Men of God

SIKHS BECOME SINGHS

Next day was the great festival day. The Sangat again met on the same spot. The Guru in white robes sat on the throne and in his address explained the significance of the new initiation ceremony. The Sikh baptism in the past was for the disciple to drink the water touched with the Guru’s toe called charan pahoul. Now, the Guru substituted it with Khande Ka Amrit, baptism by water, stirred with a two edged sword. “This Nectar, the Divine sword and my spirit, dissolved in it,” said he, "shall work a miracle in those who take it. The Sikhs or disciples will be brave like Singhs lions. All castes are equally welcome.” After preparing the Nectar, into which were poured sweets brought by the mother of the Khalsa to temper its potency with the sweetness of the soul, the Guru baptized the beloved five one by one and said: “This is the ’Khalsa’ the pure band of selfless servants belonging to the wonderful Lord.” Next the Guru himself got baptized by the beloved five! Then many Sikhs came forward to receive the new baptism. Every Sikh who got baptized became a Singh and was called upon to wear five symbols, called Panch Kahara, each beginning with the letter K-viz. Kesh (unshorn hair), Kripan (sword), Kachch (breeches), Kankana or Kara (iron ring worn on the turban or iron bangle worn on the wrist) and Kangha (comb for dressing the hair).