What are the 5 K's in Sikhi and why they're important

May 22, 2024

Initiated Sikhs have to wear the 5K's at all times, these date back from the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.

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Initiated Sikhs have to wear the 5K's at all times, these date back from the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. A Sikh who has taken Amrit (a baptised Sikh) and keeps all five Ks is known as Khalsa ('pure') or Amritdhari Sikh, while a Sikh who has not taken Amrit but follows the teachings of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is called a Sahajdhari Sikh.

The Five Ks are articles of faith that form the external identity and the Khalsa devotee's commitment to the 'Sikh way of life'. They are: Kesh (unshorn hair and beard), Kangha (a wooden comb), Kara (a bracelet, usually made of iron or steel), Kachera (an undergarment), and Kirpan (a small curved sword or knife made of iron or steel).

We look at each item in detail and the importance it holds for Sikhs.

An initiated Sikh never cut or trims any hair to honour and accept the perfection of God's creation, this is a symbol of the Khalsa brotherhood and the Sikh faith. This applies to baptised Sikh women too, they are also forbidden to cut any body hair or even trim their eyebrows.

Hair is considered a symbol of holiness and strength, it also symbolises the adoption of a simple life, and denial of pride in one's appearance. It also follows the appearance of Guru Gobind Singh ji, the founder of the Khalsa.

The Dastaar (turban) is a spiritual crown, which is a reminder to Sikhs that they are sitting on the throne of consciousness and are committed to living according to the Sikh way of life.

A kangha is a small wooden comb that Sikhs use twice a day. It is supposed to be worn only in the hair and at all times. It symbolises a clean mind and body; as it helps keep the uncut hair neat and tidy. Combing their hair reminds Sikhs that their lives should be tidy and organized.

It also shows how important it is to look after the body which God has created. This does not conflict with the Sikh's aim to move beyond bodily concerns - The body is a mean for enlightenment and should be cared for appropriately according to Sikhi.

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The Sikhs were given the order by Guru Gobind Singh ji at the Vaisakhi Amrit Sanchar in 1699 to wear an iron bracelet called Kara at all times. It symbolises that a Sikh is linked with the guru and represents God as never-ending. The Kara is a constant reminder that whatever a person does with their hands has to be in keeping with the advice given by the Guru.

The reason why it is made of steel rather than gold or silver, is because it is not an ornament. It is a symbol of permanent bonding to the community, of being a link in the chain of Khalsa Sikhs.

For Sikhs, the kirpan is the symbol of the commitment to self-respect and the freedom of spirit. All initiated Sikhs are ordered by Guru Gobind Singh ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, to wear a kirpan.

There is no specific style of Kirpan and it can be anything from a few inches to three feet long. It is kept in a sheath and can be worn over or under clothing. To call it a dagger or knife, or to see it as a weapon, is insulting as the concept behind the philosophy the Sikh Gurus promoted, nurtured the Sikh community to follow the path of high principles and pure actions even to sacrifice their own lives to extend mercy and protection to all.

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 when peaceful means would be of no use. Some Sikhs learn the art of Gatka a martial art pushed by the Sikh Gurus that uses circular movements to effectively swing a sword.

This is a pair of breeches that must not come below the knee. Originally, the kachera was made part of the five Ks as a symbol of a Sikh soldier's willingness to be ready at a moment's notice for battle or for defence.

This Kachera allowed Sikh soldiers to operate in combat freely and without any hindrance or restriction, because it was easy to fabricate, maintain, wash and carry. The kachera symbolises self-respect, and always reminds the wearer of mental control over lust, one of the five evils in Sikh philosophy.