What does the Sikh turban symbolise in Sikhism?
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Turban doesn’t belong to Sikhism, It belongs to culture. It is the Symbolic of RESPONSIBILITY.
Even before the inception of Sikhism, before Guru Nanak, honorable and responsible persons of society used to wear Turban. Those honorable persons were responsible for resolving disputes and maintaining harmony among a group of people and also were responsible for leading the group. They were called Sardar of that group. (NOTE that the term Sardar existed before Guru Gobind Singh ji as he said “tin hi ko sardar banau, tabai gobind singh naam kahau”)
Turban was a dress code, just like police and Judges have. People can identify them and allow them to intervene in their issues.
At a higher level, members of the kingdom also used to wear Turban. Brahmins, Rajputs, and honorable Hindus also used to wear turbans. Hindus have stopped wearing Turbans within the last 2-3 generations only. You see the pics of Lala Lajpat Rai, Sir Ganga Ram, Vivekananda, Founder of MDH, and so many other leaders. Manu Hindus (Brahmins mainly) wear turban now also. Just google “Brahmins in Turban”
Now you see, Hindus still wear Turbans in their marriages. “Pagri di rasam” is the custom where upon the death of a senior-most male in house Turban tieing is done to the living most senior male after him in house. Again, as a symbolic of Responsible and honorable member. This means, in cases of conflicts and disputes, his decision will be followed by everyone.
BUT lower classes of society like SC/ST never had the right to wear a turban. They were not respected and had never enjoy the honor.
Guru Gobind Singh has given honor and responsibility to Khalsa irrespective of their caste, rather based on principles. By giving everyone Turban and the knowledge, he had created many leaders who can and who have the guts to speak up and act against injustice. That is the essence of Khalsa.
Another important point:
But there is a risk!!!
what if Sikhs wear turban for respect for social honor only, and run away from their responsibility in testing times just by removing turban? Imagine a crime scenario, happening in front of Cop who is in uniform. If he doesn’t intervene, it brings him social shame and disrespect, however, if he is not in uniform, and people around him are strangers (who don’t know him personally), that Cop can easily become an onlooker.
Therefore, Kesh was made compulsory by Guru Gobind Singh ji to enforce turban all the time and to ensure Khalsa doesn’t become opportunistic. Khalsa assumes its responsibility all the time irrespective of whether the circumstances are favorable or unfavorable.
Otherwise, Kesh has no significance spiritually, It is significant only for social reasons.
See what SGGS say about it VERY CLEARLY
ਕਬੀਰ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਇਕ ਸਿਉ ਕੀਏ ਆਨ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਜਾਇ ॥ਭਾਵੈ ਲਾਂਬੇ ਕੇਸ ਕਰੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਘਰਰਿ ਮੁਡਾਇ ॥੨੫॥