Formed by Guru Gobind Singh, it is a spiritual brother and sisterhood devoted to purity of thought and action. The Khalsa were formed in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh initiated the first five members � the Panj Pyare (the five beloved ones). The Khalsa are in charge of all temporal matters. He gave them a distinctive external commitment, whereby every Sikh baptised into the Khalsa vows to wear the Five �K�s�. They are:



      �  Kesh � Uncut hair and beard, as given by god and a turban the crown of 
        spirituality
      �  Kangha � a wooden comb to comb the hair as a symbol of cleanliness
      . Kirpan - (A ceremonial dagger) A sword, with which the person is committed to 
        defend the truth. 
      �  Kachha � Cotton underwear as a reminder of the commitment to purity
      �  Kara � A steel ring worn on the wrist signifying bondage to truth and freedom 
        from every other entanglement.
    
The Khalsa also take vows to refrain from:

      �     Sexual relationships outside of marriage
      �     Meat
      �   Tobacco
      �     Alcohol and other intoxicants