Guru Gobind Singh - Prakash Utsav - January 5th

GURU GOBIND SINGH SAHIB

The Tenth Guru (teacher) of the Sikh faith, was named Gobind Rai at birth. The genius and sensitivity with which Guru Gobind Singh Sahib uplifted the common people to the distinct order of the Khalsa, with uncommon form and articles of faith (known as the 5 K’s -

KANGA - Comb. 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.

KIRPAAN - Ceremonial Sword. 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 Kirpaan can be used to protect yourself or others against the enemy.

KARA - Steel bracelet. A symbol to remind the wearer of restraint in their actions and remembrance of God at all times.

KACHA - Drawers. A symbol signifying self control and chastity.

KESH - 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.

that gave Sikhs a unique identity in a crowd of millions. This bond still holds the Sikhs together today. One more uniqueness of creation of Khalsa is that after administering Amrit to Panj Pyaras (5 beloved ones’s) Guru Gobind Singh Sahib requested them to administer the same to him, thus creating an unique example of where Guru himself became the disciple (Guru – Chela).

Guru Gobind Singh Sahib infused the spirit of Saint-Solider (Sant – Sipahi:- a person who has the wisdom of a Saint and is Strong as a Soldier - who is wise enough to distinguish right from wrong and strong enough to fight aggression and restore justice, peace, righteousness (Dharma)) in the minds and hearts of everybody.

Unlike many other prophets Guru Sahib never called himself God or 'The only Son of God.' Instead he called all people the Sons of God sharing His Kingdom equally ("MANAS KI JAAT SABHE EKE PEHCHANBO").

For himself Guru Sahib used the word 'Slave' or servant of God. Before Guru Sahib left the Human form he adorned the Guruship, to Guru Granth Sahib (Shabad Guru), the written teachings of the Gurus as the everlasting Guru of the Sikhs.

Some of the Guru Sahib’s achievements which were remarkable…

· Guru Sahib was a great scholar and wrote in PUnjabi, Sanskrit, Braj Bhasa and Persian.

· Some of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib’s devotional compositions include Jaap Sahib, Akal Ustat, Tav Prasad Swayie, Benti Chaupai and heroic compositions Zafarnama.

· Creation of the Khalsa brotherhood through the ceremony of Amrit Sanchar.

· The vesting of secular sovereignty in the Khalsa panth and their authority to pass resolutions (Gurmatta) binding to all Sikhs.

· Passing on the Succession of Guruship to Guru Granth Sahib the Sikh scriptures.

"If we consider the work which (Guru) Gobind (Singh) accomplished, both in reforming his religion and instituting a new code of law for his followers, his personal bravery under all circumstances; his persevering endurance amidst difficulties, which would have disheartened others and overwhelmed them in inextricable distress, and lastly his final victory over his powerful enemies by the very men who had previously forsaken him, we need not be surprised that the Sikhs venerate his memory. He was undoubtedly a great man." (W. L. McGregor)