Guru Gobind Singh's Preserved Kesh

Origin
Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th Sikh Guru, along with a spiritual master, warrior, poet and philosopher. When his father, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded for refusing to convert to Islam, Guru Gobind Singh was coronated as the leader of the Sikhs at age nine, becoming the last of the living Sikh Gurus. Among his notable contributions to Sikhism include founding the Sikh warrior community called Khalsa and introducing the Five Ks, the five articles of faith that Khalsa Sikhs wear at all times.

Known as kesh, letting one’s hair grow long naturally without cutting it is meant to symbolize spiritual piety and a respect for creation. The hair is normally held in place with a kanga (another of the Five K’s) or a turban. Many Sikhs when challenged would rather face punishment than shave their facial hair, which is considered mishandling God’s gifts.

Effects
Grants greater fortitude to withstand outside pressures to change or alter one’s identity. The user will feel more confident and assured in their true self and will not submit to other’s opinions. However, this attitude has been known to cause more friction with people who do not see eye-to-eye with the user.