Sword of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj....

It is a well known fact that Baisakhi is of great religious significance for the Sikhs. At Anandpur Sahib (in Punjab) near Chandigarh, the khalsa, which means pure, and also designates the Sikh army of Saint Soldier, was established / decorated on this auspicious day. The panj piyaree of the Sikh religion were inititiated by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj (the tenth and last bodily Sikh guru) on Baisakhi of 1699. The five loved ones came from among men of different levels of the Hindu caste hierarchy. They came from different places like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. By doing so, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj eliminated the differences of high and low and established that all human beings were equal. The first lesson on how to be a true Sikh was imparted to these Sikhs by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj, who asked them not to cut their hair or beard (kesh), to always carry a comb (kangha), a sword (kirpan) so that they would be always ready for battle, to wear an underwear (kachcha) and an iron bangle (kada). These are popularly known as the five K’s and are mandatory for every Sikh.

I read a very beautiful article on one of the Singhnee’s blog and I’ll share it with all who read this. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj took out his sword on the Baisakhi of 1699 and five courageous, dedicated, faithful Sikhs out of the love for their Guru came forward and offered their heads. That same sword of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj is still out of its sheath and asking for more heads. We all should get up from the deep sleep of Maya and offer our heads to Guru Sahib. In return as Guru says, “Jab Tak Khalsa Rahe Niyara, Tab Lag Tej Diyo mein Sara”; Guru will be with his Khalsa every moment of his life and carry his Khalsa across this ocean of life.

The Baisakhi of 1919 proved to be one of the most signifcant in modern history. The tragedy of Jallian Wala Bagh marked the first major setback in the fight for India's freedom. Hundreds of innocent people, men, women and children were killed by General Dyer and his troops. This event shook the British Empire and only brought the Indian people closer together in their fight for freedom.

A very happy Baisakhi to all of you and may Guru show all of us the light and lead us to the path that take us to the tent of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib jee Maharaaj so that we can offer our head to our beloved Guru Sahib....

WaheGuru jee ka Khalsa, WaheGuru jee Kee Fatehe....