The mantra engraved on this Kara is the 'Aad Guray Nameh' mantra.  It is a mantra of protection and is recited to invoke the protective energy of the universe.  The words and meanings are as follows:

Aad Guray Nameh - I bow to the Primal Wisdom.
Jugaad Guray Nameh - I bow to the Wisdom through the Ages.
Sat Guray Nameh - I bow to the True Wisdom.
Siri Guru Dayvay Nameh - I bow to the great, unseen Wisdom

“When you cannot be protected, this mantra shall protect you. When things stop, and won’t move, this makes them move in your direction.” - Yogi Bhajan

The engraving is in Gurmukhi, which is the written language of the Sikhs. Gurmukhi grew out of the 3000 year old Sanskrit language. Gurmukhi is a language of the Naad or sound current.  It is believed that the actual sounds vibrate in the energy of the meaning of the words.

What is a Kara?   The Kara is generally worn on the right wrist and it is a symbol of unbreakable connection to the Infinite / Divine. It is in the shape of a circle which has no beginning and no end, like the eternal nature of the Creative Energy of the Universe. The stainless steel is to signify purity and strength, and to remind the wearer to embody these qualities.  It is meant to remind those who wear a Kara that anything done with the hands honors the Divine.

The Kara became one of the symbols of a Sikh who has taken his / her vows when Guru Gobind Singh declared it one of the the five Kakars.  In the Punjab in India, Karas are worn by Sikhs as well as Hindus and Muslims.  Around the world, the Kara has become a more popular symbol of an acknowledgment of intention to stay always connected with God.