I remember reading somewhere in a historical text (can't remember which one though) that Guru Nanak Dev Ji carried a Kirpan. A specific situation that was mentioned was that when Guru Ji went to Mecca, he carried a Kirpan and a Pothi. Does anyone know any references to this?
This is from a historical post on the Sikh Sangat site. Also Guru Sahib himself said - Do not try to meet me without your sword or hair ਬਿਨਾ ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰ ਕੇਸੰ ਨ ਦਿਵੋ ਦੀਦਾਰੇ.
It is often wondered that since Guru Nanak traveled so much with Dharam Parcher, he might have carried a Kirpan with him since there were many robbers and thieves on his travels.
It is stated in Bhai Gurdas ji's vaaran that when maharaj went to meddina and spoke about the Karni Nama, he was dressed in a blue chola and also wore shaster. It is to be remembered that if there is one light in all our Gurus it wasn't just one or two Gurus who knew Shastser Vidiya.Shaster Vidiya started with Guru Nanak Dev Jee and Guru Jee was the First Nihang and as Nihangs are to be Shaster Dharee, he too would have carried Shaster(s).Baba Trilok Singh Nihang also once said in katha that Guru Nanak was the 1st Nihang Singh.
And as we all know, Guru Nanak, in his 10th form, gave us a command to keep shaster with us.
In the museum of Takhat Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib, a sword belonging to first master is there. This was obtained from a Brahmin family of Orrisa, to whom perhaps Guru Nanak Dev ji gave the same. They used to worship this sword for generations before it came to Patna Sahib. Morever, the next Guru also started Akhara or coaching centre for fighting.
Though Guru Naanak Dev Jee kept a small sword with him, he did not use the word 'kirpaan' once in any of His Hymns. It was the fourth Guru, Guru Raamdaas Jee who used the word 'kirpaan' in his hymns.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰਬਚਨਕਮਾਵਣੇਸਚਾਏਹੁਵੀਚਾਰੁ॥