Q. I would like to know the importance of having a shikha.
Why do Vaishnavas keep a shikha?

A. Sikha is an integral part of a Vaishnava’s appearance. Just as a policeman has his uniform that distinguishes him from ordinary citizens, or a businessman has his own business attire, the sikha along with other things, distinguishes a Vaishnava from ordinary people, especially Mayavadis. The Puranas explain that the spiritual master rescues his disciple by pulling his sikha when he sees the disciple slipping into maya.