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The Sikh Symbols by Kirpal Singh M.A.

The five K's are the Kara (steel bracelet), Kaccha (short breeches), Kirpan (short sword), Kanga (comb), and Kesh (uncut hair). This book explains why the Sikhs have their distinctive appearance and the importance they attach to their outward form.

Contents Acknowledgement Preface The Sikh Symbols 1. Introduction 2. The Background 3. A New Turning Point and the Great Test 4. The Five K's 5. The Importance of Hair in Sikh Philosophy and Practice 6. The Turban 7. The Hair and Other Religions 8. Hair and Health 9. The Hair and the Sikh Sacrifices 10. Free and Universal Man 11. The Guru's injunctions on the Sikh Form A Word to Young Sikhs The Sikh Anthem

The Sikh Symbols

1. LONG UNCUT (KESH) HAIR - In accordance with the Sikh philosophy human body is sacred because in it dwells the Spirit of God and what makes it the living image of God is the Mind and Spirit of Man. A complete human being must preserve all the hair on his body as essential and inseperable part of the body. The complete Man who is physically and spiritually the image of God is conceived in Sikh Scriptures as a man with hair and turban on his head. (SABAT SURAT DASTAR SIRAY)
2. COMB (KANGHA) - The comb is inseperable from the hair. Hair is a living tissue. But the dead hair which are uprooted on combing must be removed daily.
3. IRON BANGLE (KARRA) - This is symbolic of perfection, a reminder to the wearer to be mindful of his role of a spiritual aspirant and a useful citizen.
4. SHORTS (KACHHEHRA) - A Sikh with his 'KACHH' (underwear) could actively go to the battle fields work on any active secularor religious duty. This is a symbol of Continence and restraint of passion.
5. KIRPAN (SWORD) - Prof. Puran Singh Writes: "Every Sikh is to wear His Sword not his own. Kirpan is a gift from the guru. It is not an instrument of offence or defence. It is mind made intense by the love of Guru symbols of myriad personality of Guru's Sikh, that knows no defeat, no disappointment the personality that is unconquerable in its hope, in its spiritual radiance".

A Word to Young Sikhs

Not to remember the past is to remain a child and not to learn from history is a tragedy. Our Gurus and innumerable Sikhs laid down their lives for upholding the universal Sikh principles and keeping alive the form and the spirit of Khalsa. The principles do not admit changes simply because they do not suit some people, who care more for the passing fashions than for the ever-enduring inspired word of the Guru. Let us not be carried away by the prevailing wind of fashions and forget one of our basic principles of keeping the hair  intact.

Remember, to Guru Gobind Singh nothing was dearer than the appearance and actions of a Sikh. That is why he modelled the Sikhs on Himself and declard, "RAHNI RAHE SOl SIKH MERA, OH SAHIB MAIN USKA CHERA (Only him shall I call my Sikh wo lives by the principles laid down for him by me. I wouldn't hesitate to accept such a Sikh as my master). Let us keep our Guru's word in our hearts and live up to his expectations.

Instead of compromising with the circumstances let us manfully face and overcome them remembering that Keshas are not superfluous. The hair signify our bond with the Guru who is the embodiment of all that is pure and good in this universe. We are the saint soldiers of Guru Gobind Singh and like all, loyal soldiers we must unquestionably follow the Guru's command. COME, let us prove worthy of the great trust reposed in us by the Guru communicated to us in the following words -

"The sun may rise from the West, the Ganges may flow backwards; June may experience snow, the breeze may burn the woods; The pole star may leave its place, the deserts may become oceans; The mountains may fly in the air, But my Khalsa shall not disobey and desert me."

The Sikh Anthem

This hymn was the favourite prayer of Guru Gobind Singh. The Guru uses the word SHIVA for God and not the Hindu deity. Heroic death on the battlefields, singing the praise of the Lord is the goal of Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa.