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Kachch (Underwear) |
Every member of the Order of the Khalsa must wear a Kachch, in
order to cover not only the genitals it should also cover the
thy up to the knees. The covering of genitals enjoins him/her
to live under strict discipline of self-control. Also, the
Kachch stands to repudiate the idea of nudity so clear to Indian
asceticism. The Sikh religion advocates, instead, all round
developments of ones personality possible only when adhering to
social norms as a balanced social being.
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Kara (Steel Bangel) |
Every Khalsa in enjoined to wear Kara made of iron on the right
wrist. Kara being circular in shape symbolizes wheel which
itself, when viewed in the background of Indian heritage,
simultaneously stands for Dharma and Chakarvarti Raja (universal
monarch). Therefore, Kara manifests two meanings, eternal and
temporal and the Khalsa is enjoined to imbibe both.
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Kes (Hair) |
Or unshorn hair, regarded as a symbol of saintliness. Guru
Nanak started the practice of keeping the hair unshorn. The
keeping of hair in its natural state is regarded as living in
harmony with the will of God, and is a symbol of the Khalsa
brotherhood and the Sikh faith. Hair is an integral part of the
human body created by God and Sikhism calls for its
preservation. The shaving or cutting of hair is one of the four
taboos or Kurehats.
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Kanga (Hair Comb) |
Or comb is necessary to keep hair clean and tidy. A Sikh must
comb his hair twice a day and tie his turban neatly. The Gurus
wore turbans and commanded the Sikhs to wear turbans for
protection of the hair, and promotion of social identity and
cohesion. It has thus become an essential part of the Sikh
dress.
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Kirpan (Small Dagger) |
Or the sword is the emblem of courage and self-defense. It
symbolizes dignity and self-reliance, the capacity and readiness
to always defend the weak and the oppressed. Its helps sustain
one's martial spirit and the determination to sacrifice oneself
to defend truth and Sikh moral values.
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