Sahibe Kamal – 15

In dedication to Guru Gobind Singhji

Creation of Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh ji, was it a demand of time contemporary to the Guru’s life? Many historians would like to differ on this. Was it just an organizational aspect that was important at that time to fight the tyranny of Moguls? There are many opinions because people like to say things that are convenient to them or they simply follow an opinion conveyed by someone else of importance. An extremely deeper study of Sikh history, Guru Gobind Singhji’s literature and Guru Nanak’s thought provoking, revolutionary and reformatory concept of a perfect society gives a picture that making of a Khalsa was a visionary expression that had very deep rooted psychological effects. Remaining within the command of Akal Purakh an organizational framework was provided that brought unity and brotherhood irrespective of caste and class by drinking Amrit from a same bowl, adornment of five Kakkars provided an undying courage in downtrodden people that made them understand their self-worth, self-respect that they can stand together with high caste people and fight for a worthy cause be it nation, community or human rights. Keeping long hair and beard gave them a distinction to uplift their personal character that they will not run away from battlefield or difficult situations and never show their back to any problem. Kirpan provided them a political power to stand on their ground and use it only when all other means fail. It was never to be used for offence or defense. By amalgamating the power of Steel or ‘Sarbloh’ with the power of Akal Purakh a spiritual factor was attached to the Kirpan to stop the misuse of it. Wearing a kirpan is a matter of self-respect and political freedom that means it symbolizes the freedom from political subjugation. Kirpan is an open diplomacy because you wear it by showing it and declaring that you are from Khalsa Panth and you have the political right to your opinion. Kachh the warrior breeches worn by Sikhs was a symbol of freedom from social subjugation. Hindus especially the priest class wears unstitched cloth for performing religious rituals. In contrast to that Kachh which is a stitched breech was to be worn by the warriors and anybody wearing that could perform rituals done before crusades. All the religious rituals done before going to war by Brahman were thus made un- necessary. Supremacy of Brahman was thus abolished. Kara or the iron bracelet was another signature given to Khalsa that should constantly remind him that he is not to believe in superstitions, dates, days or constellation of stars to lead his life. Kangha a type of comb was to be adorned in hair so that personal hygiene could be maintained which is necessary unlike the Hindu ascetics who renounced life and society. The Sikh was to remain in the society and do all the duties to his family and society. All these adornments made a permanent psychological effect on the mindset of people and converted them into people who lost hatred for one another, caste differences were forgotten when people sat together in langar to eat, worshipping became a congregational affair instead of personal matter. Greetings with Waheguruji ka khalsa and Waheguruji ki Fateh made the bonding with one God thesis of Guru Nanak a permanent thought. All this deep rooted psychological changes were not possible without breaking away from Hinduism in its orthodox, caste conscious, divisive way of life.