Vaisakhi reminds us each year of the birthday of Khalsa Vaisakhi day in 1699 A.D. (corresponds to March 30) was a unique eternal phenomenon which transformed the human spirit. It happened only once perhaps last time. Guru Gobind Singh appeared at Anandpur before a congregation that day with a glistening sword face with glow of mighty power he said in thunderous voice “my devoted friends this golden (sword) is clamoring for the head for Sikh. Is there anyone among you all ready to lay down his life?” People were shocked to hear this. But he repeated and showed seriousness. At last Bhai Daya Ram stood up with folded hands and said.” Oh true Guru my head is at thy service. Let met a last eternal bliss under your sword.” Guna Gobind Singh took him other tent and came back with the sword ripping with blood and called for another head. After the third call Bhai Dharan Das came forward. Some cowardly people ran away for their lives. Guru came third dive and Bhai Mohkach Chand gave his head followed by Himmat Chand and Sahib Chand. After the fifth one the Guru did not come out for a while and people were wondering. After a while Guru came out of the tent with sheathed sword cheerful and joyous and the same five Sikhs followed hi who were dressed and looked like the Guru. There were exclamations of wonder and some felt sorry that they were not able to offer their heads. It was a kind of test given by the Guru to determine whether Sikhs had learned the lesson of self-sacrifice and unquestioned obedience to the Master. The Gun introduced his companions as “Panj Piyares” the five devoted beloved spirits of the Guru. The last name was Singh for all of them.
Then followed a ceremony of Baptism (Amrit). A clean bowl of steel was filled with fresh water which was churned with a double edged sword while reciting holy verses from Sikh scriptures. Mata jino ji (wife of Guru Gobind Singh) added sugar-puffs to sweeten the Amirit as a symbol of love. All five kneeled down on their left knee: and looked into the Gurus eyes “Then the Guru gave five paluful of nectar to drink and sprinkled over the faces and said “Wahegura ji ki Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fatah “Hail the Khalsa who belongs to Lord God Hail to Lord God to whom belongs victory.”
After the Amrit ceremony the Guru stood before “Panj Piaras and requested 0 baptize them in the same manner. They were hesi tant to do so. Then Guru Gobind Singh explained that the Khalsais Guru and the Guna is the Khalsa “There is no difference between you and me” Guru said. After baptism of the Guru they added last name as Singh hence forth the Guru came to be called as Gur Gobind Singh. Singh literally means lion
The Panj Piaras were given a code of conduct and five symbols (Ks) Kesha (long natural hair and beards) Kangha (comb) Kara (Steel bracelet) Kachh (special short breech) Kirpan (sword) Thus Khalsa was born. Finally Guru Gobind Singh addressed the five beloved ones: “Now you are followers of our creed and followers of Khalsa path. You are above all religions all creeds all castes and all classes. You are the immortal soldiers of true Dharam. You are messengers of God. Human dignity honor and liberty is trusted to you by God. Mix freely with the world but remain of one soul one ideal and one mind.
To-day you have taken new birth in the Homes of the Guru. You are members of the Khalsa brother hood. Anandpur is you birth place Gobind Singh is you father and Jito ji is you mother. You are all brothers all equal. No one is superior to another. Victory is sure.”
Cunningham described the situation as follows: “The last apostle of the Sikhs effectively roused the dormant energies of the van quashed people filled them with social freedom and national ascendancy the proper respect of the purity of worship which had been preached by Guru Nanak.”
Vaisakhi is a reminder to the followers of Gurus and humanity in general to seek justice liberty dignity for all. By following the mission of Guru Gobind Singh having deep faith in the creator and courage to face the evil and defend the righteousness for the wellbeing of entire humanity this world can be a wonderful place to live.
Let us Celebrate Vaisakhi as Khalsa brotherhood to honor the words of great Gurus.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Article extracted from this publication >> April 17, 1992
