The Five K's of Sikhism

Study Notes

Overview of the Five K's

The Five K's are fundamental Articles of Faith in Sikhism, commanded by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
They represent an external identity and a commitment to the Sikh way of life.
Sikhs who wear all five K's are known as Khalsa, meaning "pure," while those who do not are referred to as sahajdhari, meaning "slow adopter."

Kesh

Kesh refers to unshorn hair and is a central kakār for Sikhs.
Sikhs maintain uncut hair as a display of the perfection of God's creation and commitment to spirituality.
Guru Gobind Singh advocated for letting hair grow as intended by God.
The Dastaar, or turban, serves to protect Kesh and signify spiritual awareness.

Kanga

The Kanga is a small wooden comb, used by Sikhs at least twice daily and worn in the hair.
It symbolizes cleanliness and order in life, reflecting a tidy and organized lifestyle.
Combing hair regularly signifies acceptance of God’s gift and the importance of maintaining cleanliness.

Kara

The Kara is a steel bangle worn on the right wrist, representing strength.
Its circular shape symbolizes unity and eternity, aligning with Sikh beliefs about the infinite nature of God.
The Kara fosters a connection between Sikhs and reinforces the idea of community and eternal allegiance to faith.

Kachera

Kachera are short trousers, originally symbolizing a Sikh's readiness for battle and mobility.
It helps distinguish Sikhs from Hindus, who traditionally wear dhoti, though this has implications for Sikh identity.
Most Sikhs view the Kachera primarily as a symbol of modesty and self-respect.

Kirpan

The Kirpan is a short dagger illustrating a Sikh's commitment to defend the vulnerable and uphold justice.
Baptized Sikhs are required to carry a kirpan as a symbol of bravery and protection of the innocent.
It represents not just physical defense but also the courage to confront inner challenges and weaknesses.
Historically, the kirpan serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by early Sikhs in defense of their faith and community.

Description

Explore the essential Five K's of Sikhism, which are vital Articles of Faith introduced by Guru Gobind Singh. Understand the significance of Kesh, Kanga, and their roles in shaping Sikh identity and spirituality. Test your knowledge about the Khalsa and sahajdhari distinctions as well.