Guru Gobind Singh - The Tenth Sikh Guru

Guru Gobind Singh was the son of the 9th Guru Tegh Bahadur and Mata Gujari Ji. He was born on 22nd December, 1666 in Patna.

Guru Gobind had three wives: Mata Jeeto Ji, Mata Sundari Ji and Mata Sahib Devi Ji. In all Guruji had four sons and also all the members of the Sikh Khalsa.

Guruji's early life was spent learning philosophy, religion, Persian, Sanskrit, Punjabi and art of warfare.

Guru Gobind Singh was formally installed as the tenth Guru at age 13 (March 1676)

The Khalsa is the baptised body of the Sikh religion and was started by Guru Gobind Singh. The Khalsa members consider Guru Gobind Singh to be their father and Mata Sahib Kaur as their mother.

The Khalsa men are given the name "Singh" which means Lion. Women were also initiated into the Khalsa, and the initiates were called kaur ("princess").

The Five Ks, are five items of faith that baptised Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times at the command of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. The Five Ks are not merely symbols but articles of faith which collectively form the external visible symbols to identify and clearly and outwardly advertise and display one's commitment.

The 5 K's include:

1) Kesh (Hair):

A Sikh never cuts or trims any hair (Kesh), to indicate the perfection of God's creation. The comb keeps the hair tidy, a symbol of not just accepting what God has given, but also an injunction to maintain it with grace. The Guru said hair should be allowed to grow naturally. For men, this includes not shaving. At the time of Guru Gobind Singh, some holy men let their hair become tangled and dirty. The Guru said that this was not right. Hair should be allowed to grow but it should be kept clean and combed at least twice a day.

A Dastaar is a turban worn to protect the Kesh (unshorn hair) and guard the Dasam Duaar (the Tenth Gate), a spiritual opening at the top of the head. The turban is a spiritual crown, which is a constant reminder to the Sikh that he or she is sitting on the throne of consciousness and is committed to living according to Sikh principles. It is the identity of a Sikh. Wearing a turban declares sovereignty, dedication, self-respect, courage and piety.

2) Kangha (wooden comb):

A Kangha is a small wooden comb that Sikhs use twice a day. It should be worn in the hair all the time. Combs help to clean hair and remove tangles from it, as well as being a symbol of cleanliness to the Sikhs. Combing their hair reminds them that their lives should be tidy and organized, too. The Sikhs were commanded by Guru Gobind Singh to wear a small comb called the Kangha at all times.

3) Kara (link):

Kara means a link. It is a special iron bracelet which is worn on the wrist of the dominant hand. The Kara is the Guru's own symbolic ring to all his Sikhs signifying their unbreakable link with the Guru as well as among themselves. The circle is also a symbol of controlling feelings and practice as well as a constant reminder to the Sikh of complete behavior in the event of weakness.

4) Kachera (specially designed cotton underwear):

Naturally comfortable and dignified attire reflective of modesty and high moral character.

5) Kirpan (Strapped sword):

Kirpan comes from the word 'KIRPA' and 'AAN'. Kirpa means an act of kindness or a favour; 'aan' means honour, respect, and self-respect. It is an instrument which adds to self-respect and self-defence. Thus for Sikhs, Kirpan is the symbol of power and freedom of spirit. All baptised Sikhs should wear a short form of Kirpan (approx. 6" to 9" long) on their body. To call it a dagger or knife is rather insulting to this article of faith, which functions quite differently from the other two. The blade should be made of iron.

A Sikh should never use the Kirpan in anger or for a malicious attack. However, a Sikh may use it in self-defence or to protect a person in need and to fight for righteousness. Some Sikhs choose to learn the art of Gatka. This is a martial art devised by the Sikh Gurus that uses circular movements to effectively swing a sword.

 

Source

The Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book) was named as the 11th Guru by Guru Gobind Singh. All the Gurus teachings and wisdoms of the Sikh people was compiled into the Guru Granth Sahib.

Guru Gobind Singh proclaimed that there shall be no more human Gurus and that the Sikhs should follow the teachings in the book.

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