The Khalsa Panth (Brotherhood)

Upon the death of his father Guru Teg Bahadur, nine-year-old Gobind Rai was informed that no Sikh dared to come forward to claim the body of his father. He made up his mind to transform his Sikhs in to daring but humble soldiers. At the age of 33 on the Vaisakhi day of 1699, he summoned a gathering of almost 80,000 Sikhs.

Guru asked for five heads. Many were surprised to hear this call. Some thought that the Guru had gone insane and started to leave the field. But five men who loved and believed in the Guru came forward and in turn offered their head. Guru took them in to a tent. When Guru came out for the final time all five were following him.

This time Guru was calm and said "These are my Panj Pyare (five beloved ones)". They are reborn again today. Guru prepared Amrit (holy water) and baptised them. He gave each man a new name "Singh" meaning lion. "Kaur" was given to women meaning princess. He then bowed in front of the "Panj Pyare" and asked them to baptise him. From that day onwards they were re named as follow.

1. Daya Ram became Daya Singh

2. Dharam Dass became Dharam Singh

3. Himat Rai became Himat Singh

4. Mohkam Chand became Mohkam Singh

5. Sahib Chand became Sahib Singh

And Guru Gobind Rai became Guru Gobind Singh

Guru Gobind Singh gave them 5 symbols starting with the letter K:

KESH:	Uncut hair and beard. Symbol of accepting God's will and to be near nature.
KANGHA:	Small comb to be carried to keep hair clean. Thus the symbol of cleanliness.
KARA:	An Iron or Steel bracelet to be worn on the stronger hand. This is a symbol of the unbroken bond with God and His creation.
KIRPAN:	Small sword. Symbol of courage, strength and kindness.
KACCHA:	Specially designed shorts. Symbol of modesty and morality.

Four don'ts

Thou shall not commit Adultery

Thou shall not cut their hair

Thou shall not have intoxication

Thou shall not have Kutha (ritually prepared meat)