Written by Jatin AnandNew Delhi | September 20, 2025 04:46 PM IST 4 min readPM Modi stated on X: “…The holy relics will inspire future generations to follow the path of courage, righteousness, justice, and social harmony shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.” (Photo: X/@HardeepSPuri)The Jore Sahib, meaning holy or sacred shoes, are a pair of footwear belonging to Guru Gobind Singh, the last of the ten Sikh Gurus, and his wife Mata Sahib Kaur. Considered sacred relics, they are revered as the personal belongings once worn by the Sikh spiritual leaders.The term ‘Joda’ in Punjabi refers to a pair of shoes. Along with similar belongings of other prominent figures such as Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, these relics are venerated by believers worldwide for their direct association with the Gurus. They are also transported by their official custodians to various locations for darshan by pilgrims across the globe.Speaking on their spiritual importance after receiving a report recommending measures for their safekeeping and display, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that holy relics such as the Jore Sahib are “as much a part of the glorious Sikh history as they are of the cultural ethos of our nation”.What are the traditions and beliefs around the Jore Sahib?The pair of footwear, measuring 11″ by 3½” for the right foot of the ‘Dasam Pita’, or Tenth Father, and 9″ by 3″ for the left foot of Mata Sahib Kaur, are sacred relics deeply revered in Sikhism. It is believed that having darshan of them is an experience in divinity because of their direct connection with the Sikh Gurus. Guru Gobind Singh, the last human Guru of the Sikhs, founded the Khalsa Panth, or the community of the pure. He established its vision, introduced the rites of initiation, and laid down a code of conduct for followers through the five K’s: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kada (iron or steel wrist bracelet), Kirpan (sword), and Kachera (short breeches). He also declared the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal successor.Why are the Jore Sahib in the news?The holy artefacts, previously housed at a residence of one of Guru Gobind Singh’s relatives in Delhi’s Karol Bagh, drew attention on Friday when Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri shared on social media that he had, along with a committee of eminent members of the Sikh Sangat, called on Modi regarding their future. The committee presented a report with recommendations for the safekeeping and dignified display of the relics so that more devotees could pay their respects. Following the meeting, Modi stated on X: “…The holy relics will inspire future generations to follow the path of courage, righteousness, justice, and social harmony shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.” How is Puri’s family connected with the Jore Sahib?According to Puri, the relics have been under the custodianship of his extended family for over three centuries after being bestowed upon his ancestors by Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib Kaur. One of Puri’s ancestors, who served the Guru, was granted the shoes in appreciation of his seva, or service. When instructed by the Guru to ask for a reward, he requested and was granted permission to keep the sacred Jore Sahib, with the aim of carrying the Guru and Mata’s blessings into future generations. The most recent custodian was Puri’s late cousin, Sardar Jasmeet Singh Puri, who resided in Karol Bagh on a street later named ‘Guru Gobind Singh Marg’ in honor of the relics.Will the custodianship of the holy relics change now?The custodianship is likely to change, pending approval from Modi. Recently, Manpreet, the widow of Puri’s late cousin, requested that he find an appropriate permanent home for the relics so that more devotees could have access to them. After receiving the Jore Sahib, Puri had them carefully examined by the Ministry of Culture and subjected to carbon testing to confirm their authenticity and spiritual importance. Following this, a committee of Sikh representatives met with the Prime Minister and submitted recommendations for their future placement, ensuring both their preservation and wider access for the faithful.Jatin Anand is an Assistant Editor with the national political bureau of The Indian Express. Over the last 16 years, he has covered governance, politics, bureaucracy, crime, traffic, intelligence, the Election Commission of India and Urban Development among other beats. He is an English (Literature) graduate from Zakir Husain Delhi College, DU & specialised in Print at the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. He tweets @jatinpaul ... Read More© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Express Explained