Dastar?!

[Sarbloh Kaur]

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!

Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

Ok, I don't know whether this subject has been discussed before, but lately I have been feeling confused about whether I should wear a Dastaar or is it permissible to wear a bandana style Keski.

I took Amrit in September this year, and the Punj didn't instruct me to wear a Keski at all.

Some people say it is written in Rehatnaama's and some say these are unreliable as they contain a lot of derogatory remarks against women.

So which Rehatnama's state this and where can I read them? Also, it would be really helpful if anyone could post reasons as to why they think a Dastaar is necessary for an Amritdhari woman, as I know my family members will oppose my decision, if I start wearing one.

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!

Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

[moorakh mugadh]

vwihgurU jI kw Kwlsw!

vwihgurU jI kI &iqh!!

bhainji do what ur panj pyare have said SIMPLE DONT GET COFUSED

[V]

Be praticle

I guess Panj pyaare said to covere kesh right ?

well do what u feel praticle

feel praticle with Chunna

go right on or else tie Keski

which I PERSONALLY think is more praticle on work and stuff

but then agin you choose which u think is praticle, chunni or Keski

take care and Good luck

//Bhull Chukk Maaf

Waheguroo Jee Ka Khalsa!

Waheguroo Jee Kee Fateh!!

[Gupt_Singh]

basically

rehatnamas for wearing a keski:

bhai daya singh - "women should tie their hair on a topknot, not let it loose"

and i heard another one which was women should not plait or brade their hair ?

bhai chaupa singh mentions keski as a mark of a sikh, but whether you see him as reliable is different

sau sakhi mentions a small dastar (keski) as a must.

i guess a bandana is ok but its certainly not khalsa roop......i saw a sikh girl wearing a banada once with a black chunni and i thought she was a sullah!

i dont see any other way other than keski to keep your kangha on you overnight, to keep your kakkars on you in the bath/shower, to use as a gatka when washing hair, etc etc.

overall its up to you....dont force yourself if you dont want to wear it but it is definately preferrable and what they did at the time.......and bhai chaupa singh rehatnamas are dodgy but others are generally ok! especially bhai nand lal and bhai daya singh ones.

[Son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji]

Phain ji, do you think Kaurs can be considered Khalsa, or part of Guru Ki fauj? If yes, can you imagine Guru Gobind Singh Ji wearing a rumaal on his head instead of his Dastar?

Don't forget Guru Sahib said: "Khalsa Mero Roop Hai Khaas"

[Mkhalsa]

also.. where do you keep your kangar? how can u keep your kanga next to your joora if you dont have one? would you wear your kashera on your head or your kara on your leg? why would you put your kanga around your neck or in your pocket?

also, what if i were to decide to walk around with my hair in braids.. id look well silly wouldnt i? why is this somehow acceptable for singhnees? esp if we are all equal!

[Mkhalsa]

Please read the below article (from http://tapoban.org/keski.htm).. even if you do not agree that keski is a kakkar (im not saying you have to) you will probably agree that it is at least an important part of rehat. The fact that keski/dastar is a part of rehat is supported by other panthic organizations such as dam dami taksal. Keski was REQUIRED to take amrit up until the 1930s when jathedar gurmukh singh musafir changed it as his wife refused to wear keski, giving in to hindu fashion.

Keski as Kakkar

Bh. Manmohan Singh Jee LA

Keski, Kesgi, chhoti dastaar (or mini turban) is the first important striking symbol which makes the members of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha conspicuous - especially the women. And, naturally, it is the first object of criticism. One very distinguished scholar, S. Kapur Singh states: "Bhai Randhir Singh and his admirers claim and assert that five K's obligatory for an Amritdhari Sikh, a Singh, include a Keski, i.e., a short turban for men and women, as a must and one of the other K's, Kangha (comb) is not one of the five Do's."

According to him "...It is wholly arbitrary and schismatic...and thus an act of sabotage against the solidarity and monolithicism of the Khalsa."20 Another critic asserts the rahit of Keski to be an "absolutely mundane" teaching of the Jatha having "no precedents" and thus being the "teaching of an individual."

Before taking up the question of whether 'Ke

ski' is a symbol or not, it may be pointed out that in their eagerness to criticize Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh, even the well versed Sikh scholars, like S. Kapur Singh, have not cared to verifify the facts before offering their criticism. Keski is not at all considered to replace Kangha as a symbol as asserted by him. It does, however, replace Keshas as a symbol because Keshas is the first fundamental requirement for a Sikh. Shaving or trimming of hair is the first of the four Cardinal Sins -Kurahits (Big Don'ts) - the commitment of any one of which makes one an apostate and results in one's automatic excommunication from the fold of the Khalsa Brotherhood. Moreover Keshas form part of the human body and are not obtained and worn like other Kakaars.

Sikh history is full of instances where the devout Sikhs were hacked joint by joint, boiled and even sawed alive, had their scalps cut' their limbs broken on the wheel, and faced bravely many other unbearable and severest of tortures, and yet remained firm in their faith to their last hair and breath.

Right from Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Sikhs have been commanded to abstain from shaving or trimming of hair. According to Bhai Sahib Mani Singh's Gyan Ratnavali and other Janam Sakhies, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, while initiating Bhai Mardana into the newly founded Sikh faith, laid down the following three-fold Code of Conduct for him:

"Firstly, you are not to cut your hair.

Secondly, you are to get up early in the morning and do practice of the Sat Naam; and,

Thirdly, you are to serve hospitably the visiting devotees of God."21

In another instance Sahib Sri Guru Hari Rai Ji, while blessing Bhai Nandlal, grandfather of Bhai Hakikat Rai with the Holy Naam, is reported to have codified as follows:

"Firstly, you are not to cut your hair;

Secondly, you are not to consume tobacco; and

Thirdly, you are not to wear a cap."

It is thus crystal clear that the injunction regarding abstaining from cutting Kesh

as was initiated by Sahib Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself and continued to be adhered to by all his successor Gurus. Hence the importance of keeping Keshas intact is the basic and fundamental requirement for becoming a Sikh. In fact, the Keshas are considered so sacred that for their cleanliness, care, and protection, two additional Kakaars, i.e. Kangha and Keski, have been prescribed in the Sikh Code of Conduct.

It is well known that the outward appearance of the Sikhs is absolutely unique and different from those of other faiths. This applies to all Sikhs irrespective of sex. The wearing of the Sikh symbols has been obligatory for both the sexes. In addition, Sikh women are also conspicuous because of the absence of any piercing ornaments for nose and ears, such as those customarily worn by women of other religions. After their initiation into the Khalsa fold by partaking Khande-ki-Pahul (Amrit), the Sikh women have always tied their Keshas in the form of topknot and covered the same with Dastaar (i.e. Keski) just as men do; the only difference being that they wear chunnies or dupattas over their small turbans.

Right up to the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Sikh women had been steadfast in following the edicts of the Satguru in respect to their spiritual inner life as well as dress, including Keski. That is what J. D. Cunningham himself saw and wrote in the middle of the Nineteenth Century when he wrote his book, History of the Slkhs.

Even after the Punjab came under the British rule, this symbol of Keski was conspicuously seen in case of Sikh women as well as men right up to the Gurdwara movement and the establishment of the Shromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee in 1926. Until then, no one - man as well as woman was allowed to be baptized (by taking Amrit) at Sri Akal Takht Sahib without Keski. It was only afterwards that laxity was introduced in this respect and the wearing of Keski was made optional. With the introduction of this laxity, the other anti-Sikh practice of wearing piercing

ornaments in the nose and ears also became prevalent in Sikh women.

This is a brief summarized account of the historical background in this regard. In the following pages, an effort has been made to elaborate a bit on the above points by presenting certain facts:

i. Rahit Naama of Bhai Chaupa Singh Ji contains the following couplet regarding 'rahits':

Kachh, Kada, Kirpan, Kangha, Keski.

Eh Panj Kakaari Rahit Dhaarey Sikh Soyee.

To be a Sikh, one must observe five rahits of wearing five Sikh symbols beginning with 'K': Kachh, Kada, Kirpan, Kangha, and Keski. (Those Sikhs not believing in keski have wrongfully broken the word Keski in this couplet into two words, Kes and Ki, indicating it to mean "the rahit of keshas.")

ii. The renowned scholar of the Panth, Bhai Sahib Kahan Singh Ji of Nabha, compiled the Encyclopedia of Sikh Literature and Terminology (Gur Shabad Ratnagar MAHAN KOSH) in 1926. The term 'Keski' has been explained therein on page 254,

Col. 3 of its Second Edition published by the Punjab Government in 1960, as:

Keski: Noun - small turban worn to protect hair.

iii. Well known 19th Century English Historian, J. D. Cunningham (1812-1851) who was an eye witness to the First Anglo-Sikh War, in his History of the Sikhs - 1848

refers to Sikh women of that time as follows:

"The Sikh women are distinguished from Hindus of their sex by some variety of dress, chiefly by a higher topknot of hair."22

Higher topknot of hair on Sikh women's heads automatically implies their coverage by some sort of turban, as Cunningham has connected it with "some variety of dress."

iv. According to the Sikh history, Sahib Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji, impressed and pleased by the untiring and devoted labor of love and selfless service of Baba (later Guru)

Amardas Ji' bestowed upon him Siropas in the form of Dastaars a number of times.

Even now this tradition of bestowing Dastaar as a Siropa continues at Sri Akal Takht

Sahi

b and other Takhts and Gurdwaras.

v. Sahib Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji's hymn on page 1084 clearly states:

Naapaak Paak Kar Hadoor Hadeesa

Sabat Surat Dastaar Sira.

Make unpure (mind) pure. It is the true adherence to the Muslim Law (Hadees).

(One can obtain this objective) by keeping one's body unviolated and by always

wearing a turban on head.

The above instruction to keep the body in its original complete form and to wear turban

is meant for all, irrespective of sex.

vi. The tradition of "double dastaar" prevalent amongst Khalsa men was also the result

of the practice of keeping Keski under the big turban so that they may never remain

bareheaded. Keeping this very tradition in view, the British rulers of India prescribed

wearing of double dastaar, i.e., one small (also referred to as an under turban) and the

other outer big one, as part of the official uniform for Sikh members of the armed

forces. They were, and perhaps are even now, officially provided with two turbans,

one big and one small, as part of their uniforms.

vii. At the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the present one, as a result

of the Sikh renaissance movement, a number of Khalsa schools for girls were

established in Punjab. Small dastaar (Keski) was prescribed as an obligatory head

dress for students as well as teachers in such schools at Jaspalon, Ferozepur and

Sidhwan in Punjab.

viii. . In a number of Rahitnaamas, the importance of keeping hair always covered with

Dastaar has been emphasized very clearly. A few quotations are given below:

"Each candidate for Baptism be made to wear kachhehra, tie hair in a topknot and cover the same with dastaar; wear Sri Sahib (i.e. Kirpan) in Gaatra (shoulder belt). Then he/she should stand with folded hands." (Rahitnama Bhai Daya Singh Ji)

"...Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa should keep his hair unshorn, have flowing beard and have simple dastaar which saves him from impiety. Then the Sikhs aske

d what would happen to those Amrltdharis who start cutting their hair or do not keep their hair covered. The Guru replied that they would be stupid and will lose their sensibility It is a blemish to remain bareheaded...Always keep two turbans. When the bigger turban is removed, the smaller be kept. The smaller turban should not be removed."

(Bijai Mukat Dharam Shastra - Sakhi-8)

"(A Sikh) who eats food with turban removed from the head (i.e., bareheaded) is destined for 'Kumbhi' hell."

(Rahit Rama Bhai Prahlad Singh Ji)

"One who combs hair twice a day, ties turban fold by fold and cleans teeth everyday will not come to grief."

(Tankhah Naama Bhai Nandlal Ji)

"Whosoever roams about bareheaded, takes food bareheaded and distributes the 'prasad' bareheaded is considered punishable."

(Uttar-prashan Bhai Nandlal Ji)

"Women should tie their hair in topknot and should not keep them loose."

(Rahitnama Bhai Daya Singh Ji)

"Keshas be washed. Turban or dastaar should not be placed on floor but should always be kept with due respect. Food should not be eaten bareheaded."

(Bijai Mukt Dharam Shastra, Sakhi 70)

It is thus, absolutely clear from the above quotations that remaining bareheaded at any time (except when washing, drying, and combing) and keeping hair loose and unknotted are basically against the Sikh Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all, men and women alike. For obvious reasons, therefore, the use of small dastaar or keski is indispensable. There is no other way to keep the head covered all the time. Sikhs - men as well as women - who wear only big turbans and dupattas, mostly remain bareheaded, at least in the privacy of their own homes, while taking food, etc., and thus are, perhaps unconsciously, infringing the Sikh Code of Conduct in this respect.

A FEW HISTORICAL AND OTHER FACTS IN THIS RESPECT:

1.Well-known Sikh historian Bhai Sahib Bhai Santokh Singh has given a somewhat detailed description concerning Mai

Bhag Kaur (commonly known as Mai Bhago) of Forty Muktas fame in his well known historical work GUR PARTAP SURYA. He mentions that Mai Bhag Kaur had reached the highest stage of enlightenment and had almost lost her body consciousness...so much so that when her clothes became worn to shreds, she did not care to replace them. Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji called her in His Holy presence and instructed her to always stick to the Gursikh dress as prescribed in the Code of Conduct. In particular, she was ordered to wear Kachhehra and chhoti dastaar. In fact, according to some chroniclers, the dastaar was tied on her head by the Satguru himself. If this dastaar was not a Rahit, where was the need to include this item in the instructions given to a lady who had reached almost the Brahmgyan stage? It apparently shows that the Satguru gave as much importance to Dastaar as to other Rahits like Kachhehra.

2. In the Museum of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's fort at Lahore and Victoria Museum at Calcutta, the pictures of Sikh women of old time can be seen even now, depicting them with small dastaars or keskis.

3. Bhai Sahib Vir Singh, in his well known poetical work, RANA SURAT SINGH, depicts Rani Raj Kaur as a Saint Soldier or Rajyogi of the highest order. Her very impressive picture given in the book depicts her with a well-tied Keski, on which is also affixed a khanda-chakkar, the emblem of Sikhism.

4. The Sikh women belonging to the Jatha of Bhai Sahib (Sant) Teja Singh Ji of Mastuana, have been seen doing Kirtan in congregations wearing dastaars. He was instrumental in establishing Akal Academy - a Higher Secondary School at Baru in Himachal Pradesh wherin all students - boys as well as girls - are required to wear turbans as a prescribed school uniform.

5. The Central Majha Diwan and Panch Khalsa Diwan, Bhasaur - the two organizations which played a remarkable role in the Sikh renaissance movement in the first decade of the twentieth century laid special stress on the wearing of Keski by women.

6. The author had the privilege of meeting the late Baba Gurbachan Singh Ji Khalsa of the Bhindranwala Jatha along with his whole family, including his wife, two sons and their wives. They were all wearing Keskis just as the members of the Akhand Kirtani Jatha do.

7. It is a historical fact that there was a time when a price was put on the head of a male Sikh. Greedy and unprincipled people, both Hindus and Muslims, availed of this opportunity to make money. When they could no longer find male Sikhs in the villages and towns, they started beheading Khalsa women and presenting their heads as the heads of young unbearded teenager Sikh lads. As such, many Sikh women, out of fear of persecution, stopped wearing Keski and converted topknot of hair into fashionable styles like women of other faiths. This practice, which originated in a helpless state of affairs, became a fashion in due course of time. By the way, it was perhaps under these very abnormal circumstances that Sikh women also started wearing ear and nose ornaments to avoid the disclosure of their Sikh identity.

8. S. Shamsher Singh Ashok who has been an active member of the Singh Sabha movement and an erstwhile Research Scholar of the S.G.P.C., while discussing the prevalence of the use of 'keski', states:

"...and, consequently in the Amrit-Parchaar at the Akal Takht Sahib, this was a precondition even for ladies before they could be baptized there. Any woman who was not prepared to wear Keski was not baptized. This practice continued even after the end of the Gurdwara movement. Relaxation was made only when Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir became the Jathedar of the Akal Takht."23

9. A recent discovery from old literature puts a final seal on the Keski having been prescribed as a Rahit by the Tenth Guru himself. While going through the old Vahis of the Bhatts, lying with their successors in Karnal District in Haryana State, Prof. Piara Singh Padam of Punjabi University Patiala came across a paragraph explaining the first

baptism of the double-edged sword bestowed by Sahib Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on the First Five Beloved Ones on the Baisakhi of 1699 A.D. and the Code of Conduct imparted to them on that auspicious occasion. Based upon the language and style, this manuscript has been assessed to have been written in about the end of the eighteenth century. As this finding is of special significance in this respect, the English translation of the whole paragraph is reproduced below:

"Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Tenth Guru, son of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in the year Seventeen Hundred Fifty Two, on Tuesday - the Vaisakhi day - gave Khande-Ki-Pahul to Five Sikhs and surnamed them as Singhs. First Daya Ram Sopti, Khatri resident of Lahore stood up. Then Mohkam Chand Calico Printer of Dawarka; Sahib Chand Barber of Zafrabad city; Dharam Chand Jawanda Jat of Hastnapur; Himmat Chand Water Carrier of Jagannath stood up one after the other. All were dressed in blue and he himself also dressed the same way. Huqqah, Halaal, Hajaamat, Haraam, Tikka, Janeyu, Dhoti, were prohibited. Socialization with the descendants of Prithi chand (Meenay), followers of Dhirmal and Ram Rai, clean shaven people and Masands was prohibited. All were given Kangha, Karad, KESGI, Kada and Kachhehra. All were made Keshadhari. Everyone's place of birth was told to be Patna, of residence as Anandpur. Rest, Guru's deeds are known only to the Satguru. Say Guru! Guru! Guru! Guru will help everywhere."24

This discovery is a landmark in this respect: Kesgi or Keski has not only been clearly mentioned as one of the five K's, but also the specific and seperate mention of making all Sikhs Keshadharies, makes it clear beyond any shadow of a doubt that Keshas are not included in the Five Symbols (i.e., Five K's): in other words, keeping them intact is a separate and specific injunction for all Sikhs. (By the way, regarding eating meat, both Halaal and Haraam- the Muslim description of any meat other than Halaal - were also forbidden. It means

that eating meat was totally prohibited.)

It is thus abundantly dear that Keski has been in vogue right from the birth of the Khalsa Nation and is not the innovation of Bhal Sahib Randhir Singh or anybody else.

A FEW POINTS OF RATIONALE WHY KESKI AND NOT KESHAS IS ONE OF THE FIVE SIKH SYMBOLS.

Now let us consider why Keski and not Keshas is one of the Sikh symbols. By considering Keski as a symbol, the importance of Keshas IS NOT UNDERMINED IN ANY WAY. In fact, the Keshas are the basic and fundamental edifice of Sikhism without which no one can become a Sikh. The following points are put forth for a rational and unbiased consideration in this respect:

1.Keshas are the natural blessing of the Creator. They grow from within the body and develop gradually with age as other parts of the body. As against it, all other symbols or kakaars are external and are put on the body from outside. Even a very devout Sikh may, at times, be forced to remain without any one of the four symbols under circumstances beyond his control. This cannot happen with Keshas, which do not fall in line with the other four symbols and are in a class by themselves.

2. Kangha, which is one of the symbols, is kept for the upkeep of the Keshas (which is also generally considered a symbol). No other symbol is meant for the protection of any other symbol, these being for the protection of the body or some part of it. Evidently, therefore, Keshas cannot be considered as an outer symbol but a part of the body for the protection of which Kangha and Keski are required to be kept as symbols.

The RAHITS, including the wearing of the external Five Symbols (Keski, Kachhehra, Kangha, Kada and Kirpan) fall in the category of DO's, while Kurahits (Cardinal Sins or Taboos), including cutting of the hair, are placed in the category of DON'TS. The vested interests try to intermingle them. In this way, they unconsciously belittle the value of Keshas. They should realize that the value of all outer symbols is al

ike.

4. Then there is an evident anomaly in the commonly accepted Code of Conduct with regard to Keshas. These are included in the category of four cardinal sins which are so basically important that commitment of any one of these by a Sikh makes him an apostate. These are, then, also included in the category of Rahits, the infringement of which makes a Sikh merely a Tankhaeeya or punishable. Evidently there is definite incongruity in it which defies logical or rational explanation. The only logical explanation, therefore, is that the Keshas are not included in Rahits but are one of the four major Kurahits (Taboos or Cardinal Sins): A Sikh must not cut hair.

5. The wearing of Keski enables Sikh women to show their distinctiveness of

being Sikh or Khalsa like men. The importance of this Khalsa distinctiveness has

been clearly emphasized by the Tenth Guru for the Khalsa as a community, both

men and women, and not for men only.

6. At the time of the baptismal ceremony, the same Amrit (Khande-Ki-Pahul) is administered to all without any distinction, including that of sex. The title of Khalsa is bestowed on all of them. The same way of life and Code of Conduct is enjoined upon all of them. All of them are forbidden to roam about, take food, etc. bareheaded. How, then, have women become exempt from any of these injunctions? Keski is the only answer to this contradiction.

In view of all the aforesaid, it is clear that Keski or small turban has been traditionally worn by Sikhs, or Khalsa men and women, right from the birth of the Khalsa Nation. This Rahit has been enunciated and strongly emphasized by the Satguru himself. Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh, the Akhand Kirtani Jatha, and a few other individuals and organizations are preserving this dignified Khalsa Rahit with Guru's grace. Having become aware of these facts, the Sikh intellegentia has also started showing a remarkable response in this regard. If the Khalsa is to live in accordance with the Rules of true Gurmat , both Khalsa

men and women have to accept it. Keski is the crown bestowed by the Satguru for the head of the Khalsa, whether man or woman, who stands bestowed with the special form of the Satguru himself. By refraining from the use of Keski, a Sikh becomes a follower of his own ego instead of the Will of the Satguru. Wearing of Keski by Sikh women is decried mainly because modern day Sikhs want their women to fall in line with other women with respect to the so called modern way of life, including the modern fashions of dress. Sikhs - both men and women - will continue to be guilty of showing disrespect to the sacred hair by keeping them uncovered. In fact, it is the Keski's nonacceptance (and not its acceptance) that is very unconsciously eviscerating the Rahit Namas of their "tremendous and literally unlimited potency that operates on the collective subconscious level" of the Sikhs in general. One fails to understand how the use of Keski "...destroys the purity of the Khalsa Rahit and sabotages the unity of the Khalsa", as alleged by some. In fact, the shoe is on the other foot. If Keski is accepted by all Khalsa men and women, it will help in maintaining the purity and ensuring the unity of the Khalsa, as even women of the Khalsa faith, like the Khalsa men, will be distinguishable.

[GABROO KHALISTAN DAH]

panji as i c it,

is kesh is my personal kakar ( not that i have em, u know what i mean)

but would u ever c a singh with out a pug, would it be acceptable 2?

then would'nt same applly 2 the kaurs?

[warrior*princess]

Bhain Sarbloh Kaur jee,

We are lucky that at this forum we have Chardee Kalaa Singhs to support the Sikhi fact that a Khalsa must wear a Keski/ Dastar.

I say that because it us usually a Singhnee who understands the MOST why Keski 'n Dastar is SO important. As we have to usually suffer the injustices.

A keski is simply the smaller wrapping underneath the main dastar.

Guru Gobind Singh ji says that we must wear both of these!!!!

When Guru Gobind Singh ji finalised Sikhi, he showed the actions that must be accepted by a SIKH or KHALSA.

A Sikh/ Khalsa = Male OR Female!!!! But reality being Khalsa that has NO gender.

THEREFORE, there are NO separate rules for men nor women. Everything is equal! Thats the beauty of Sikhi.

Hence, Gurubanee states that the complete image is with a turban on ones head!! This simply CANNOT be argued.

Sabt Soorat Dastaar Siraa

The complete image is with the Dastaar on ones head.

NOT just this...there are TOO many rehtnamas that justify this! And is the true command of Guru ji.

Also heres an interesting quote Original Giani gave at Tapoban for you to consider Bhainjee

---

'Why Kes (hair) considered a Kakar? And we say that Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave us the Five K's.... Did Guru Gobind singh Ji give us Hair? Or were we born with it, along with the other features that GOD gave us?'

Bhainjee consider this....

Since i wear a dastaar...do you think it is okay for me to be married to a Male Monaa?? I.e. Male without Dastaar!!

SO how can it be okay for a Male with a Daastar to marry a Female withOU

T one!!!!

Another read:

link

link2

SOME MORE:

---

Author: Balpreet Singh

Date: 04-02-03 15:53

The most convincing evidence that Keskee was given as a kakaar at first amrit sinchaar comes from the Guru Keeaan Sakheean. These are records from Bhatts, or poets who recorded events. This is the most authentic record of what happened. These Guru Keean Sakheean were published by Piara Singh Padam.

The following is a great link about these puraatan writings, dated around 1708: http://www.sikhreview.org/march2001/chronicle.htm

Some of the most convincing passages read like this: "Assigning the word Singh first to his own name and thence to the names of all the Five Chosen Sikhs, Guru ji called out Fateh (the victory salutation) and raised aloud the spirited chant of Sat Sri Akal.

"Thereafter, Guru ji pronounced, ‘on your rebirth in the Khalsa Panth, your previous lineage, caste, creed, calling, customs, beliefs and superstitions, etc. stand annulled from now onwards. Transforming you into the Order of Khalsa, I have endowed you with the apparel of the Almighty God, you shall have to keep its honour. Before administering this nectar of steel, I also bestowed you with five kakaars (Ks, i.e. defining emblems). You have never to keep them away from your body even by mistake. I gave you, at the start, a blue keski, kangha, kirpan, sarbloh ka kara and white kachhehra. In the event of the loss or misplacement of any of these, get its infringement pardoned in the Sangat by going to Gurdwara without any delay."

Another account by a different bhatt in the same records reads: "Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Tenth Guru, son of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in the year Seventeen Hu

ndred Fifty Two, on Tuesday - the Vaisakhi day - gave Khande-Ki-Pahul to Five Sikhs and surnamed them as Singhs. First Daya Ram Sopti, Khatri resident of Lahore stood up. Then Mohkam Chand Calico Printer of Dawarka; Sahib Chand Barber of Zafrabad city; Dharam Chand Jawanda Jat of Hastnapur; Himmat Chand Water Carrier of Jagannath stood up one after the other. All were dressed in blue and he himself also dressed the same way. Huqqah, Halaal, Hajaamat, Haraam, Tikka, Janeyu, Dhoti, were prohibited. Socialization with the descendants of Prithi chand (Meenay), followers of Dhirmal and Ram Rai, clean shaven people and Masands was prohibited. All were given Kangha, Karad (***Karad is synonomous with kirpaan***), KESGI, Kada and Kachhehra. All were made Keshadhari. Everyone's place of birth was told to be Patna, of residence as Anandpur. Rest, Guru's deeds are known only to the Satguru. Say Guru! Guru! Guru! Guru will help everywhere."

Other rehitnamas such as Bh. Daya Singh insist that all Sikhs should wear dastaar, but the Bhat Vehis leave no doubt that Keskee is a kakaar.

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LASTLY, you mentioned that if you wear one, your parents will not accept...but who is the one who shall give you the biggest sajaa/ punishment or judgment?? Your parents OR Vaheguru jee?

Guru Nanak Dev jee says...

Jo Thoe Prem Kilaan Kaa Chao

Sir Thar Thalee Galee Meree Aoe

Eith Maraag Paer Thareegai

Sir Deejai KARN NAA KEEJAI

Guru Sahib is saying:

If you wish to play the game of Love with me,

Place your head upon palm and Come my way,

Place your feet upon this Path,

Give me your Head & DO NOT PAY ATTENTION TO PUBLIC OPINION!!

Bhain jee, i hope that you understand the GREAT significance behind Keskee being a Kaakaar...there is SO much Shaakti/ power behind wearing all the correct Kakaar. Even when a GurSikhs Soul leaves the body, the Kakaar remain on the soul and leave with

the GurSikh...thats why we are to consider Kakaar as part of our body. Just as we cannot do without an arm, we cannot do without a Kakaar.

The Panj Kakaar become our protection, armour, spiritual defense and the proud uniform of a distinct Khalsa!!!

[Mkhalsa]

bhenji lets not make this a keski as kakkar argument.. lets stick to keski as rehat first.