When evil gripped the land in deep dark mist, when the religious freedom started to deviate and when conversion in religious aspect was the only option or else death was awarded in brutal manners. For the purpose of saving people from the tyranny and oppression a beacon of morality or help emerged. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621-1675), the ninth Sikh Guru, stood against the forced conversions imposed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. His concrete stance led to his martyrdom on November 24, 1675 in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, where he sacrificed his life in order to protect the religious freedom of Hindus and all oppressed people.
“Guru Tegh Bahadur gave his head but not his faith. He protected dharma and upheld righteousness.”
As rightly said in Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the act of conducting the supreme sacrifice is desrcibed as (“He protected their tilak and sacred thread; He made the supreme sacrifice in this age of darkness.”) — (Bhai Gurdas Ji, Vaar 24:23)
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s decapitated head was carried with pure reverence by Bhai Jaitha Ji (later Bhai Jeevan Singh Ji) to Anandpur Sahib, and there Guru Gobind Rai Ji “Guru Gobind Singh Ji” (His Young Son) received it with tears of love and resolve. Bhai Jaitha Ji told how only three Sikhs stood with Guru Teg Bahadur Ji at that time, and all three were willing to give their lives for their Guru. Guru Gobind Rai Ji asked, “why no other Sikhs stood with Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, couldn’t the mughal soldiers see all of the Sikhs in the crowd?” Bhai Jaitha Ji’s response was a sad one. He explained how the Sikhs couldn’t be recognised in the large crowd of people because they looked just like everyone else. Hearing this, Guru Ji declared “that a day would come when they would bless their Sikhs with the most unique form!” A form that meant Sikhs would easily be recognised in the world!
The Formation of the Khalsa – April 13, 1699
Guru Gobind Rai Ji, when witnessed the complete silence of Sikhs while his Father was being executed, resolved that his followers must stand out and each one shall become as fearless defenders of the morality, virtue and societal integrity.
Therefore, On Vaisakhi, April 13, 1699, Guru Gobind Rai Ji summoned Sikhs from all over India to Anandpur Sahib. A large scale gathering of tens of thousands assembled, all eager to hear their Guru’s words. Immense Aura of Guru Ji, whilst standing on stage unsheathed his sword and thundered a question that sent chills and shivers down the spines of people in the assembly.
“Who among you is willing to sacrifice their head for the Guru?”
Everyone was silent in the congregation with a weird worry on their mind. The stunned silence was broken when Bhai Daya Ram Ji from Lahore stepped forward, offering his head without hesitation. Guru Ji took him to a tent, and a few moments later Guru Ji came out with his sword emerged with blood. The Guru repeated the call four more times, and each time, and a total of 5 devoted Sikhs stepped forward with their names as:
- Bhai Daya Singh Ji (Compassion) – Lahore
- Bhai Dharam Singh Ji (Righteousness) – Delhi
- Bhai Himmat Singh Ji (Courage) – Jagannath Puri
- Bhai Mohkam Singh Ji (Determination) – Dwarka
- Bhai Sahib Singh Ji (Sovereignty) – Bidar
These 5 were called as the five beloved ones the Panj Pyaare, They were the foundation of the Khalsa. Guru Ji performed the first Amrit Sanchar, preparing Khande di Pahul (Amrit) by stirring water in an iron bowl with a double-edged sword (Khanda) while reciting the following five bani:
- Japji Sahib
- Jaap Sahib
- Tav Prasad Savaiye
- Chaupai Sahib
- Anand Sahib
Guru Ji’s mother, Mata Sahib Devan Ji, added sugar crystals to the Amrit, symbolizing compassion in strength.
One by one, the Panj Pyaare were revived with Amrit and transformed into the Khalsa, the pure ones. Then, in an unprecedented act, Guru Gobind Rai Ji knelt before the Panj Pyaare and requested to be baptized by them, making himself Guru Gobind Singh Ji—the first among equals. Guru Gobind Singh Ji became the sixth member of the Khalsa family and now it was everyone else’s turn! Inspired by the power of Amrit, over 20,000 Sikhs were blessed and joined the Khalsa on that day (Vaisakhi, April 13, 1699).
The Khalsa Rehat (Code of Conduct)
Guru Gobind Singh Ji ordained that the Khalsa must always embody righteousness and purity, carrying Five Kakaars (5Ks):
- Kes (Unshorn Hair) – Symbol of dedication to the Guru.
- Kanga (Wooden Comb) – Sign of cleanliness and discipline.
- Kara (Iron Bracelet) – Reminder to act with virtue.
- Kirpan (Sword) – Symbol of justice and protection.
- Kachera (Shorts) – Sign of self-discipline and control.
The Khalsa was also given a distinct and special identity along with a spirtual and moral code:
- “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh” became their battle cry, spirtual submission and a declaration signifying that the Khalsa belongs to God and their victory is God’s victory.
- The caste system was abolished, and every Sikh was made equal, receiving the
surnames Singh (‘lion’) for men and Kaur (‘princess’) for women. - They pledged to fight injustice, uphold righteousness, and serve humanity.
- They vowed to refrain from intoxicants, dishonesty, and oppression.
The Legacy of the Khalsa
The establishment of the Khalsa was a revolution that restructured the history. Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave the Sikh Panth its martial strength and its identity, ensuring that any minority or majority shall never be oppressed again.
Guru Ji declared: “Khalsa mero roop hai khaas, Khalse mein haun karun niwas.” (“The Khalsa is my special form; within the Khalsa, I reside.”)
Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Holy Book of Sikhs) became the eternal Guru after Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s passing in 1708. The principles of the Khalsa continue to guide Sikhs worldwide, inspiring them to live fearlessly and serve humanity selflessly.
For physical practice, the Khalsa were told to:
1. Earn an honest living
2. Never to cheat, lie, gamble or steal
3. Never to cut their precious hair
4. Not to commit adultery
5. Not to eat meat that had been ritualistically killed
6. Not to consume tobacco or any other intoxicants
The Khalsa were also given a spiritual practice to be performed daily:
- To wake up in the early hours of the morning and recite the same five prayers used to create Amrit.
- To recite Rehraas Sahib in the evenings
- To recite Rakhia de Shabad and Sohila Sahib before going to bed
- To recite the Gur Mantar and Mool Mantar as much as possible
The Call to the Khalsa
The same Amrit Sanchar that created the Khalsa in 1699 continues to this day. The path of the Khalsa is one of righteousness, courage, and selfless service. It is a call to uphold justice, protect the weak, and remain steadfast in devotion to Waheguru.
“Satguru mera sarab pratipaalai, Satguru mera maar jiwaalai.”
“My True Guru sustains me in all aspects. My True Guru has the power to give life and to take it away.”
— (Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 1142)
The call remains: Will you give your head to Guru Gobind Singh Ji? Will you uphold the legacy of the Khalsa?
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
References
-“Guru Tegh Bahadur: The True Story” by A. C. Bali. This book provides a detailed account of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life, his stance against forced conversions, and his martyrdom.
-“The Sikhs” by Patwant Singh. This comprehensive work discusses the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh, including the events of Vaisakhi 1699 and the establishment of the Khalsa code of conduct.
-“A History of the Sikhs” by Khushwant Singh. This two-volume work provides a detailed historical account of the Sikh community, covering their origins, the formation of the Khalsa, and their struggles and triumphs over the centuries.
