Khalsa Panth was established by?
VerifiedAnswer: Guru Gobind Singh
Explanation:
The Khalsa Panth was established by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and final Guru of Sikhism, on April 13, 1699 (Baisakhi day). This historic event took place at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab, marking one of the most significant moments in Sikh history.
Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa (meaning 'pure') to transform his followers into warrior-saints who would defend righteousness and fight against oppression. The ceremony involved the famous call for five volunteers who were willing to sacrifice their lives for their faith. These five brave souls, known as the Panj Pyare (Five Beloved Ones), represented different castes and regions, symbolizing the unity and equality that the Khalsa stood for.
The establishment of Khalsa brought several important changes to Sikhism. Guru Gobind Singh introduced the five Ks (Panj Kakkar) that every Khalsa Sikh must follow:
• Kesh (uncut hair) - symbolizing respect for God's creation
• Kara (steel bracelet) - representing strength and unity
• Kanga (wooden comb) - signifying cleanliness and order
• Kachera (cotton undergarments) - symbolizing modesty and self-control
• Kirpan (ceremonial sword) - representing the duty to protect the innocent
The Guru also established that all Khalsa men would take the surname 'Singh' (meaning lion) and women would take 'Kaur' (meaning princess), eliminating caste distinctions and promoting gender equality. This revolutionary step challenged the rigid social hierarchy of that time and created a brotherhood of equals.
The creation of Khalsa was also a response to the increasing persecution of Sikhs and other religious minorities by the Mughal authorities. Guru Gobind Singh wanted to create a community of saint-soldiers who could defend their faith and protect the oppressed while maintaining their spiritual values.
After establishing the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh declared that the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) would be the eternal Guru of the Sikhs, ending the line of human Gurus. This decision ensured that the teachings would remain unchanged and that the community would be guided by the divine wisdom contained in the scriptures rather than by any individual.
