"khande di pahul" not only embodies the primary objects of sikh faith and the promises connected therewith, but also is itself a promise to lead a pure and pious life to unite with almighty lord. it is about inward cleansing of the conscience and seeking unity with the supreme lord through his grace. the word "pahul" is a derivative from the substantive, "pahu"- which is an agent which brightens, accelerates or sharpens the potentialities of a given object.