AMRITDHARI (amrit, lit. nectar, commonly Sikh sanctified initiatory water + dhan= practitioner) is one who has received baptismal vows of the Khalsa initiated by Guru Gobind Singh (30 March 1699) and abides by them and by the panj kakari rahit, distinctive insignia introduced by the Guru on that day comprising five symbols each beginning with the Gurmukhi letter ” K” (pronounced “kakka”) or its Roman equivalent “k”. These are kes (long unshorn hair and beard), kangha (a comb to keep the hair tidy), Jenpan (a sword), kara ( a steel bracelet worn about the wrist), and kachh (short breeches worn by soldiers). See PAHUL
References :
1. Sikh Rahit Maryada, Amritsar, 1975
2. Kapur Singh, Parasara Prasna. Amritsar, 1989
3. Sher Singh, Giani, ed.. Thoughts on Forms and Symbols in Sikhism. Lahore, 1927
4. Uberoi, J.P.S., “The Five Symbols of Sikhism,” in Sikhism. Patiala, 1969
5. Nripinder Singh, The Sikh Moral Tradition. Delhi, 1990
In Sikhism, the term Amritdhari literally means “one who has taken the nectar” and refers to a Sikh who has undergone the sacred initiation ceremony known as the Amrit Sanskar. This ceremony, instituted by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, marks a spiritual rebirth where the initiate pledges to abide by the stringent code of conduct laid out for the Khalsa—the community of committed Sikhs. The term itself combines “amrit” (nectar or elixir of life, symbolizing immortality) with “dhari” (holder or bearer), underscoring the transformation of the individual into one who sustains and embodies the sacred teachings of Sikhism.
The Amrit Sanskar is much more than a ritual; it is a covenant with the ideals of Sikhism. During the ceremony, a specially prepared mixture is stirred with a two-edged sword while sacred hymns are recited. This ritual not only symbolizes the blending of the divine with the human spirit but also represents purity, discipline, and dedication. Once the initiation is complete, an Amritdhari Sikh adopts a lifestyle that upholds ethical living, humility, and a commitment to social justice. This commitment is physically manifested in the wearing of the Five Ks—a set of articles of faith that serve as constant reminders of the values and responsibilities borne by the individual.
It is also important to note the distinction within the Sikh community between Amritdhari Sikhs and Sahajdhari Sikhs. While Amritdhari Sikhs have formally undergone the Amrit initiation and adhere to a strict code of conduct, Sahajdhari Sikhs share the core beliefs of Sikhism without having completed the formal initiation ceremony. Despite this difference, both groups contribute to the diverse tapestry of Sikh spiritual practice and community life, each in their unique way reinforcing the Sikh commitment to righteousness and service to humanity.
