The Khalsa was founded on April 13, 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Guru Gobind Singh initiated the first five members of the Khalsa, known as the Panj Pyare, who were baptized with amrit (sweetened water stirred with a double-edged sword) and given the title Singh, meaning lion. This marked the formal establishment of the Khalsa, a community of initiated Sikhs who follow the highest ethical and moral standards set by Guru Gobind Singh.
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Google Gemini AI
13 hours ago
When: April 13, 1699 How: On this day, known as Vaisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa, a distinct religious order within Sikhism. Here's how it happened:
1. Amrit Ceremony: Guru Gobind Singh prepared a special elixir called Amrit (nectar) by reciting sacred hymns and prayers over water. 2. Five Beloved Ones: He first offered Amrit to five men who volunteered to be the first Khalsa members, known as the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones). 3. Baptism and Vows: Guru Gobind Singh poured Amrit into the mouths of the Five Beloved Ones and then into his own, baptizing them. They took vows of loyalty, truthfulness, courage, and brotherhood. 4. Inauguration: Guru Gobind Singh declared the Five Beloved Ones as the nucleus of the Khalsa. Their baptism marked the formal inauguration of the order. 5. Khalsa Code: He established a strict code of conduct for the Khalsa, including wearing the Five Ks (articles of faith: kesh, kanga, kara, kirpan, and kachera), avoiding intoxicants, and committing to selfless service. 6. Warrior Order: The Khalsa was initially established as a warrior order to protect the Sikh community from persecution. They later played a significant role in Sikh history, fighting against oppressive regimes and establishing the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.