» Kaur_Rules «
18th April 2009, 06:20 PM
*The Turban of the Sikhs*
Historical Background:-
Turban is and has been an inseparable part of a Sikh's life. Since Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, all Sikhs have been wearing turbans.The Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) specifically says that all Sikhs must wear a turban. According to the Rehatnama of Bhai Chaupa Singh, who was a contemporary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the five Kakars of Sikhism were: Kachh (a special underwear), Karha (a steel bracelet), Kirpan (small sword), Kangha (comb) and Keski (a small turban).
Guru Gobind Singh ji says:-
"Kangha dono vakt kar, paag chune kar bandhai."
Translation:-
"Comb your hair twice a day and tie your turban carefully, turn by turn."
Bhai Chaupa Singh says:-
"Kachh, karha, kirpan, kangha, keski, Eh panj kakar rehat dhare Sikh soi."
Translation:-
The five Kakars of Sikhism are special undewear, steel bracelet, sword, comb, and small turban. A person who wears all these Sikh symbols should be considered a Sikh.
"Doi vele utth bandhyo dastare, pahar aatth rakhyo shastar sambhare |
Kesan ki kijo pritpal, nah(i) ustran se katyo vaal |
Translation:-
"Tie your turban twice a day and carefully wear weapons 24 hours a day. . . . Take good care of your hair. Do not cut your hair." ("Sri Gur Granth Parkash" by Bhai Rattan Singh Bhangu, page 78)
holiness and Spirituality:-
Turban is a symbol of spirituality and holiness in Sikhism. When Guru Ram Dass Ji left for heavenly abode, his elder son Pirthi Chand wore a turban, which is usually worn by an elder son when his father passes away. (In the same manner) Guru Arjan Dev was honored with the turban of Guruship.
"Marne di pag Pirthiye badhi. Guriyaee pag Arjan Ladhi. ("Partakh Hari," Jiwni Guru Arjan Dev Ji, by Principal Satbir Singh)Guru Angad Dev honored Guru Amardas ji with a turban (Siropa) when he was made the Guru."
Baptism ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies in a Sikhs' life. That ceremony cannot be completed without wearing a turban.
The most revered Sikh symbol is hair. The turban is required of every Sikh in order to cover his/her hair. This is the primary reason the comb (kangha) is one of the five requirements in the Sikh way of life.
Guru Angad Dev ji honored Guru Amardas ji with a turban (Siropa) when he was made the Guru. Similarly, the Turban (Dastaar) has remained the key aspect in a Sikh's honour. Those who have selflessly served the community are honoured with Turbans.
Baptism ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies in a Sikhs' life. That ceremony cannot be completed without wearing a turban. Indeed, a short-turban (called a keski) is one of the five requirements of baptized Sikhs. The most revered Sikh symbol is hair. The turban is required of every Sikh in order to cover his/her hair. This is also the primary reason the comb (kangha) is another one of the five requirements in the Sikh way of life.
Turban as a Robe of Honor:-
The highest honor that a Sikh religious organization can bestow upon any individual is a Siropa. It is a blessing of the Guru which is bestowed upon a person who has devoted a major portion of his/her life for the welfare of the Sikh or the humanity in general. Sometimes a Siropa is also bestowed upon the families of Sikhs martyrs.
Turban in Social Life:-
Muslim men and women in many countries still wear turban. It is said that the Egyptians removed their turban during mourning.
Even in Punjab removing a turban from a person's head was considered a sign of mourning . Bhai Gurdas, who was contemporary of the several Sikh Gurus writes in his Vars:
"Tthande khuhu naike pag visar(i) aya sir(i) nangai Ghar vich ranna(n) kamlia(n) dhussi liti dekh(i) kudhange"(Vara(n) Bhai Gurdas, Var 32, pauri 19)
Translation:-
A person, after taking a bath at the well during winter time, forgot his turban at the well and came home bareheaded. When the women saw him at home without a turban, they thought someone had died and they started to cry.
Turban as a Symbol of Responsibility:-
People who have lived in India would know the turban tying ceremony known as Rasam Pagri (Turban Tying Ceremony). It signifies that now he has shouldered the responsibility of his father and he is the head of the family.
Turban and Sikh Military Life Turban is a symbol of honor and self-respect. The Sikh Army fought their last major battle against the British in 1845. All the Sikh soldiers and generals were wearing turbans at that time. Shah Muhammad, a Punjabi poet and hostorian, who witnessed that war, writes:
Pishe baitth sardaraan, Gurmatta kita,
Koi akal da karo ilaj yaro.
Sherh burshiaan di sade pesh ayee,
Pag dahrhian di rakho laaj yaro.
The Sikh chiefs took a unanimous and firm religious decision Gurmatta, that they should have sense enough to judge the tenor of Maharani Jinda Kaur and the crafty Britishers. They said that they were facing a very shrewed enemy and it was high time for them to save their honor because they were wearing turbans and beards (both symbols of self-respect).
The Sikh soldiers refused to wear helmets during World War I and World War II. They fought with turbans on their heads. A Sikh (Khalsa) is supposed to be fearless. Wearing a helmet is admitting fear of death.Many Sikhs refused to remove turban even in jails. Bhai Randhir Singh, a widely respected Sikh preacher, scholar and a freedom fighter had to undergo a fast to win his right to wear turban in the prison.
High Moral Values:-
Sikh history is full of facts that men and women of other faiths such as Hindus and Muslims felt safe when there was a Sikh around them. They felt secure from invaders and other people when Khalsa was around. The woman or the oppressed would feel safe and sound under the protection of "khalsa". It was a common saying in Punjab:
"Aye nihang, booha khol de nishang"
Translation:
The Nihangs (Sikhs) are at the door. Dear woman! go ahead open the door without any fear whatsoever.
In the ancient times, the Sikhs men had to fight tough battles with the rulers. Women folks had a very high degree of trust in the Nihangs (Sikhs) who can be clearly identied with a turban and beard. Women knew that the Nihangs (Sikhs) wore high moral character and never mistreated or molested women. So they fed them and helped them in whatever way they could.
Turban a Symbol of Missionary Zeal and Courage:-
There are many references in the Sikh history that describe how Guru Gobind Singh ji personally tied beautiful dumalas (turbans) on the heads of both his elder sons Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh and how he personally gave them arms, decorated them like bridegrooms, and sent them to the battlefiled at Chamkaur Sahib where they both received martyrdom. When the Sikhs go to an agitation morcha, they usually wear a safforn color turban which is a symbol of sacrifice and martyrdom. When Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwalle courted his arrest, he wore a safforn color turban.
Beauty:-
"khoob teri pagri, meethae tere bol"
In the ancient Egyptian civilazation turban was an ornamental head dress. They called it pjr from which is perhaps derived the word "pugree" commonly used in India and other Asian countries.
Kingly Turban
Sign of Sardari:-
It was meant for only kings. Minorities were not allowed to wear turban and kirpan.
"och dumalra"
Most Respectful:-
Bare head is not considered appropriate as per gurbani:
"ud ud ravaa jhaate paaye, vekhe log hasae ghar jaaye"
Identity:-
It provides Sikhs a unique identity. You will see only sikhs wearing turban in western countries.
If a Sikhs likes to become one with his/her Guru, he/she must look like a Guru (wear a turban). Guru Gobind Singh ji has said
"Khalsa mero roop hai khaas. Khalse me hau karo niwas."
Translation:-
Khalsa (Sikh) is a true picture of mine. I live in a Khalsa.
According to the historical accounts, Guru Gobind Singh tied almost18 inches high dumala (turban) just before he left for heavenly abode..
Historical Background:-
Turban is and has been an inseparable part of a Sikh's life. Since Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, all Sikhs have been wearing turbans.The Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) specifically says that all Sikhs must wear a turban. According to the Rehatnama of Bhai Chaupa Singh, who was a contemporary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the five Kakars of Sikhism were: Kachh (a special underwear), Karha (a steel bracelet), Kirpan (small sword), Kangha (comb) and Keski (a small turban).
Guru Gobind Singh ji says:-
"Kangha dono vakt kar, paag chune kar bandhai."
Translation:-
"Comb your hair twice a day and tie your turban carefully, turn by turn."
Bhai Chaupa Singh says:-
"Kachh, karha, kirpan, kangha, keski, Eh panj kakar rehat dhare Sikh soi."
Translation:-
The five Kakars of Sikhism are special undewear, steel bracelet, sword, comb, and small turban. A person who wears all these Sikh symbols should be considered a Sikh.
"Doi vele utth bandhyo dastare, pahar aatth rakhyo shastar sambhare |
Kesan ki kijo pritpal, nah(i) ustran se katyo vaal |
Translation:-
"Tie your turban twice a day and carefully wear weapons 24 hours a day. . . . Take good care of your hair. Do not cut your hair." ("Sri Gur Granth Parkash" by Bhai Rattan Singh Bhangu, page 78)
holiness and Spirituality:-
Turban is a symbol of spirituality and holiness in Sikhism. When Guru Ram Dass Ji left for heavenly abode, his elder son Pirthi Chand wore a turban, which is usually worn by an elder son when his father passes away. (In the same manner) Guru Arjan Dev was honored with the turban of Guruship.
"Marne di pag Pirthiye badhi. Guriyaee pag Arjan Ladhi. ("Partakh Hari," Jiwni Guru Arjan Dev Ji, by Principal Satbir Singh)Guru Angad Dev honored Guru Amardas ji with a turban (Siropa) when he was made the Guru."
Baptism ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies in a Sikhs' life. That ceremony cannot be completed without wearing a turban.
The most revered Sikh symbol is hair. The turban is required of every Sikh in order to cover his/her hair. This is the primary reason the comb (kangha) is one of the five requirements in the Sikh way of life.
Guru Angad Dev ji honored Guru Amardas ji with a turban (Siropa) when he was made the Guru. Similarly, the Turban (Dastaar) has remained the key aspect in a Sikh's honour. Those who have selflessly served the community are honoured with Turbans.
Baptism ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies in a Sikhs' life. That ceremony cannot be completed without wearing a turban. Indeed, a short-turban (called a keski) is one of the five requirements of baptized Sikhs. The most revered Sikh symbol is hair. The turban is required of every Sikh in order to cover his/her hair. This is also the primary reason the comb (kangha) is another one of the five requirements in the Sikh way of life.
Turban as a Robe of Honor:-
The highest honor that a Sikh religious organization can bestow upon any individual is a Siropa. It is a blessing of the Guru which is bestowed upon a person who has devoted a major portion of his/her life for the welfare of the Sikh or the humanity in general. Sometimes a Siropa is also bestowed upon the families of Sikhs martyrs.
Turban in Social Life:-
Muslim men and women in many countries still wear turban. It is said that the Egyptians removed their turban during mourning.
Even in Punjab removing a turban from a person's head was considered a sign of mourning . Bhai Gurdas, who was contemporary of the several Sikh Gurus writes in his Vars:
"Tthande khuhu naike pag visar(i) aya sir(i) nangai Ghar vich ranna(n) kamlia(n) dhussi liti dekh(i) kudhange"(Vara(n) Bhai Gurdas, Var 32, pauri 19)
Translation:-
A person, after taking a bath at the well during winter time, forgot his turban at the well and came home bareheaded. When the women saw him at home without a turban, they thought someone had died and they started to cry.
Turban as a Symbol of Responsibility:-
People who have lived in India would know the turban tying ceremony known as Rasam Pagri (Turban Tying Ceremony). It signifies that now he has shouldered the responsibility of his father and he is the head of the family.
Turban and Sikh Military Life Turban is a symbol of honor and self-respect. The Sikh Army fought their last major battle against the British in 1845. All the Sikh soldiers and generals were wearing turbans at that time. Shah Muhammad, a Punjabi poet and hostorian, who witnessed that war, writes:
Pishe baitth sardaraan, Gurmatta kita,
Koi akal da karo ilaj yaro.
Sherh burshiaan di sade pesh ayee,
Pag dahrhian di rakho laaj yaro.
The Sikh chiefs took a unanimous and firm religious decision Gurmatta, that they should have sense enough to judge the tenor of Maharani Jinda Kaur and the crafty Britishers. They said that they were facing a very shrewed enemy and it was high time for them to save their honor because they were wearing turbans and beards (both symbols of self-respect).
The Sikh soldiers refused to wear helmets during World War I and World War II. They fought with turbans on their heads. A Sikh (Khalsa) is supposed to be fearless. Wearing a helmet is admitting fear of death.Many Sikhs refused to remove turban even in jails. Bhai Randhir Singh, a widely respected Sikh preacher, scholar and a freedom fighter had to undergo a fast to win his right to wear turban in the prison.
High Moral Values:-
Sikh history is full of facts that men and women of other faiths such as Hindus and Muslims felt safe when there was a Sikh around them. They felt secure from invaders and other people when Khalsa was around. The woman or the oppressed would feel safe and sound under the protection of "khalsa". It was a common saying in Punjab:
"Aye nihang, booha khol de nishang"
Translation:
The Nihangs (Sikhs) are at the door. Dear woman! go ahead open the door without any fear whatsoever.
In the ancient times, the Sikhs men had to fight tough battles with the rulers. Women folks had a very high degree of trust in the Nihangs (Sikhs) who can be clearly identied with a turban and beard. Women knew that the Nihangs (Sikhs) wore high moral character and never mistreated or molested women. So they fed them and helped them in whatever way they could.
Turban a Symbol of Missionary Zeal and Courage:-
There are many references in the Sikh history that describe how Guru Gobind Singh ji personally tied beautiful dumalas (turbans) on the heads of both his elder sons Baba Ajit Singh and Baba Jujhar Singh and how he personally gave them arms, decorated them like bridegrooms, and sent them to the battlefiled at Chamkaur Sahib where they both received martyrdom. When the Sikhs go to an agitation morcha, they usually wear a safforn color turban which is a symbol of sacrifice and martyrdom. When Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwalle courted his arrest, he wore a safforn color turban.
Beauty:-
"khoob teri pagri, meethae tere bol"
In the ancient Egyptian civilazation turban was an ornamental head dress. They called it pjr from which is perhaps derived the word "pugree" commonly used in India and other Asian countries.
Kingly Turban
Sign of Sardari:-
It was meant for only kings. Minorities were not allowed to wear turban and kirpan.
"och dumalra"
Most Respectful:-
Bare head is not considered appropriate as per gurbani:
"ud ud ravaa jhaate paaye, vekhe log hasae ghar jaaye"
Identity:-
It provides Sikhs a unique identity. You will see only sikhs wearing turban in western countries.
If a Sikhs likes to become one with his/her Guru, he/she must look like a Guru (wear a turban). Guru Gobind Singh ji has said
"Khalsa mero roop hai khaas. Khalse me hau karo niwas."
Translation:-
Khalsa (Sikh) is a true picture of mine. I live in a Khalsa.
According to the historical accounts, Guru Gobind Singh tied almost18 inches high dumala (turban) just before he left for heavenly abode..