Guru Gobind Singh prescribed five articles of faith which a Sikh is supposed to always keep
on his person. These five articles are commonly known as Panj Kakars or the 'Five Ks' because
they start with letter K representing alphabet Kakka (k) in the Punjabi language. The
significance of these five articles and what they symbolize is given below :
1. From ancient times, or unshorn hair are regarded as a symbol of saintliness.
Guru Nanak started the practice of keeping hair unshorn amongst the Sikhs. Keeping
of hair in its natural, unspoilt state is regarded as the beginning of living one's
life in harmony with the Will of God. It has become a symbol of the Khalsa brotherhood.
Hair is an integral part of the human body created by God and Sikhi calls for its preservation.
Shaving or cutting of bodily hair is one of the four major taboos or Bajjar Kurehats. Because
Sikhi propagates living one's life in harmony with His Will, and removing hair is seen as
acting in disharmony with His Will.
2. or the comb is necessary to keep the hair clean and tidy. A Sikh must comb his hair
twice a day and cover these with a turban, tying it daily. The turban acts as protection of the
hair, and promoter of social identity and cohesion. It has thus become an essential part of
the Sikh dress. It may also be stated that in the times of the Mughal rule, wearing of
turban was the sole prerogative of the ruling class. Thus by wearing the turban, Sikhs
proclaim their sovereignty.
3. or the iron bracelet symbolises restraint from unharmonious deeds. It is worn on the right
wrist and reminds the Sikh of the vows taken by him, that is, he is a servant of the Guru and
should not do anything which may bring shame or disgrace. When he looks at the Kara, he is made
to think twice before doing anything wrong. Kada also acts as protection for the arm as also
a handy weapon.
4. or the soldier's shorts must be worn at all times. It reminds the Sikh of the need for
self-restraint over physical passions and desires. Apart from its moral significance, it ensures
briskness during action and freedom of movement at all times. It is a smart dress as compared to
the loose dhoti which most people of the subcontinent wore in those days. Kachh is also an ideal
dress for horse riding.
5. or the sword is the emblem of courage and a weapon of self-defence. It symbolises dignity
and self-reliance, the capacity and readiness to always defend the weak and the oppressed. It helps
sustain one's martial spirit and the determination to sacrifice oneself in order to defend truth
and banish oppression.
The Five K's, along with the turban (called keski in Punjabi), constitute the Khalsa uniform,
which distinguishes a Sikh from any other person in the world, and is essential for preserving
the identity of the community and fostering the Khalsa brotherhood.
The Five K's are not supposed to foster exclusiveness or superiority. They are meant to keep the
Sikhs united in the pursuit of the aims and ideals of the Guru. They enable them to keep their
vows made at the time of Amrit initiation. The Sikhs are known to be ready to face torture and
death rather than cut their hair or remove any of the sacred symbols.
The Khalsa cannot live an anonymous life. His vows are known to all and thus, he cannot act against
these vows. He stands out among people, and any unseemly behaviour or action on his part would be
noted as unbecoming of a follower of the Guru. People would point fingers at him if he deviates
from the disciplinary code of the Guru.
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