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Summary of Question:	My Meaning Of Kara
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Sunday, 10/26/2003 1:23 AM MDT

Dear readers,

Wah e guruji ka khalsa,wah e guruji ki fateh.

I am a turban wearing sikh.I have talked to many sikhs in my town and we have come to a conclusion of the meaning of kara.
The guru ordained the sikhs to respect steel.Only steel should be used for all functional and ornamental purposes and all other things.Weapons are also made from steel.
Of the 5 kakkars one was to wear a kara ie. made of sarbloh.Steel does'nt actually mean sarbloh.Sarbloh means pure iron.
Iron when put in the form of kara on the wrist will rub the skin constantly in the best manner possible and will assimilate into the blood.It is very good to cleanse the blood and also to increase iron content in the blood which is very good for human growth and health.Now doctors are also acknowledging the fact that todays humans are deficient in iron leading to weaknesses and diseases.
Rest that the kara denotes the circle of life ,it is a close combat weapon in attack or defence ,a charm etc is all not so very convincing and not in a broad perspective as should be in the sikh way of thought.
Also in India ,in Hindus as well as Sikhs wearing iron in some form of the other
is considered shubh ie holy.
Through ancient times hakims and vaids ie. (the indian doctors of old)have prescribed metallic bangles of copper &iron to patients according to their deficiency.
There is a scientific proof to what I am talking.
Please respond.

your humble servant,

S Khushwant Singh

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REPLY
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Sat Siri Akaal. For those that need multiple meanings of the kara, your explanation is OK and does not strike me as inconceivable. If you search this site you will see that Kara represents our allegiance to GOd & Guru. It is a gift (one of 5) given by the 10th master. For most observant Sikhs, this is enough, whether it is iron or steel. Thank you for your comments.
Guru ang sang,
-DKK