this practice has been in existence since the times of guru nanak dev (1469 - 1539). during that time-period, this ceremony was known as charan amrit or charan phul or the pag pahul, the words "charan" and "pag" both signifying the foot of the teacher. during that time-period, the neophytes poured water over guru's toe to be initiated into the fold. when the guru was not present, the "masands" or the local "sangat" leaders officiated. the water was poured on guru's toe and then the devotees would drink it and seek blessings of the guru. the guru would guide the sikhs about the sikh teachings and instruct them to adopt them as a way of life.