An Indian soldier travels to his village from the border to celebrate ‘Raksha-Bandhan’ with his sisters. He reaches his village and finds his 2 sisters waiting for him with an auspicious ‘pooja thali’ that has a small ‘Diya’, ‘Rice’, ‘Kumkum’, ‘Flowers’ and a ‘Raksha-sutra (rakhi)’. They first do his pooja and then tie rakhis on his wrist. Rakhi is a festival that symbolises affection, devotion, protection, respect and responsibility.
The legacy of this emotional tradition of bonding – ‘Raksha Bandhan’ i.e. Rakhi, dates back its origin about 6000 years ago during Aryans established first civilization.
Going by the mythology and beliefs, the first ‘Raksha-sutra’ is mentioned in our auspicious writings – Bhavishya Purana. There was a fierce battle between Devtas and Asurs. Dev Indra got worried that King Brutra, who led the demons against the Devtas, would defeat Devtas. Extremely worried, Lord Indra approached his guru ‘Brihaspati’ and sought his advice on the situation. Brihaspati Ji asked Lord Indra to get a Raksha-Sutra (Rakhi) or chasm tied on his wrist by his wife Sachi – the Indrani. Brihaspati Ji also told Lord Indra that this wristlet should be empowered by the sacred mantras chanted on the full moon day or Shravana Purnima.
The blessings of Raksha-Sutra or Rakhi tied by Sachi (Indra’s wife) empowered the thread on the auspicious day Purnima. The power of the sacred thread called Raksha helped the Gods to win the battle safely. This belief led to the continuance of tying an amulet on a man’s wrist.
Another interesting story is about Droupadi and Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna had given his word to King Shishupal’s mother to pardon 100 of Shishupal’s sins, that incited immediate death penalty. But when King Shishupal crossed the 100th sin, Lord Krishna killed him with his ‘sudarshan chakra’. This hurt Lord Krishna’s finger and it started bleeding. Here Droupadi immediately torn a strip of her saree and tied around his injured finger to stop the bleeding. Lord Krishna valued her concern and affection and felt bounded by this sisterly love, care and compassion. He pledged to repay the debt of gratitude in her future. After many years, Pandavas lost their wife Droupadi in the game of dice to Kauravas. To hamper the dignity of Droupadi, the Kauravas attempted to remove her saree. That was the time when Lord Krishna protected the dignity of Droupadi through his divine powers.
Yet another story is of Yama and Yamuna. A popular legend says that when Yamuna tied a rakhi to the lord of death – Yama, he granted her immortality. He was moved by the gesture and declared that any brother who was tied a rakhi and offered to protect his sister would become immortal.
Another story that is popular is of Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali. Goddess Lakshmi disguised herself as a shelterless woman and approached King Bali. He opened the door of his palace to her without any hesitation. Pleased, the goddess brought along prosperity and well-being. On a full moon day in Shravana, Lakshmi tied a thread of coloured cotton on Bali’s wrist and wished for protection. Bali asked her what she desires. She pointed to the gatekeeper who was Vishnu in disguise protecting Lord Bali. Vishnu revealed his true identity. Bali then requested Vishnu to return home with his consort. In return, Vishnu promised to return and be with Bali for four months of the year.
Today sisters tie Rakhi to their brother’s wrist for protection and pray to God for his well-being.
One of the references to the History of Rakhi festival goes back to 300 B.C. The story of Alexander the Great and King Puru. During the time when India was invaded by Alexander. It is believed that the great conqueror, King Alexander of Macedonia, was wavered by experiencing the fury of the Indian King Puru in his first attempt of defense. On seeing her husband plight, Alexander’s wife, who had been aware of Rakhi festival, approached King Puru. King Puru accepted her as his Rakhi sister and he refrained from war against Alexander.
When your sister ties ‘Raksha-sutra’ on your wrist, remember, besides her affection, it is her faith – trust – belief and confidence in you that would go a long way in keeping her protected and secure.
About the Author
Pavan Kaushik is a highly acclaimed author and storyteller known for his captivating narratives and ability to transport readers into imaginative worlds. With a passion for the written word, Pavan has mastered the art of storytelling, weaving intricate plots and creating memorable characters that resonate with audiences of all ages.
