Kacchera
Kacchera (Punjabi: ਕਛੈਰਾ) or Kaccha (ਕਛਾ) are specially designed short, shalwar-like loose undergarments with a tie-knot ("naala" = drawstring) worn by baptized Sikhs. It is one of the five Sikh articles of faith called the Five Ks (ਪਂਜ ਕ੍ਕਾਰ), and was given as a "gift of love" by Guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanskar in 1699. Kacchera have been worn by baptized Sikhs (Khalsa) since a mandatory religious commandment given by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, in 1699. Both male and female Sikhs wear similar undergarments. This is one of five articles of faith—collectively called "Kakkars"—that form the external, visible symbols clearly and outwardly displaying one's commitment and dedication to the order (Hukam) of the tenth master.
The Sikh Code of Conduct states "For a Sikh, there is no restriction or requirement as to dress except that he must wear Kachhehra and turban."[1] Kachera is a drawer type fastened by a fitted string round the waist, very often worn as an underwear. This Kakkar was given by Gobind Singh to remind his Sikhs that they should control their sexual desire, Kaam (lust). The kacchera is above-the-knee underwear meant to give a feeling of dignity, modesty, and honour to the person who wears it. The garment is usually made from white, lightweight-cotton material. It serves to cover the genitalia, as well as to remind the Sikh of the Guru's commandment to think of members of the opposite sex as he or she would think of immediate family and not as objects of lust. The kacchera is secured and tied with a "nara" (drawstring). This serves as another reminder that when one is untying the drawstring one is given time to think about what one is about to do.
The kacchera is the Guru's gift and it reminds the Sikhs of the Guru's message regarding the control of the Five Evils, especially lust. It serves its purpose efficiently and effectively and is easy to fabricate, maintain, wash, and carry compared to other conventional undergarments, such as the dhoti, etc.
The Guru Granth Sahib states that sexual desire can be overcome: "Through the Kind and Compassionate True Guru, I have met the Lord; I have conquered sexual desire, anger and greed."[2] and that one should renounce worldly desire and seek the sanctuary of the Lord.[3]
Health Benefits
Kacchera is a loose undergarment as against tight undergarments worn by majority of males (57%) today.[4] A study conducted at the University of Nebraska Omaha evaluated the effect that fit of underwear had on sperm production in two healthy adult males in their early thirties. The results showed the semen parameters gradually decreased in tight conditions and gradually increased during loose conditions.[5] In order for testes to produce sufficient quality and quantity of sperm, the temperature of testes must be lower than the core body temperature. Testes can overheat when a man wears tight underwear. If the testes are too hot, they are not able to produce sufficient sperm, resulting in low sperm count.[6]
See also
- Tallit katan
- Temple garment: religious undergarments worn by many Mormons
References
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- ↑ Sikh Beliefs and Practices
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