, and act responsibly and without fear, egotism, and prejudice before taking any action. It might be justified to think that the blue color incorporates and enshrines the concepts of Miri and Piri advocated by the sixth Guru Hargobind sahib ji. Warm colors like yellow, orange, and red represent a state of excitement and may not permeate to munn neevan and mut oochi and may not always lead to wise thinking without egotism consistent with the needs of the occasion. According to eastern philosophy, the red color relates to the victory or a conclusion calling for a celebration of an achievement or accomplishment or commemoration of a celebration (celebrations of festivals). Green is to go but green color photons are of relatively longer wavelength and possess less energy as compared to that of blue color. The red color photons possess the least amount of energy.
The sacred colors of Sikhism are blue, saffron (may be now yellow), white and black. Among all these shades, the blue color holds a distinct place in the Sikh culture. Commonly, the color blue symbolizes inspiration, wisdom, and stability. It is also a symbol of calmness, and freedom. However, the term feeling blue used sometimes (indicating sadness) is not consistent with Nihang philosophy of life. Traditionally, Nihang adorns super electric blue colored uniform that Guru Gobind Singh had selected. The bright blue color of Nihang helps in distinguishing the warrior class from others. They also wear a lofty blue colored turban that is called “dastar bunga”. This warrior class is highly respected among all the Sikh communities. Even today, they are duty-bound in defending their people and religion in times of injustice [2].
The flag of the Sikh religion is known as “Nishan Sahib.” It is a triangular flag made of cotton or silk with the Sikh emblem. The design and the color of the flag evolved with time. Initially, it was white, then it was made yellow and was referred to as “Basanti”. Later, after the formation of Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh raised a blue flag which is used today as well among the Nihang Singhs.
However, at present, mostly a saffron flag (now probably yellow) is used with a navy-blue emblem called “Khanda”. The possible reasons for the choice of these colors for the flag are that saffron color represents asceticism, while the blue symbolism reminds every one of the temporal affairs. So, a balance needs to be made between the two as Sikhism does not believe in strict asceticism. It is hoisted high on a flagpole in gurdwaras so that everyone can locate the nearest gurdwara. When Sikhism was established, Hinduism and Islam were the major religions in the Indian subcontinent. It is widely known that Sikhism is a fusion of concepts taken from both religions. While saffron is mostly associated with Hindus, blue was often associated with Mughal rulers who followed Islam. The founder, Guru Nanak Dev, never propagated anyone religion but believed in unifying the best practices of both. It can be said that in Sikhism, saffron and blue symbolism represents the combination of both Hinduism and Islam [2]. Johnny McAwley has published an elaborate article on spiritual and symbolic significance of blue color for some religions including the Sikhism.
The feelings evoked by different colors are not necessarily universal. Cultural differences sometimes play a role in how people perceive color. According to research, in India the color blue represents truth, mercy, and love [3, 4]. Blue is often considered a spiritual color as its hues make up the sky, which is representative of heaven. Blue is also the primary color of the oceans and seas, and many people feel connected to these bodies of water spiritually. The throat chakra is represented by the color blue, with some studies connecting this chakra (or energy center) with "high spirituality" in people who regularly practice yoga [5]. The blue color is a symbol of the infinite and the immeasurable. According to Hindu philosophy, whatever is immeasurable can appear to the mortal eye only as blue, just like the cloudless summer sky appears blue to the physical eye. Since Lord Krishna is beyond our perception, it seemed apt to attribute this color to him.
The blue color attributed to Lord Krishna is not the color of the material body but the eternal spiritual body of the Lord that emits blue aura [6]. According to Bhagavad Gita, the blissful form of Lord Krishna is visible only to pure devotees. He may have bewildered the non-devotees, but those who offered pure devotional service to Him had always seen Him in his blue blissful form [6]. Blue color defines the inner power, peace and serenity. It has also become the traditional color of representing almighty in its pure form [6]. Besides, you’ll find blue color in the calming waters of the small lakes, called Sarovars, built all around places of worship [2]. The blue color calms the mind and creates a peaceful atmosphere that helps the devotees in forgetting all their troubles and getting closer to the divine. The blue color also creates an ambience of positivity and serenity that makes visiting temples such a wonderful experience. So much so, art historian Denis Dutton reiterated that the favorite color in the world is blue, perhaps because it reminds us of clear blue skies or peaceful landscapes with lakes and rivers that offer us a sense of comfort and peace [7].
Symbolically blue color represents trust, responsibility, dedication, and bravery. Several law enforcement agencies in America don blue uniforms as this color is seen as being more authoritative (especially when the hue is dark) and often evoke feelings of security.[4]. The color blue affects people both cognitively and affectively, making them feel more comfortable [4]. After blue lights were installed at 71 Japanese train stations between 2000 and 2010, there was an 84% decrease in the number of suicides there [8]. Blue light appears to boost alertness, improve attention span and reaction time, help memory -- one study showed that 30 minutes of exposure to blue light led to better recall, and raise your mood and effectively treat depression [4]. A survey spanning 10 countries found that blue is the most popular "favorite color" for people globally, with men preferring blue more often than women (40% versus 24%, respectively, among subjects from the United States) [4].
A study in The Journal of Business Research revealed that shoppers found stores with a blue interior significantly more likable. They were more likely to spend time shopping and buying products there than in another store with an orange interior [9]. Blue may have a calming effect on us. It may even make our streets safer. There were dramatic decreases in crimes after blue streetlights were set up in Glasgow, Scotland in 2000 and Nara, Japan in 2005 [10]. More research is needed to fully understand these effects since the color blue may have conditioned associations, reminding people of police with their blue uniforms and, in the United Kingdom, the blue lights on police cars [10].
The color blue has always held a distinct significance in Northern Africa and the Middle East, and noticeably so in Judaism. Arabs and Jews have held the fixation of blue in common. From doors to ribbons and markings around their houses, they have used blue since the ancient ages to ward off the evil eye. One other use of blue has also been in garments, shawls and cattle-wear, the reason for which is speculated to be ‘protection of purity’ among other mentioned reason by modern academicians. The first modern reference that would come to one’s mind would be the Israeli flag that adorns David’s star with the alleged ‘Tekhelet blue’ and white [11].
The Catholic Church in 431 AD decided to color code the saints, and the Virgin Mary was assigned the color blue. Blue has been viewed as a symbol of innocence and trust ever since [12].
Blue is considered to be one of the divine colors in Islam. Blue is strongly associated with tranquility, serenity, and peace in Islamic thought. It is a color that evokes a sense of calmness and balance [13].
The name of the stone, sapphire, comes from the Latin word ‘sapphirus’ and the Greek word ‘sapheiros’ which mean ‘blue’. In Hebrew, the sapphire was known as ‘sappir,’ meaning ‘the most beautiful thing’. The star sapphire brings mental clarity and is called gem of heaven [14]. The Blue Sapphire is a highly cherished gemstone revered for its deep blue color and rich symbolism. Its meaning goes beyond its physical beauty, as it is associated with wisdom, spiritual enlightenment, and enhanced communication skills [15].
REFERENCES
1. Anonymous. 2024. https://www.sikhnet.com/news/blue-brilliance-understanding-symbolism-nih...
2. McAwley, J., 2020. https://slightlyblue.com/symbolism/blue-meaning-in-sikhism/
3. Dreher, D., 2018. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-personal-renaissance/201810/surprising-research-on-the-color-blue
4. Cherry, K., 2024., The Color Blue: Meaning and Color Psychology. https://www.verywellmind.com/the-color-psychology-of-blue-2795815
5. Klein, J., 2025. Chakra origins, meditation, and symbols. https://study.com/buy/academy/lesson/chakra-originssymbols.htm
6. Chinmayananda (swami) 2024. https://www.chinmayamission.com/who-we-are/swami-chinmayananda/. https://www.mahashringar.com/why-lord-krishna-is-depicted-as-blue-in-hindu-mythology/
7. Dutton, D. (2009). The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, & Human Evolution. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Press.
8. Matsubayashi T, Sawada Y, Ueda M. (2012). Does the installation of blue lights on train platforms prevent suicide? A before-and-after observational study from Japan. Journal of Affective Disorders. 8. 50-51. Published online 11 September 2012. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2012.08.018, 2012
9. Babin, B.J., Hardesty, D. M., & Suter, T. A. (2003). Color and shopping intentions: The intervening effect of price fairness and perceived affect. Journal of Business Research, 56, 541 – 551
10. Shimbun, Y. ,2008, Blue streetlights believed to prevent suicides, street crime. Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/blue-streetlights-believed-to-prevent-suicides-street-crime/
11. McAwley, J., 2020. What does blue mean in Judaism. https://slightlyblue.com/symbolism/blue-meaning-in-judaism/
12. McAwley, J.,2020. Significance of Blue Color in Bible. https://slightlyblue.com/culture/blue-in-bible/
13. Anki. 2023. Blue in Islam: Symbolism and Significance. https://religionsfacts.com/blue-in-islam-symbolism-and-significance/
14. McAwley, J., 2020. https://slightlyblue.com/symbolism/star-sapphire-symbolism/
15. Emerson, J., 2025. Blue crystals: Healing Properties, Healing Properties and Uses. ttps://thecrystalalmanac.com/category/crystals/crystals-by-color/
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Dr. Gurcharan S. Rahi is a retired professor of Physical Sciences