what is the significance of kangha and kripaan of the sikhs
Answers
Answer:
When Khalsa was introduced civilians were under threat from the then rulers who were mughals. Khalsa was for the protection of common men and women , khalsa member were Sikhs who followed the universal teachings of dharma as taught by the gurus and now explained in guru Granth Sahib.
Significance of 5Ks :-
Kesh- As humans we cut our hair to look attractive and hence keep running after worldly pleasures. Letting the hair grow as they naturally would mean one remains detached from this very wordly thing and brings that individual closer to simplicity and in simplicity resides love. Socially it was for a seperate identity , so that anyone in trouble can seek help from a sikh if he is nearby.
Khangha- Growing of hair is nothing new in India, many sadhus n babas do that and since asceticism was regarded as a good virtue, many ascetics started carrying pride in long hair and they used to keep it unclean and unorganized just to show off . Khalsa believed in household culture so it gave great importance to cleanliness..khangha is to keep the hair clean n organised
Kirpan- Since Khalsa was supposed to protect hence kirpan was a part of 5Ks
Kacha- is a symbol of chastity, which is important for devotion to the cause. extra marital sex and over indulgence in sexual activities is a hinderance to self awakening. With low self awakening how can one be a good protector. Also with kirpan one may misuse his power. The kacha is to remind not to misuse power to exploit women.
Kara- It was introduced to ensure that while fighting a Sikh is aware that what ever he is doing with his kirpan, he is doing for khalsa and not for his selfish interest or is misusing power.
If u understand hindi please listen to SN Goenkas (Vipassana Teacher) discourse on Guru Gobind Singh.