In Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s inner circle lived a Sikh named Bhai Dana Brar. When fellow Sikhs noticed he’d trimmed his hair – directly going against the Guru’s command for Khalsa to maintain unshorn hair – they brought it to Guru Ji’s attention.
Summoned before the Guru, Bhai Dana pointed to his stubble, claiming, “Guru Ji, see? I’ve kept some hair.” Guru Gobind Singh Ji calmly touched his own long kes and asked, “Where is the hair like mine?”
When Bhai Dana dared to ask why keeping hair was mandatory, Guru Ji’s response changed everything: “If a hair-keeping Sikh ever falls into hell, I will personally grab his kes and pull him out.”
These electrifying words struck Bhai Dana to his core. He immediately took Amrit, transforming into Bhai Daan Singh – a true Khalsa who embraced the Guru’s path completely. This powerful moment reveals why maintaining kes isn’t just tradition, but a sacred covenant between the Guru and his Sikhs.
