Tuesday, January 7th is Guru Gobind Singh's 348th birth anniversary. In India, particularly in the state of Punjab, huge celebrations are planned. He was the tenth of the ten Sikh Gurus, the eleventh guru being the living perpetual Guru, Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of Sikhism). Like his contemporaries of the time, he was a statesman, philosopher, poet, warrior and a religious leader.
Guru Gobind Singh
gave the final shape to an evolving Sikh faith around 1700 AD. He
opened up the initiation ceremony (sort of Baptism) with five men by
sprinkling water on them. He also branded the faith with a slogan
'Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fateh' - Khalsa belongs to God;
victory belongs to God). He gave them the name "Singh" (lion), and
designated them collectively as the Khalsa, the body of initiated
Sikhs.
The Guru also established distinct identity for the Sikhs with 5 unique items.
- Kesh: uncut hair is a symbol of acceptance of your form as God intended it to be.
- Kangha: a wooden comb, a symbol of cleanliness to keep one's body and soul clean.
- Kara: an iron or steel bracelet worn on the forearm, to inspire one to do good things and also used in self-defense.
- Kirpan: a sword to defend oneself and protect other people regardless of religion, race or creed.
- Kacchera: undergarment reminding one to live a virtuous life and desist from rape or other sexual exploitation.
His first address to the first Sikh Congregation.
"
From now on, you have become casteless. No ritual, either Hindu or
Muslim, will you perform nor will you believe in superstition of any
kind, but only in one God who is the master and protector of all, the
only creator and destroyer. In your new order, the lowest will rank with
the highest and each will be to the other a bhai (brother). No
pilgrimages for you any more, nor austerities but the pure life of the
household, which you should be ready to sacrifice at the call of Dharma.
Women shall be equal of men in every way. No purdah (veil) for them
anymore, nor the burning alive of a widow on the pyre of her spouse
(sati). He who kills his daughter, the Khalsa shall not deal with him."
'Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji Ki Fateh
"Festivals
of the World" is an educational series published by Mike Ghouse since
1993. When we live in the same communities as neighbors, we might as
well learn about each other. The best way to build cohesive societies is
for its members to participate in festivities as well as commemorations
of each other, or at least understand each other's' joys and sorrows.
Please note the simplicity in writing is designed for people of other
faiths to learn and to know, so we can function cohesively. This is too
elementary for the followers of the faith, but informational to those
who are not aware of the tradition.
Mike Ghouse
Compiled from various sources
Committed to building cohesive societies, where no human has to live in apprehension or fear of the others.
