IX. Transfer of Power of Baptism (Amrit) to Panj Piaras
ਪੰਚ ਪਰਵਾਣ ਪੰਚ ਪਰਧਾਨੁ
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The propagation of spirituality in the Sikh religion has been done by the Guru and others through the medium of Holy Hymns (Gurbani - ਗੁਰਬਾਣੀ) enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib (The Holy Granth).
The tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, during his very life time, forseeing a change in the external form of the Guruship – from human form to the Holy Book form (ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ) as ordained by God, modified the process of administering Amrit to suit the circumstances.
In the modified process, He authorised five chosen Sikhs (the Five Beloved Ones – (ਪੰਜ ਪਿਆਰੇ) to perform the ceremony under the command of the Guru, and enjoined upon them strict instructions for self- discipline, character building, self confidence, protection of the oppressed and downtrodden, service of humanity at large and upkeep of the distinguished Sikh form while repeating God’s Name all the time.
To be continued...