The Five K's, along with the turban, constitute the Khalsa uniform,
which distinguishes a Sikh from any other person in the world, and
is essential for preserving the life of the community and fostering
the Khalsa brotherhood.
The
five sacred Sikh symbols prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh are commonly
known as Panj Kakas or the 'Five Ks' because they start with letter
K representing Kakka in the Punjabi language. They are:
1. Kes
or unshorn hair, regarded as a symbol of saintliness. Guru Nanak
started the practice of keeping the hair unshorn. The keeping of
hair in its natural state is regarded as living in harmony with
the will of God, and is a symbol of the Khalsa brotherhood and the
Sikh faith. Hair is an integral part of the human body created by
God and Sikhism call for its preservation. The shaving or cutting
of hair is one of the four taboos or Kurehats.
Long unshorn hair. A symbol of spirituality. The Kesh reminds a
Khalsa to behave like the Guru's. It is a mark of dedication and
group consciousness, showing a Khalsa's acceptance of God's will.
Long hair have long been a common element of many spiritual prophets
of various religions such as Jesus, Moses and Buddha
2.
Kangha
or the comb is necessary to keep the hair clean and tidy. A Sikh
must comb his hair twice a day and tie his turban neatly. The Gurus
wore turbans and commanded the Sikhs to wear turbans for the protection
of the hair, and promotion of social identity and cohesion. It has
thus become an essential part of the Sikh dress. A symbol
of hygiene and discipline as opposed to the matted unkept hair of
ascetics. A Khalsa is expected to regularly wash and comb their
hair as a matter of self discipline.
3. Kara or
the steel bracelet symbolises restrain from evil 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 evil with his hands.
4. Kachh
or the soldiers shorts must be worn at all times. It reminds the
Sikh of the need for self-restrain over 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 Indian wore at that time A symbol
signifying self control and chastity
5. Kirpan or
the sword is the emblem of courage and 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, oppression and Sikh moral values. A symbol of dignity and
the Sikh struggle against injustice. It is worn purely as a religious
symbol and not as a weapon. When all other means of self protection
fail, the Kirpan can be used to protect yourself or others against
the enemy.
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 Gurus. They enable them to keep their vows made
at the time of baptism. The Sikhs have been known to face torture
and death rather than cut their hair or remove any of the sacred
symbols.
The Khalsa cannot be anonymous. His religion is known to all.
He stands out among people, and any unseemly behaviour or action
on his part would be noted as unbecoming of a follower of the Gurus.
People would easily blame him if he deviated from the disciplinary
code of Guru Gobind Singh.
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