PUNJ (the concept of number/ figure FIVE, 5)
The number Panj (Punj, 5) has been frequently used in various Sikh institutions.
Conceptually speaking, there is no importance of the number/figure ‘5’ in Sikhism.
It is mere co-incidence that there were Punj Piaray or there are five elements (of which human body is made of) or there are Punj Kakaars (articles of faith for a Sikh); or there are five sins or five weapons or there is Punj Ishnana (to wash two hands, two feet and mouth) or there are five Namaz(s) in Islam or there were five Pandavs (of Mahabharata story).
In Sikhism ‘Punj/5’ means nothing specific or special. Had figure 5 been of any regard, there would have been only five (and not ten) Guru Sahib, five Kurahits and five stanzas in each Bani and so on.
In Sikhism, no figure/number, letter, name, time, day, date, direction, place, or colour etc. has any spiritual or special value (and, all the times, dates, days, moments, are auspicious for a Sikh for meditating upon God’s Name).
In Japji (Guru Granth Sahib, p.3), Guru Nanak has used the word Punch. It does not mean figure 5. It means ‘noble’ persons and not ‘five’ persons.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)