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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