Guru Gobind Singh
Guru Gobind SinghGuru Gobind Singh was the tenth and final Sikh Guru. He established the Khalsa and completed the Guru Granth Sahib, the most important Sikh holy book. (he was originally known as Guru Gobind Rai) was only nine years old when he became the tenth Guru. His father, Guru Tegh BahadurGuru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru and was born in 1621. In 1675 he was executed on the orders of the Mughal emperor. Guru Tegh Bahadur wrote a number of hymns which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib., was martyrSomeone who suffers death and persecution for their beliefs. for refusing to become a Muslim. This heroic act, which was seen as defending the rights of all Hindus and Sikhs, influenced his son, Guru Gobind Singh, to continue his father鈥檚 work.
The formation of the Khalsa
Guru Gobind Singh is remembered for the formation of the KhalsaThe Sikh community, literally 'the community of the pure'. Refers particularly to initiated Sikhs.. This is a group into which committed Sikhs can be initiated through the Amrit Sanskar ceremonyThe rite of initiation into the Khalsa (Sikhs who commit themselves to a daily discipline).. It was formed in 1699, when many Sikhs were gathered to celebrate the festival of Vaisakhi The most important of the Sikh festivals; also written as Baisakhi..
Key features of the story
- During the festival of Vaisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh appeared from a tent on stage and asked the thousands of people present, 鈥淲ho is willing to die for God and his Guru?鈥
- One person came forward and was led into the tent. The Guru appeared from the tent with blood on his sword.
- Another individual offered to sacrifice himself. Once again, the Guru appeared from the tent after a swish and thud of the sword were heard. This happened another three times.
- Guru Gobind Singh appeared from the tent wearing the Khalsa attire. He was followed by the five men who had supposedly sacrificed their lives. They had shown loyalty to the Guru and God and were initiated into the Khalsa. Guru Gobind Singh gave them all amritNectar. Sanctified (holy) liquid made of sugar and water, used in initiation ceremonies. mixture (sugar and water) in a bowl stirred using the KhandaSymbolises the Sikh faith: it shows a double-edged sword, a chakram and two single-edged swords. (a double-edged sword). This represented the men being initiated into the Khalsa.
- Guru Gobind Singh declared them the first five members of the Khalsa and they became known as the Panj PyareThe five beloved ones. Those first initiated into the Khalsa; those who perform the rite today., which means the five beloved ones.
- The Guru declared that Sikh men would take the surname 鈥楽颈苍驳丑鈥 which means lion. His own name changed from this point from Guru Gobind Rai to Guru Gobind Singh. All Sikh women would take the surname 鈥楰补耻谤鈥 which means princess.
Importance of the story and how it influences Sikhs today
- The story shows the rejection of the casteThe anglicised term for varna; originally a Hindu social order of higher and lower class. Also followed by some Sikhs. system and the belief in the oneness of humanityThe Sikh belief that all humans are equal because Waheguru created everyone equally., because all five men were from different castes.
- All five men showed their loyalty.
- The names SinghLion. Name adopted by Sikh males. and KaurPrincess. Second name given to Sikh females. represent equality and fairness within all humanity. These names are given to all individuals who enter the Khalsa today to reflect this belief.
- Amritdhari SikhA Sikh who has been initiated into the Khalsa. Sikhs today follow rules including: wearing the five KsFive articles which identify a Sikh who has been initiated into the Khalsa., not consuming alcohol and tobacco, and following the The Three pillars of SikhismThe Three pillars of Sikhism, also called the three duties: Nam Japna (meditating on God鈥檚 name), Vand Chakna (helping others through sewa) and Kirat Karna (earning an honest living)..
Guru Gobind Singh was the last human Guru. He declared that there would be no more human Gurus after him: All Sikhs are commanded to take the Granth as Guru. (Guru Granth Sahib)