Definition:
Panj Pyara means literally five beloved ones.
The word panj is the Punjabi word for five. Pyara is the Punjabi word for beloved. The Pyara are beloved by Sikhs because the tenth guru of the Sikhs Gobind Rai called to a crowd of thousands who had assembled on the day of Vaisakhi, asking for volunteers who would give him their heads. Five men came forward:
- Bhai Daya Singh
- Bhai Mukham Singh
- Bhai Sahib Singh
- Bahi Dharam Singh
- Bhai Himmat Singh
Examples:
A panj pyara consists of five initiated Sikhs (Amritdharis) and may be either men or women. Duties of the panj pyara are to:
- Prepare and administrate amrit, the immortalizing nectar given to initiates in the Amrit ceremony.
- Assign tasks of reinstatement, to the transgressors of initiation vows.
- Assemble when important councils meet to make decisions affecting all Sikhs.
- To be present at all important occasions such as laying the foundation of a gurdwara.
- Take the lead walking ahead of the Guru Granth in ceremonial or commemorative processions.
