July 2022

It was the year 1699, Vaisakhi Day.
Guruji invited followers to come his way.
From directions all From old to small.
They came to hear what Guruji had to say.

Countless stories about forced conversions.
Equal number of religious reversions.
State of the community.
Recent lack of unity.
Guruji was worried about all such incursions.

The issue required everyone to give heed.
Preservation of dharma, the hour’s need.
Restore faith. Guruji’s ultimate mission.
Instill courage, his vision.
He demanded sacrifice for this great deed.

With naked sword in hand and voice high.
He asked, who right there, was ready to die.
None came forward.
The Wavering left homeward.
Guruji again asked for a head, he wasn’t shy.

A tense minute later, up stood a brave gent.
Guruji took him to a nearby pitched tent.
The gathered there heard a thud.
Out with a sword laced in blood.
Guruji demanded one more neck to dent.

To many’s shock, another brave stood out.
Guruji also took him to the tent, no doubt.
This time, a more bloodied sword.
Beheading, this man’s obvious reward.
Guruji demanded another fearless scout.

One by one, three more stood for the cause.
Each time, the crowd met them with dropped jaws.
Into the tent.
Back they went.
After the fifth time, there was a long pause.

All five and Guruji, out of the tent they came.
With new robes, all wearing the same.
Where none initially stood.
Now exemplified brotherhood.
Panj Pyare, Guruji gave them a name.

Five main scriptures were then lovingly read.
Sword stirred sugar water was also fed.
Guruji baptized the men now.
He asked to take the same vow.
By these Beloved Five, his ceremony to be led.

New ideals for o Sikh were this way slated.
A saint and soldier, the code clearly stated.
A scholar, devoted to charity.
Fearless warrior, high on morality.
Khalsa, the Pure, was hence created.