The Dastar (Turban/Pag) of the Sikhs

I read this interesting article on THE SIKH magazine (SNSM). Its just for all of you who wants to know about the Historical Background and the Holiness and Spirituality of the Dastar. This will be a good tool as it may help those who wants to tell the others on why is he wearing a Turban.

The Dastar is and has been an inseparable part of the Sikh's life. Since Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhi, all Sikhs have been wearing Dastars. Refer to Dr. Trilochan Singh's "Biography of Guru Nanak Dev Ji." The Sikh Rehat Maryada (Sikh Code of Conduct) specifically says that all Sikhs must wear a Dastar.

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Bhai Nand Lal Ji says, " Kangha dono vakt kar, pag chune kar bandhai."

Translation: "Comb your hair twice a day and tie your turban (Dastar) with care, layer by layer."

Several ancient Sikh Documents refer to the order of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji about wearing a Dastar. Bhai Rattan Singh Bhangu is one of the most famous ancient historians. He is the author of " Shri Gur Panth Parkash" wich he wrote almost two centuries ago. He writes, " Doi vele utth bandhyo dastare, pahar aatth rakhyo shastar sambhare. Kesan ki kijo pritpal, nah(i) ustran se katyo vaal".

Translation: " Tie your turban (Dastar) twice a day with care maintain your shastar 24 hours a day. Take good care of your hair and do not cut your hair." ("sri guru granth prakash" page 78)

The following information describes the importance of Dastar!

The Dastar is symbol of spirituality and holiness in Sikhi. When Sri Guru Ram Das Ji left for heavenly abode, his elder son Prithi Chand wore a Dastar, which is usually worn by an elder son when his father passes away. (In the same manner) Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji was honoured with the Dastar of Guruship.

"Marne di pag Pirthiye bandhi. Guriyaee pag Arjan Ladhi." ("Partakh Hari, Jiwni Guru Arjan Dev Ji," by Principal Satbir Singh)

Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji honoured Sri Guru Amar Das Ji with Dastar when he was made the Guru. The most revered possesion of a Sikh is kesh (Hair). The Dastar is required of every Sikh in order to cover kesh. This is the primary reason the comb (Kangha) is one of the five requirements in the Sikh Way of life.

All the Sikh Gurus wore a Dastar. Throughout our short history, all Sikhs have been requred to do so. The Dastar has indeed become syninymous with Sikhi.

" THE DASTAR IS OUR GURU'S GIFT TO US. IT IS HOW WE CROWN OURSLEVES AND SIT ON THE THRONE OF COMMITMENT TO OUR OWN HIGHER CONCIOUSNESS "

CLick here to watch a video of tying a dastaar.

Click here on more articles about Dastar.

~ This picture is something that we should not be proud of ~