Panj Kakkar

ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

Panj Kakkar
ਕਛ ਕੜਾ ਕਿਰਪਾਨ ਕੰਘਾ ਕੇਸਕੀ, ਇਹ ਪੰਜ ਕਕਾਰੀ ਰਹਿਤ ਧਾਰੇ ਸਿਖ ਸੋਈ ।

   Kashehra

   The Kashehra is a sign of a strictly disciplined lifestyle. The Kashehra always reminds us to:
ਦੇਖਿ ਪਰਾਈਆਂ ਚੰਗੀਆਂ ਮਾਵਾਂ ਭੈਣਾ ਧੀਆਂ ਜਾਣੈ 
    To look at other women(by age) as either mothers, sisters or daughters.(Vice Versa for women)

ਪਰ ਤ੍ਰਿਅ ਰੂਪੁ ਨ ਪੇਖੈ ਨੇਤ੍ਰ ॥
To never look at the beauty of anothers wife.

   Never let the Kashehra separate from your body. It should only be removed one leg at a      time. If both legs are taken out (it is removed from your body) then get five Rehat Valai       Singhs to do ardaas for you and give you Tankha (Punishment). (Sant Gurbachan Singh recommends that the Tankha should be at least 5 Jap Jee Sahibs)

 ਕੱਛ ਦੇ ਪਉਂਚੇ ਦਾ ਸਿਖ ਵਿਸਾਹ ਨਾ ਕਰੇ।
A Sikh should never be separated from a Kashera.
( Rehatnama Bhai Chaupa Singh Jee, Page 108)

ਕੱਛ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ ਨ ਕਬਹੂ ਤਿਆਗੈ।…।15।
A Sikh should never be separated from his or herKashera and Kirpan
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh Jee, Page 147)

 Some people ask what is the use of a brake Kashehra (Kashehra that is tight around the knee area), why can't we use other cloths, underwear etc. ?
 Just like anything that moves, be it an air plane a car or even a bike it needs brakes. Our body needs brakes as well. When a car is moving it needs to stop at a red light otherwise it will get into an accident and the driver will either die or be severely injured. In the same way for a Man a woman (other than his wife) is like that red light, he will have to stop himself, from having any bad thoughts and or bad relations with the woman. And Vice Versa for women.

ਏਕਾ ਨਾਰੀ ਜਤੀ ਹਇ ਪਰ ਨਾਰੀ ਧੀ ਭੈਣ ਵਖਾਣੈ।
                 Having one women as wife he (the Sikh) is a celibate and considers any other's wife his daughter or a sister. (Vice versa for women)
(Vaar 6, Pauri 8)

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee does not stop us from loving our wives. He tells us to love our wives, but to have only physical relations with your one wife only. Guru Jee tells us do not go into the bed of another woman even in your dreams!

ਨਿਜ ਨਾਰੀ ਕੇ ਸਾਥ ਨੇਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਨਿੱਤ ਬਢੈਯਹੁ ॥
ਪਰ ਨਾਰੀ ਕੀ ਸੇਜ ਭੂਲਿ ਸੁਪਨੇ ਹੂੰ ਨ ਜੈਯਹੁ ॥
Have physical relations with your wife only,
but never even in your dreams go to the bed of another woman.
(-Charitropaakhian, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Jee, 842)

Those that don`t understand what Guru Jee says about this concept (they don't follow it), and they live life without brakes, they will die the death of a dog:

ਅਧਿ ਹਰੀਫੀ ਜਾਨਿ ਭੋਗ ਪਰ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਜੋ ਕਰਹੀ ॥
ਹੋ ਅੰਤ ਸ੍ਵਾਨ ਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਹਾਥ ਲੇਂਡੀ ਕੇ ਹਰਹੀ ॥
Those who have physical relations with other women
at the end they will die the death of a dog.
(-Charitropaakhian, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Jee, 842)

The Kashehra is very important for a Sikhs way of life. It is of utmost importance that we keep this rehat.

   Kara

Kar means to control, to keep within maryada. Wear a Sarbloh Kara. Do not wear a Gold or Silver Kara as Guru Gobind Singh Jee has not accepted this:

ਸਰਬ ਲੋਹ ਦੀ ਰਛਿਆ ਹਮਨੈ ॥
Sarbloh (Symbol of All-Powerful Lord) is Our Protection.
( Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Jee, 11)

The Kara also protects the arms from attacks from swords. Science states that as the Kara rubs against our skin over and over again it provides us with iron, and gives us strength. The Kara reminds us that these arms are the arms of Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee, and we should not steal, should not sign fake signatures and should not do any evil deeds. Never commit any sins, never kill innocent lives, only do good with these arms. With these arms earn an honest living and share whatever you earn. Serve your country and religion. Guru Sahib has blessed us with this Shaheedi Gana, it should never be separated from the body.

   Kirpan

The word Kirpan comes from Kirpa and Aan. Kirpa means to protect the poor, innocent and those that cannot protect themselves. Aan means honour and respect. Whilst keeping your honour, never hurt innocent people. Always remember death, with a Kirpan by your side. The Kirpan is like a shield that will protect you. It is like a sword when you use it to protect the poor and innocent. Meaning never use it for personal gain, whenever you use it, it is either to protect yourself, or to protect others that cannot protect themselves. Always keep the Kirpan in a Gatra, and never let it separate from your body. It Is Akaal Purakhs Shastar.
Asket, Kharagkhet, Asiduj all are God's names:

ਖੜਗਕੇਤ ਮੈ ਸਰਣਿ ਤਿਹਾਰੀ ॥
ਆਪ ਹਾਥ ਦੈ ਲੇਹੁ ਉਬਾਰੀ॥
O Immortal Being (with the sword on Your Banner)!
 I am under Your protection. Give me Your hand and save me.
(Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Jee, 1388)

ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਣ ਪਾਣ ਧਾਰੀਅੰ॥
ਕਰੋਰ ਪਾਪ ਟਾਰੀਅੰ॥
He is equipped with a sword in one hand
 Which eliminates myriads of sins.
( Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Jee, 101)

The Kirpan eradicates millions of sins. Always keep it with you. When a child is born some people put a Kirpan on its bed to protect it from Jantar Mantars. But in the Guroo Ghar, reading Gurbani does this for us:

ਤੰਤੁ ਮੰਤੁ ਨਹ ਜੋਹਈ ਤਿਤੁ ਚਾਖੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ॥੧॥ਰਹਾਉ ॥
He is not affected by charms and spells, nor is he harmed by the evil eye. ||1||Pause||
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee, Ang 818)

But taking in to consideration, having a Kirpan on you for your whole life is very virtuous. It protects us even while we sleep. It protects us from our enemies. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee had so much love, respect and devotion towards Shastars, in their Bani, they write:

ਅਸ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾਨ ਖੰਡੋ ਖੜਗ ਤੁਪਕ ਤਬਰ ਅਰੁ ਤੀਰ ॥
ਸੈ ਸਰੋਹੀ ਸੈਥੀ ਯਹੈ ਹਮਾਰੈ ਪੀਰ॥੩॥
( Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Jee,717)

Maharaj Jee used to say that, the Kirpan is my Chandi which will take care of us in this world and the next. Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee, wore two Kirpans, Miri and Piri. Even Bab Buddha Jee wore a Kirpan at such an old age. The 7th 8th and 9th Gurus all wore Kirpans. The Kirpan Should be atleast 9 inches. Nowadays people keep their Kirpans in their Kes, or around their neck with a string, but this is not Guru Jee's Maryada, it is Manmat. The Kirpan isn't just for showing off, it is a great shastar. We should respect the Kirpan as much as we can.

ਬਿਨਾ ਸ਼ਸਤ੍ਰ ਕੇਸੰ ਨਰੰ ਭੇਡ ਜਾਨੋ।
ਗਹੇ ਕਾਨ ਤਾਂਕੋ ਕਿਤੈ ਲੈ ਸਿਧਾਨੋ॥99॥
Without Shastars and Kes one is a Sheep,
grabbing hold of a sheeps ear, you can lead it wherever you want.
(Gur Bilas Patshahi 10, Bhai Sukha Singh Adhiya 23 Page 492)

ਤ੍ਰਿਭੰਗੀ ਛੰਦ ॥
ਖਗ ਖੰਡ ਬਿਹੰਡੰ ਖਲ ਦਲ ਖੰਡੰ ਅਤਿ ਰਣ ਮੰਡੰ ਬਰ ਬੰਡੰ ॥
ਭੁਜ ਦੰਡ ਅਖੰਡੰ ਤੇਜ ਪ੍ਰਚੰਡੰ ਜੋਤਿ ਅਮੰਡੰ ਭਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਭੰ ॥
ਸੁਖ ਸੰਤਾ ਕਰਣੰ ਦੁਰਮਤਿ ਦਰਣੰ ਕਿਲਬਿਖ ਹਰਣੰ ਅਸਿ ਸਰਣੰ ॥
ਜੈ ਜੈ ਜਗ ਕਾਰਣ ਸ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਉਬਾਰਣ ਮਮ ਪ੍ਰਤਿਪਾਰਣ ਜੈ ਤੇਗੰ ॥੨ ॥
The sword hacks and breaks ruthlessly into pieces and fragments the hordes of fools. This vigorous (weapon) adorns the battlefield.
Its long (forceful) arm is unbreakable. Its awesome splendour overshadows the lustre of the Sun.
It looks after the welfare of the Saints and pulverises the wicked. It destroys the sins and I seek Its refuge.
Hail, hail to the Creator of the world, the Saviour of
 the creation. My protector Scimitar, hail to Thee.
( Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Jee, 39)

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee says:
ਸੰਗਤ ਹਥੀਆਰ ਬੰਨ ਕੇ ਦਰਸਨ ਆਵਣਾ।
ਜੋ ਸਿਖ ਹਥੀਆਰ ਬੰਧਿਕੈ ਦਰਸਨਿ ਆਵੈਗਾ, ਸੋ ਨਿਹਾਲ ਹੋਗੁ। ਹੁਕਮ ਹੈ।
Whenever Sangat comes to meet me (Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee)
(Rehatnami Payara Singh Padam, Page 26)

So we should give the Kirpan as much respect as possible. Never walk over a Kirpan and other Shastars. Whilst taking a Kesi Ishnaan tie the Kirpan with a kamarakasa, and while taking a Body Ishnaan tie the Kirpan around your head. Never use the Kirpan to cut any fruits or vegetables, or use it for any other means other than doing Bhog to Karah Prashad and Langar, and to Destroy Demons, to protect yourself and others, always in defence.

   Kanga

To keep the Kes clean, a wooden Kanga should be kept in the Kes, it is very important to do so. According to Science keeping a wooden comb in your hair will eliminate static electricity. Do not use a metal kanga or one made out of animal teeth or plastic. Just a wooden Kanga. To keep the Kes clean, we must always use the Kanga twice a day to comb our hair:
ਸੋਰਠਾ। ਕੰਘਾ ਦੋਨਉਂ ਵਕਤ ਕਰ, ਪਾਗ ਚੁਨਹਿ ਕਰ ਬਾਧਈ।…।੧੩।
A Gursikh should comb his/her hair twice a day with a Kanga and retie their dastar, one fold at a time.
 (Tankahnama Bhai Nand Lal Jee, Page 57)

ਕੰਘਾ ਕਰਦ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾਵੈ। 
...A Sikh has a Kanga, Kirpan and ties a Dastar.
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh Jee, Page 151)

So in the morning and evening comb your hair. And when tying a dastaar make sure you tie and remove it one Larr (fold) at a time, do not remove it like a hat. Always keep the Kanga prefect, even if one tooth of the Kanga breaks then get a new one.


ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤ ਸਿਧਾ ਦਾਹੜਾ। ਕਾਠ ਦਾ ਕੰਘਾ ਕੇਸੀਂ ਚਾਹੜਾ।
One should leave all hair on the body untouched, and have a beautiful flowing beard. A wodden kanga should be kept in the Hair.

The dastar should be tied tightly so the kanga does not fall out. If it does fall out, and is lost get a new one and do Ardaas and Jap Jee Sahib to Guru Jee asking for forgiveness. Only after doing Ardaas and Jap Jee Sahib should water or langar be eaten. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee got happy with the sacrifice that Peer Budhoo Shah had given (his sons had gotten shaheed in a war), that he gave him his Kanga and some Kes(the Kes were in the Kanga) When Gursikhs comb their hair and remove dead hairs, they should be thinking what Good deeds have I done today and what bad deeds have I done? Just as the dead hair is removed, Gursikhs should strive to remove their bad deeds.

   Keski

The fifth Kakkar is Keski. It is the rehat of the Khalsa to always have their head covered. The Keski is to protect and keep the Kes clean. It is not befitting of a Sikh to keep his or her hair uncovered, so for that reason a Keski must always be worn.

ਸਾਬਤ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਿਰਾ 
(Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee Ang 1084)

Gurbani tells us to always have a dastar on our head, for men and women. There is no discrimination in Sikhi based on Gender, whatever men do women also do. If a man is told to refrain from eating meat and drinking alcohol so is a woman. If a man is told to wear a dastar so is a woman. So all the Rehats that are given to a Sikh, are meant for both men and women, not just men. The rehat of Keski was given to both men and women, and it is the duty of a Sikh to follow the Orders of his or her Guru.

Guru Nanak Dev Jee and the rest of the Gurus gave women equal status in a society that saw women as a burden. Guru Nanak Dev Jee said:

ਮਃ ੧ ॥
First Mehl:
ਭੰਡਿ ਜੰਮੀਐ ਭੰਡਿ ਨਿੰਮੀਐ ਭੰਡਿ ਮੰਗਣੁ ਵੀਆਹੁ ॥
From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman he is engaged and married.
ਭੰਡਹੁ ਹੋਵੈ ਦੋਸਤੀ ਭੰਡਹੁ ਚਲੈ ਰਾਹੁ ॥
Woman becomes his friend; through woman, the future generations come.
ਭੰਡੁ ਮੁਆ ਭੰਡੁ ਭਾਲੀਐ ਭੰਡਿ ਹੋਵੈ ਬੰਧਾਨੁ ॥
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to woman he is bound.
ਸੋ ਕਿਉ ਮੰਦਾ ਆਖੀਐ ਜਿਤੁ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਰਾਜਾਨ ॥
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
ਭੰਡਹੁ ਹੀ ਭੰਡੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਝੁ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
From woman, woman is born; without woman, there would be no one at all.
ਨਾਨਕ ਭੰਡੈ ਬਾਹਰਾ ਏਕੋ ਸਚਾ ਸੋਇ ॥
O Nanak, only the True Lord is without a woman.
ਜਿਤੁ ਮੁਖਿ ਸਦਾ ਸਾਲਾਹੀਐ ਭਾਗਾ ਰਤੀ ਚਾਰਿ ॥
That mouth which praises the Lord continually is blessed and beautiful.
ਨਾਨਕ ਤੇ ਮੁਖ ਊਜਲੇ ਤਿਤੁ ਸਚੈ ਦਰਬਾਰਿ ॥੨॥
O Nanak, those faces shall be radiant in the Court of the True Lord. ||2||


That Guru that has praised women and put them at the same level as men, why would he then later discriminate against them and only require men to wear dastars? Our Guru would never do such a thing. Sikhi is against any sort of discrimination, whatever men are expected to do, women are expected to do as well. Whatever right men have, women have the same right!

ਅਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਛਕਨੇ ਵਾਲੇ ਨੂੰ ਪਹਿਲੇ ਕਚ ਪਿਹਰਾਨੀ,
ਕੇਸ ਇਕਠੇ ਇਕੱਠੇ ਕਰ ਜੂੜਾ ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਵਾਨੀ,
ਗਤ੍ਰੇ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਹਾਥ ਜੋੜ ਖੜਾ ਰਹੇ ।।
Those who wish to take amrit, first they should wear a Kashera,
then gather their hair and make a Joora(top-knot) and tie a Dastar,
and wear a Kirpan (Sri Sahib) in a gatra and stand with their hands folded.
(Rehatnama Bhai Daya Singh Jee)

ਜੂੜਾ ਸੀਸ ਕੇ ਮਧ ਭਾਗ ਮੈਂ ਰਾਖੈ, ਔਰ ਪਾਗ ਬੜੀ ਬਾਂਧੈ,
Tie a Joora (top-knot) on your head, and tie a Dastar.
(Rehatnama Bhai Daya Singh Jee)

ਪੁਨ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਉਨ ਸਿਚਯਾ ਦਈ।।
ਮੀਣੇ ਮਸੰਦਨ ਬਰਤਯੋ ਨਹੀ।।
ਕੁੜੀਮਾਰ ਰਮਰਈ ਨੜੀਮਾਰ।।
ਜੋ ਇਨ ਮਿਲੇ ਸੋ ਹੋਇ ਖ੍ਵਾਰ।।
ਜਥਾ ਸਕਤ ਗੁਰ ਗੋਲਕ ਪਾਯੋ।।
ਕੜਾਹ ਕਰਾਇ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਛਕਾਯੋ।।
ਪਹਿਰ ਕਛਹਿਰੇ ਸਿਰ ਬੰਧਯੋ ਪਾਗ।।
ਗੁਰ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਬਚਨ ਪਰ ਰਹਯੋ ਲਾਗ।।
Guru Jee gave us these teachings:
Do no have any association with Meene( followers of Prithi Chand) and Masands.
Those that kill their daughters, those that Follow Ram Rai, and those that smoke and use intoxicants, whoever associates with them will be ruined.
Put money in the Guru's Golak.
Make or get Karah Parshad made and feed it to the Khalsa.
Wear a Kashera and on your head tie a Dastar.
Follow the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee
(Gur Panth Parkash, Bhai Rattan Singh Jee Bhangoo)

ਦੋਇ ਵੇਲੇ ਉਟ ਬੰਧਯੋ ਦਸਤਾਰੰ।।
At both times tie a dastar
(Gur Panth Parkash, Bhai Rattan Singh Jee Bhangoo)

ਜੋ ਅਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਛਕਿਆ ਚਾਹੈ, ਕਛ ਪਿਹਰਾਵੈ।।
ਕੇਸ ਇਕੱਠੇ ਕਰਿ ਜੂੜਾ ਕਰੇ।। ਦਸਤਾਰ ਸਜਾਵੈ।।
Those who wish to take amrit, should wear a Kashera,
they should tie up their hair and make a Joora (top-knot), they should tie a dastar.
(Sudharm Maarg Granth)

ਪਾਗ ਉਤਾਰਿ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦ ਜੋ ਪਾਵੈ।।
ਸੋ ਸਿਖ ਕੁੰਭੀ ਨਰਕ ਸਿਧਾਵੈ।।
That Sikh that eats with no dastar on their head, will go to Hell.
(Rehatnama Bhai Prehlad Singh Jee)

ਕੰਗਾ ਦੋਨੋਂ ਵਕਤ ਕਰ, ਪਾਗ ਚੁਨੇ ਕਰ ਬਾਂਧਈ।।
A Gursikhs should comb his/her hair twice a day with a Kanga and retie their dastar, one fold at a time.
(Tankhah Nama Bhai Nand Lal Jee)

ਕੰਘਾ ਕਰਦ ਦਸਤਾਰਹਿ ਬਾਂਧੇ ।।
...A Sikh has a Kanga, Kirpan and ties a Dastar.
(Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh Jee)

These lines from Rehatname clearly show that a Gursikh can never be separated from a dastar. It is Guru Sahibs Hukam that we wear a dastar. These five Kakkars must never leave our Body. Kashehra, Kirpan, Kara, Kanga and Keski. If they do you cannot eat or drink anything until you have done ardaas and asked Guru Jee for forgiveness.