Miri is believed to have originated from the Perso-Arabic “Amir” or “Emir”, intended to signal political power, while Piri is believed to have originated from the Perso-Arabic “Pir”, meant to signal spiritual power.
Origins
The concept of "The Mir and the Pir" was introduced by the sixthSikh Guru, Hargobind. Shortly before the Shaheedi of his father and predecessor, the then Guru Arjan Dev, nominated Hargobind for the Guru Gaddi. After his father's death, Guru Hargobind introduced the two swords of Miri and Piri symbolizing both worldly and spiritual authority. Where action informed or arising out of the spiritual heart completes one’s purpose and meaning in the world of action: spirituality.Some Sikhs believe that this fulfills a prophecy given by Baba Buddha that the Sikh will possess spiritual and temporal power.