The Khalsa
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.4.7
The Khalsa
Origin
- The Khalsa is a special community of committed Sikhs who dedicate their lives to God and to serving others.
- The Khalsa was founded by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
- Guru Gobind Singh wanted Sikhs to live with courage, honesty, and strength. They should be ready to stand up for truth and justice.
- The Khalsa was created to protect everyone, not just Sikhs.
- The Khalsa live by a strict moral code, showing discipline, faith, and devotion.
The first members
- In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh gathered Sikhs at a festival.
- He asked for five volunteers who were brave enough to give their lives for God and truth.
- These men became the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones).
- Guru Gobind Singh baptised them with Amrit (sweetened water stirred with a sword).
- The Guru then asked the Panj Pyare to baptise him. This showed that all Sikhs are equal, even the Guru himself.
- Guru Gobind Singh became the sixth member of the Khalsa.
The five Ks
- Members of the Khalsa wear five symbols of faith, known as the Five Ks:
- Kesh → uncut hair, showing respect for God’s creation.
- Kara → a steel bracelet, symbolising unity with the Guru.
- Kanga → a wooden comb, for cleanliness and order.
- Kachera → cotton undergarments, representing chastity.
- Kirpan → a ceremonial sword, symbolising the protection of the innocent.
Test yourself on The Khalsa
Who were the Panj Pyare?