Later Mughals v1.c6.s16.5

v1.c6.s16.5

Govind Singh transformed the outward forms and ceremonies to a very great extent. But such philosophical basis as the religion had, remained in theory unchanged; though, in practice, the common people soon reconstructed for themselves a personal god. Govind Singh's first innovation was to institute an inner order within the sect. These were called Singhs or lions, and this word, one usually applied to Rajputs only, was added to the disciples' name. The rite of initiation to the order was called the *Pahul*. The essentials are that five Sikhs at least should be present. Sugar and water are then stirred in a bowl by a two-edged dagger; the novice joins his hands and repeats the main articles of faith; some of the water is sprinkled on him, he drinks the remainder, and exclaims 'Hail, Guru', (*Wah, Guru.*) The new Singh must allow all the hair on his body to grow, and must wear blue clothes (a custom now disregarded except by Akalis). He then binds himself to renounce intercourse with the descendants of Pirthi Mal, who tried to poison his brother Guru Arjun, the masands (or Sikh tithe-gatherers), the followers of Ram Rai, and the people who destroy their female children. Temples, shrines and burning-places must not be worshipped. Neither the Hindu nor the Muhammadan scriptures are to be reverenced; neither pandit nor mulla to be obeyed. All Hindu and Muhammadan rites at birth, marriage, or death must be discontinued. The Sikh must wear trousers and not the Hindu loin-cloth (*dhoti*); and there must always be some steel about his person, and, if possible, a sword. Tobacco was entirely prohibited. A Sikh may only eat the meat of those animals of which the head has been cut off by one stroke of a sword. In many places Govind Singh denounces Muhammadans, hill rajahs, and Brahmans. There are many other trivial rules for the regulation of daily life.*