Summary
1697- Guru Gobind Singh returned with his family to Anandpur Sahib. When Guru Gobind Rai and his family returned, Sikhs poured into Anandpur Sihib, to be with the Guru
The city bustled with activity, commerce and martial sport. The Guru due to his experience foresaw the problems that the city may suffer and built four forts in strategic positions of defense
Daily training in warfare and weapons continued. In 1696 Guru Gobind Singh had sent out word to his Sikhs to bring weapons of war as gifts over all other gifts.
Terrible times were ahead at the hands of Mughal oppressors and Guru Gobind Rai knew something had to be done to secure the position of the Sikhs
He knew they must be reborn as Saint Solders- a new identity must be forged to bind Sikhs together
The Guru shut himself in his room and meditated for several days. When Mata Sundri checked on Guru Gobind Rai she was astonished to see him sitting among 100 papers- hand written invites to the sangat to come to Anandpur for Vaisakhi of 1699.
He had instructed them to come bearing arms and with uncut hair. In the spring of 1699 large numbers of Sikhs arrived at Anandpur and set up camps and langar kitchens
The Guru had a tent raised on a small hill and raised a decorated platform before it. More than 80,000 people had come to Anandpur Sahib, finding the Gurus personal invitation too enchanting to decline
The sangat began as usual with an Ardas, when finished the crowd waited with anticipation, The Guru, powerful in appearance, with two powerful swords at his waist, a deep intensity in his being emerged
A hush fell over the crowd, unsheathing his sword, he called out
"My sword is thirsty I need the head of a Sikh"
Nothing could be heard as the Guru boomed- " I need a head..."
Daya Ram a shopkeeper moved purposefully to the stage with heart pumping declared "Guru Sahib my head is yours"
Guru led him into the tent, moments later he emerged with sword dripping crimson
" I need another Sikh.."
Dharam Das was already moving to the stage " Guru Ji my life is and always will be yours"
When the Guru emerged once again and commanded " I need a head, I need a head of a Sikh"
It was now definitely clear, he was beheading the Sikhs
The close advisors approaced the Gurus mother and pleaded with her, even as they did so
Mohkam Chand approached the stage and bowed his head low.
Himmat Chand a washerman was next
Sahib Chand jumped on the stage .. " Guru" he cried out "my head is yours"
This time the Guru took a little longer, and when he walked out, behind him, walked Panj Pyare, the 5 beloved ones, with glowing faces, almost beyond recognition from the 5 men who had walked into the tent
With all faces turned towards him Guru declared - these 5 Sikhs are the beloved khalsa, you who are present here and all the ages, I call upon you to follow the khalsa
The crowd rose to their feet
taking a bowl with iron and pure water, sugar was added to the water, the 5 came forward and from the Gurus hands, drank Amrit
Hereafter you will belong to the family of the khalsa
the men will be known as Singh and the women as Kaur, in the brotherhood of the khalsa men and women shall hold the same status and responsibility
You will never remove a hair from your body, leaving you with the the strength and energy God gave you
You will never eat meat, smoke tobacco or any form of intoxicant
Love and honor only whom you marry,You will never covet anothers wife
You will wear long hair and turban Kesh
And a comb to clean it kanga
Long underwear to your knees kachha
an iron bangle on your wrist Kara
and a sword Kirpan
As long as the Khalsa remains distinct in appearance and deeds i will give them all my strength and glory
but if they adopt the ways of others i will put no trust or faith in them
Word spread quickly about these wondrous events
Five beloved ones prepared the amrit and 1000s gathered to drink the nectar and join the Khalsa to everyones surprise Guru Gobind Rai also stepped up to be " baptised"
The Khalsa became a brave force that fought the Mughals that inspired many to fight against overwhelming numbers
Guru Gobind Singh expressed his love of the Khalsa by saying
By their Grace I have won battles
By their Grace we prosper
By their Grace my troubles have passed
By their Grace our storehouses are always full
By their Grace I acquire knowledge
By their Grace our enemies are subdued
By their Grace I am exalted and embellished
Otherwise there are millions of lowly people like me
Wahe Guru Ji Ki Khalsa
Wahge Guru Ji Ki Fateh