The Five Beloved Ones

On the spring day of Vaisakhi, before a huge crowd, Guru Gobind Singh asked who among them was willing to give everything for what was right. One by one, five brave people stepped forward, ready.

These five came from different regions and different walks of life, but together they became the ‘Panj Pyare,’ the Five Beloved Ones, the very first of a new family of equals.

The Guru then did something wonderful: he bowed and asked the Five to initiate him too, as their equal. Teacher and follower stood side by side, as one.