The Khalsa means the “pure”, “the chosen one”. Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth on Baisakhi Day in 1699 at Anandpur Sahib which represents the perfect form of humanity and expresses itself in three Ss — saint, soldier and scholar. The Khalsa is a householder, is fearless and ready to sacrifice his life for any just cause. The Khalsa is full of humility yet strong to fight oppression and evil. The Khalsa — the ideal Sikh is thus glorified as: All the virtues of the heart and the excellence of the mind; These are the natural qualities of the Khalsa,
This is to be a unique and a new type of man, Who bears arms and constantly lives in the presence of God; Who strives and fights against the evil, with his gaze rivetted to the stars.
Such is the goal to achieve for which the Khalsa has been ordained, And Lo, it is a well armed and well integrated man.
The Khalsa must wear the five Kakkars, popularly known as Ks. The Kakkars are not just symbols but represent the devotion to the philosophy of the Gurus.
- Kes or unshorn hair is a symbol of living in harmony with nature and hence the will of god. The long uncut hair makes the Khalsa the cosmic man. Here the idea of beauty is identified with the idea of the holy.
- Kangha or a wooden comb is necessary to keep the kes neat and tidy. It symbolises orderliness and discipline among the Sikhs as active members.
- Kachchahira or a form of undergarments of the lower part of the body signifies manly control. It is not about chastity and celibacy of a sanyasi (renouncer) but of a life of a householder.
- Kara or the steel bangle symbolises strength as well as restraint. Kara, as a circle, represents a perfect symbol with no beginning and no end. It is a sign of the Almighty, of the supreme justice. A Sikh must live a life committed to self-discipline, self-control and he must be oriented to be a God-centred person, that is, a Gurmukh.
- This Kara should be made of iron, not of silver or gold. Steel means strength and in the same way the Khalsa must become strong and a defender of the weak.
- Kirpan or the sword signifies valour. Kirpan is the divine energy, symbolising “kripa” or compassion and “aan” or honour. Hence it is a weapon to be wielded to protect the oppressed and for upholding righteousness and human dignity. Kirpan instills a martial spirit and willingness to sacrifice oneself for the defence of truth, justice and moral values.
These symbols signify the Sikhs’ love for their Guru as also Guru’s love for them as mentioned in Khalsa Mahima written by Guru Gobind Singh, “I have won many battles through the favour of my Sikhs; Through their favours have I been able to dispense largesse. Through their favours my troubles have receded, And through their favour my prosperity expanded, It is through their favour that I acquired knowledge.
Through their favour I subdued my enemies, Through their favour am I exalted, There are, else, millions of such humble persons as me; Let my body, my mind, my head, my wealth, and all that is mine — be dedicated to their service”.
Kulbir Kaur teaches sociology at Shyama Prasad Mukherji College, Delhi University
