Rakshabandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated across India and other parts of the world where Indian communities reside. This festival is a celebration of the unique and sacred bond between brothers and sisters. The term “Rakshabandhan” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Raksha,” meaning protection, and “Bandhan,” meaning bond, signifying the pledge of protection that brothers give to their sisters.
Rakshabandhan has deep roots in Indian history and mythology :-
Draupadi and Lord KrishnaThe Story .
One of the most popular legends related to Rakshabandhan is found in the Mahabharata. During a battle, Krishna cut his finger while handling sugarcane. Seeing his finger bleeding, Draupadi immediately tore a piece of her saree and tied it around his wound to stop the bleeding. Moved by her selfless act, Krishna promised to protect her whenever she needed help.This promise was fulfilled during the infamous incident in the Kaurava court when Duryodhana tried to disrobe Draupadi in front of the entire assembly. As Draupadi prayed to Krishna for help, he miraculously provided an unending stream of cloth, saving her honor. This story is a powerful example of how the bond of Rakhi transcends the physical and is rooted deeply in the promise of protection and love.
Yama and Yamuna The Story .
According to Hindu mythology, Yama, the God of Death, had a sister named Yamuna. She loved her brother dearly and invited him to her home several times, but Yama, being busy with his duties, could not visit her. Finally, when he visited, Yamuna was overjoyed. She performed aarti for him, tied a Rakhi on his wrist, and treated him to a sumptuous meal.Yama was deeply moved by his sister’s love and hospitality. In return, he granted her a boon, asking her what she wanted. Yamuna requested that he visit her again. Yama, who could not refuse her love, granted her immortality, declaring that any brother who received a Rakhi from his sister and promised to protect her would enjoy a long life.
Santoshi Mata and Ganesh Sons The Story.
In another legend, Lord Ganesha’s sons, Shubha and Labha, once complained to their father that they didn’t have a sister to celebrate Rakshabandhan with. They felt left out seeing everyone else enjoying the festival. Ganesha was moved by their plight and created Santoshi Maa through divine flames, granting them a sister.Santoshi Maa then tied a Rakhi to Shubha and Labha, thus marking the celebration of Rakshabandhan in Ganesha’s family.
Indra Dev and SachiThe Story.
Another ancient legend connected to Rakshabandhan comes from the Vedic era. The story is about the war between the gods (Devas) and the demons (Asuras). Indra, the king of gods, was facing defeat in a prolonged battle against the demon king, Bali. Feeling concerned for her husband, Indra’s wife, Sachi, sought the help of Lord Vishnu, who gave her a sacred thread.Sachi tied the sacred thread around Indra’s wrist, blessing him with the power and strength to overcome his enemies. Armed with the power of the thread, Indra managed to defeat Bali and reclaimed his lost kingdom in heaven.
Rituals and Traditions
1. Rakhi Tying Ceremony :- The central ritual of Rakshabandhan is the sister tying a Rakhi—a sacred thread—around her brother’s wrist. This thread is more than just a piece of string; it represents the sister’s prayers for her brother’s well-being and the brother’s promise to protect her from all harm.
2. Aarti and Tilak :- Before tying the Rakhi, the sister performs an aarti (a ritual of worship) for her brother and applies a tilak (a mark) on his forehead, symbolizing her prayers for his long life.
3. Exchange of Gifts :- After the Rakhi is tied, the brother gives his sister gifts as a token of his love and affection. This exchange symbolizes the brothers commitment to his sister’s happiness.
4. Family Gatherings :- Rakshabandhan is often a time for family reunions. It is a day filled with love, laughter, and the sharing of festive foods and sweets like laddoos and barfis.
Why Not Tie Rakhi During Bhadrakal?
Bhadrakal is considered an inauspicious period in Hindu astrology. It’s believed that starting new ventures or performing auspicious ceremonies during this time can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Raksha Bandhan is an auspicious occasion The festival symbolizes the sacred bond between siblings and is filled with positive energy. Performing it during Bhadrakal, which is associated with negativity, is considered contradictory.
2024 Rakhi Muhurat :- This time Bhadrakaal will be till 01:30 pm, so the right time to tie Rakhi is after noon. Sisters can tie Rakhi to their brothers from 01:30 pm to 9 pm.