Sikhism - The Khalsa

1. The Khalsa were founded by Guru Gobind Singh.

2. The Khalsa were a family of soldier saints.

3. Today all Sikhs are members of the Khalsa.

4. Males are given the name singh, meaning lion, to use after their first name.

5. Females are given the name, kaur, meaning princess, to use after their first name.

6. This joins Sikhs together as a family.

7. Guru Gobind Singh chose the Khalsa at a Sikh festival.

8. He was addressing thousands of Sikhs and came out he came out of a tent carrying a sword.

9. He asked if any Sikh was prepared to give up his life for the faith.

10. A volunteer entered the tent, but the Guru returned alone with his sword covered in blood.

11. He asked for another volunteer and repeated the same action four times until five men had disappeared into the tent.

12. The crowd were very concerned until they saw the five men return, wearing turbans, with the Guru.

13. The five men were called the ‘Beloved Five’.

14. They were baptised into the Khalsa by the Guru who sprinkled them with holy water, amrit.

15. This became the basis for the Sikh baptism ceremony.

16. The ceremony is held in the gurdwara, in front of the Guru Granth Sahib and five Sikhs, who have been initiated.

17. There are prayers and readings from the Guru Granth Sahib and the rules of Sikhism are explained.

18. The people being baptised drink amrit, which has been stirred with a double-edged sword.

19. Amrit is also sprinkled on their eyes and hair.

20. They recite the Mool Mantra.

21. The 5 Ks are symbols worn by Sikhs who have been initiated into the Khalsa.

22. Kesh is uncut hair, a symbol of holiness and strength.

23. Kara is a steel bracelet, showing that God has no beginning or end.

24. Kanga is a wooden comb, showing a clean mind and body.

25. Kaccha are cotton shorts, a pair of breeches that must not come below the knee.

26. Kirpan is a ceremonial steel sword, for the struggle against injustice.