Definition

Noun: 1. The collective body of fully initiated Sikhs: The Khalsa refers to the community of Sikhs who have undergone the formal initiation ceremony (Amrit Sanchar) and who adhere strictly to the Sikh code of conduct as established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Members commit to a distinct identity and specific religious disciplines.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Upon taking Amrit, he became a member of the Khalsa.
  • The Khalsa was founded to uphold righteousness and defend the faith.
  • She follows the Rehat Maryada, the code of conduct for the Khalsa.

Advanced Usage

• "The Order of the Khalsa": A formal term used to denote the Khalsa as a disciplined spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood.
  • Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Order of the Khalsa on the day of Vaisakhi.

Variants and Related Words

• Amritdhari (noun/adjective): A synonym for a member of the Khalsa; one who has taken (initiation nectar). Often used interchangeably with "Singh" (for men) or "Kaur" (for women) who are initiated.
  • An Amritdhari Sikh is expected to wear the Five Ks.

Synonyms

• The Pure Ones (translation of the Punjabi word 'Khalsa')
• The Collective of Initiated Sikhs
• The Sikh Brotherhood/Sisterhood

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To take Amrit and join the Khalsa": The process of initiation into the Khalsa.
  • After years of study, she decided to take Amrit and join the Khalsa.

Noun

1. the group of initiated Sikhs to which devout orthodox Sikhs are ritually admitted at puberty; founded by the tenth and last Guru in 1699