From women, men are born;
within women, men are conceived; to a woman he is engaged and married.
A Woman becomes his friend; through women, the future generations come.
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to women he is bound.
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
From women, women are born; without women, there would be no one at all.
Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, the founder of Sikhism, said the above in about 1499. So for Sikhs (unlike many other religions) women are seen, treated and valued as equals.
The Sikh Women always have been, and always will be, the backbone of the Khalsa Panth. Their selflessness lies second to none in the world. Sikh women are able to earn Godly qualities (due to the extremely important responsibilities placed on them) that their male counterparts may not be able to earn.
Khalsa Kaur's are naturally beautiful both within and without (and do not require cosmetics). Fake physical beauty is only temporary.
Guru Nanak worked for the welfare of all to achieve which he strived for equality amongst all. Towards this aim, freeing the female of the overbearing influence of male was of utmost importance. Reading about the lives of some of the women of the Guru period, one realises the extent to which the Gurus were able to achieve their aim.
Bebe Nanaki - Bebe Nanaki was elder sister of Guru Nanak. Bibi Amro - the daughter of Guru Angad Sahib Ji, the Second Guru. Bibi Anup Kaur - the Sikh girl who took part in the battles of Guru Gobind Singh. Bibi Baghel Kaur - a extraordinary woman that converted to Sikhism and fought with Sikhs. Bibi Balbir Kaur - a courageous Sikh woman that took part in a non-violent march in 1924. Bibi Basant Lata - a Gursikh woman, with no living relatives that spent her time in the service of Mata Sundri. Bibi Bhagbhari - was a disciple of Guru Amar Das Ji. She was also one of the first Sikh woman preachers. Bibi Bhani - was daughter of Guru Amar Das, wife of Guru Ram Das and mother of Guru Arjan Sahib Ji. Bibi Dalair Kaur - a brave Sikh woman who made a stand at Anandpur. Bibi Deep Kaur - a true daughter of Guru Gobind Singh. Bibi Dharam Kaur - Bibi Dharam Kaur's bravery, courage, intelligence and political manoevures remain exemplary in Sikh history. Bibi Harnam Kaur - a pioneer in the field of women's education. Bibi Harsharn Kaur - and her sacrifice at Chamkaur. Bibi Kaulan - was a muslim woman that could not stop repeating the Guru's verses. Bibi Nirbhai Kaur - a fearless sant-sipahi Gursikh. Bibi Prem Kaur - this brave lioness, daughter of Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave up her life to save the Khalsa Army from a humiliating defeat. Bibi Rajinder Kaur - granddaughter of Baba Ala Singh, the ruler of the Patiala State. Bibi Rajni - always kept the faith in Guru and God, and was rewarded at the end. Bibi Sachan Sach - and an audience with Guru Amar Das Ji. Bibi Sahib Kaur - a warrior and leader of men who played a prominent part in the history of the Sutlej states from 1793 to 1801. Bibi Shamsher Kaur - was a hindu, coverted to Sikhi and became a Gursikh warrior. Bibi Sharan Kaur - was a hindu and transformed into a brave saint-soldier after converting to Sikhism and becoming a Gursikh. Bibi Shushil Kaur - became a Gursikh and the wife of Banda Singh Bahadur. Bibi Viro - was daughter of Guru Hargobind. Mai Bhago - a symbol of bravery and courage. Mai Kabul Wali - helped dig the baoli at Goindwal. Mata Daya Kaur - mother of Guru Angad Sahib Ji. Mata Gujri - wife of Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji. Mata Khivi - wife of Guru Angad Sahib Ji, is the only lady whose name has been mentioned in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Mata Kishan Kaur - is known for her fearless role in the Jaito agitation. Mata Suhag Bai - a kind woman sent by Guru Amar Das for those in need. Mata Sulakhani - wife of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. Mata Sundari - wife of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Mata Tripta - mother of Guru Nanak Sahib Ji. Matho Murari - disciple of Guru Amar Das Ji. Women of Anandpur - Daughters of the Khalsa.Unlike other religions Sikhi clearly states that Sikh women have always been regarded as equals with men and have all the rights and privileges enjoyed by men. Women are considered to have the same soul as men and have an equal right to grow spiritually. Sikh women are allowed to lead religious congregations, to take part in Akhand Path (the continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures), to perform Kirtan, to work as Granthi (caretaker) or a preacher and to participate freely in all religious, cultural, social, political and secular activities.
Sikh women have played a glorious part in Sikh History and have proven themselves as equal in service, devotion, sacrifice and bravery. Examples of their moral dignity, service and self sacrifice are and will remain a source of inspiration. Women are the backbone of the history of the Sikhs, their culture and tradition yet there is little written about this huge contribution by the Sikh women to the great history of this religion. Men and women are two sides of the same coin - the human race. Men take birth from a women and women are born of me. This system is interrelating and inter-dependent. A man can never feel secure and complete in life without a woman. A man's success depends upon the love and support of the woman who shares her life with him and vice versa.
