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Five Ks
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- "Five K" can also refer to a five-kilometer distance in long-distance running or other sports.
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The Five Ks, or panj kakaar/kakke, are five items of faith that baptised Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times at the command of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh who so ordered at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699. The Five Ks are not merely symbols but articles of faith which collectively form the external visible symbols to identify and clearly and outwardly advertise and display one's commitment.
The Khalsa Sikhs who don all the Five Ks are known as Amritdhari (as they have participated in the Amrit Sanchar ceremony), while the Sikhs who have not donned all the Five Ks are known as Sahajdhari.
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ਕਛਕੜਾਕਿਰਪਾਨਕੰਘਾਕੇਸਕੀਇਹਪੰਜਕਕਾਰੀਰਹ
Kachh (Special designed undergarment), Kara (iron bangle), Kirpaan (strapped sword), Kangha (wooden comb) & Kesh (uncut hair) – A person who wears all these Five Kakaars (Articles of Faith) should be considered a Sikh.– (Rehitnaama Bhai Chaupa Singh)
- Kesh Uncut hair on any part of the body for men and women is mandatory and can be considered the most important
- Kanga (Wooden comb) for hygiene and maintenance of the Kesh.
- Kara (Steel bracelet) Physical reminder that a Sikh is bound to the Guru.
- Kachhera (Specially designed cotton underwear) Naturally comfortable and dignified attire reflective of modesty and high moral character.
- Kirpan (Strapped sword) Worn to defend one's faith and protect the weak, reminding one of his or her duty as a Khalsa.
…ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਿਰਾ॥
…complete form is with turban donned.– SGGSJ Ang 1084
ਜੋ ਪਗ ਨੂੰ ਬਾਸੀ ਰਖੇ ਸੋ ਤਨਖਾਹੀਆ। ਇਸ ਲਈ ਹਰ ਗੁਰੂ ਕੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਲਈ ਲਾਜ਼ਮੀ ਹੈ ਕ ਉਹ ਰੋਜ਼ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾਵੇ।
One who does not tie a fresh turban is liable for penalty. For this reason it is mandatory for every Sikh of the Guru to tie a turban everyday.– (Rehitnama Bhai Chaupa Singh jee)
A Sikh never cuts or trims any hair (Kesh), to indicate the perfection of God's creation. The comb keeps the hair tidy, a symbol of not just accepting what God has given, but also an injunction to maintain it with grace. The Guru said hair should be allowed to grow naturally. For men, this includes not shaving. At the time of Guru Gobind Singh, some holy men let their hair become tangled and dirty. The Guru said that this was not right. Hair should be allowed to grow but it should be kept clean and combed at least twice a day.
A Dastaar is a turban worn to protect the Kesh (unshorn hair) and guard the Dasam Duaar (the Tenth Gate), a spiritual opening at the top of the head. The turban is a spiritual crown, which is a constant reminder to the Sikh that he or she is sitting on the throne of consciousness and is committed to living according to Sikh principles. It is the identity of a Sikh. Guru Gobind Singh jee told His Sikhs: “Khaalsa mero roop hai kaas. Khaalsa mai ho karo nivaas... The Khalsa is my image. Within the Khalsa I reside.” Wearing a turban declares sovereignty, dedication, self-respect, courage and piety.
ਕੰਘਾ ਦੋਨਉਂ ਵਕਤ ਕਰ, ਪਾਗ ਚੁਨਹਿ ਕਰ ਬਾਂਧਈ ॥
Comb the hair twice a day, covering it with turban that is to be tied from fresh.– Tankhanama Bhai Nand Lal Singh
A Kanga is a small wooden comb that Sikhs use twice a day. It should be worn in the hair all the time. Combs help to clean hair and remove tangles from it, as well as being a symbol of cleanliness to the Sikhs. Combing their hair reminds them that their lives should be tidy and organized, too. The Sikhs were commanded by Guru Gobind Singh to wear a small comb called the Kanga at all times.
Kara means a link. It is a special iron bracelet which is worn on the wrist of the dominant hand. The Kara is the Guru's own symbolic ring to all his Sikhs signifying their unbreakable link with the Guru as well as among themselves. The circle is also a symbol of controlling feelings and practice as well as a constant reminder to the Sikh of complete behavior in the event of weakness.
ਸੀਲ ਜਤ ਕੀ ਕਛ ਪਹਿਰਿ ਪਕਿੜਓ ਹਿਥਆਰਾ ॥
The sign of true chastity is the Kachhera, you must wear this and hold weapons in hand.– Bhai Gurdas, Var. 41, pauri 15
A Katchera is a pair of knee length shorts. This is a special, slightly longer type of underwear and is symbolic of continence and a high moral character. Like breeches, Kachha can be worn on their own without causing embarrassment. The Kachh reminds the Sikh to uphold high moral character and to control his or her desires. Also it is quite useful in hot weather, swimming and sports activities.
ਸ਼ਸਤਰ ਹੀਨ ਕਬਹੂ ਨਹਿ ਹੋਈ, ਰਿਹਤਵੰਤ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਸੋਈ ॥
Those who never depart his/her arms, they are the Khalsa with excellent rehats.– Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh
Kirpan comes from the word 'KIRPA' and 'AAN'. Kirpa means an act of kindness or a favour; 'aan' means honour, respect, and self-respect. It is an instrument which adds to self-respect and self-defence. Thus for Sikhs, Kirpan is the symbol of power and freedom of spirit. All baptised Sikhs should wear a short form of Kirpan (approx. 6" to 9" long) on their body. To call it a dagger or knife is rather insulting to this article of faith, which functions quite differently from the other two. The blade should be made of iron.
A Sikh should never use the Kirpan in anger or for a malicious attack. However, a Sikh may use it in self-defence or to protect a person in need. Some Sikhs choose to learn the art of Gatka. This is a martial art devised by the Sikh Gurus that uses circular movements to effectively swing a sword.
- Amrit Sanskar, the baptism ceremony
- Vaisakhi
- Khalsa and Sahajdhari
| The Five Ks in Sikhism | ||
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