Raksha Bandhan is an Indian festival that stands for the bond of love between brother and sister. On this day, sisters used to tie a knot on the wrist of their brothers that is considered to be the knot of amity and they seek for the blessings of the divine for the health and long lives of their brothers. The word Raksha in Raksha Bandhan stands for protection and the word Bandhan signifies bond. Therefore, this festival is considered to signify the bond of protection. This protection is not just physical but spiritual as well and protects from the dark hands of evil.
Origin
The origin and subsequent development of the festival of Raksha Bandhan is related to several epics that are historically significant and therefore its origin could be traced back to the Pouranik times. Overall protection from all kinds of evils and negative energies is provided by this festival the rich heritage of legendary traditions is nurtured by this festival.
Several stories are famous behind the celebration of this auspicious festival including those that are rooted back to the time and age of great epics. One such famous story goes a follows: Once, the king of heaven, Lord Indra had to face the Daitya raaja who was also known as demon king. In the battle between the two, a time came when Datiya raaja was able to got better over Indra and he was close to defeat. He then sought the advice of his Guru and then performed accordingly. According to his Guru, the time of Shraavana Poornima was very auspicious for sallying forth. On that day, Shachee Devi tied Rakhi on the right hand’s wrist of Lord Indra and as a result, he was able to reestablish his sovereignty by overcoming the demon.
This story is believed to be the reason behind the origin of Raksha Bandhan in Hindu mythology. New and modified customs have been acquired by this festival in modern ages.
This festival marks the protection of brothers from all kinds of evils when their sisters tied Rakhi on their hands. Their blessings are believed to be so powerful that they nullify the ill effects of all negative powers and bless their brothers with divine powers and protection.
There are several famous stories behind this festival dated back from the ancient times. As per one such story, wife of Alexander had tied Rakhi on the hands of Porus, the mighty Hindu advisory and ask for his assurance to save the life of this husband in battlefield. The great Hindu king responded to this in true Kshatriya style and restrained himself from striking Alexander in the battlefield.
With the idea of spreading the spirit of nationality in people from different ethnic backgrounds, the festival of Raksha Bandhan was used by the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore as a community festival. Therefore, it does not matter whether there is a blood relation or not as the spirit of love and protection is not limited to boundaries and is far beyond the biological association.
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, it is common sight to see the females tying Rakhi on the hands of boys who do not have any sister. Similarly, the girls used to tie Rakhi on the wrist of Prime minister (unless prime minister is a lady) and soldiers and establish a bond of love and care with them. The festival of Raksha Bandhan is therefore the symbol of goodwill and universal brotherhood.
LEGENDS BEHIND RAKSHA BANDHAN
As per the legend, the God of death, Yama had a sister named Yamuna. Yamuna used top tie a sacred thread known as Rakhi on the wrist of his brother on the occasion of Shravan Purnima and the tradition of sisters tying Rakhis on the wrist of their brothers originated from then. The sisters seek the blessings of divine for the protection, long life and good health of their brothers. In response to this, the brothers bestow their sisters with blessings and provide protection to them from all kinds of evil effects.
There was a king named Bali who was a pious devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Indra became insecure from the devotion of Bali towards Lord Vishnu and therefore pleaded in front of Lord Vishnu so as to save his throne. As a response to his pleads, Bali was overthrown beneath the earth by Lord Vishnu. On this, Bali Asked Lord Vishnu for the treatment meted out to him. He was then blessed with the boon of immortality by Lord Vishnu and he even promises Bali to care and protect his kingdom. On account of his promise that was given to Bali, “Vaikunthdham” was left by Lord Vishnu and he went to protect Bali’s kingdom. Goddess Laxmi, wife of Lord Vishnu then visited Bali in the disguise of a poor lady and asked for shelter. She tied Rakhi on the wrist of Bali on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan by regarding him as her brother. In response to this, when Bali offered her with gifts, she revealed her identity and told him that the reason of her arrival is that Lord Vishnu is here to protect his kingdom. She also asked Bali that he should send Lord Vishnu back to “Vaikunthdham” if it is feasible to him. Bali then requested Lord Vishnu to return to “Viakunthdham”.
Wife of King Alexander had tied Rakhi on the wrist oh Porus when he had captured Alexander in the battle field. She asked Porus to save the life of her husband and Porus, who was famous for his nobelness, agreed to her request. He restrained to kill his enemy in the battle field on the next day to keep his promise.
During the rule of Rajputs over Chittor, there was a widowed queen named Rani Karnawati in the kingdom. When Bahadur Shah, the king of Mewar decided to attack Chiitor, Rani Karnawati sent a Rakhi to Mughal Ruler Humayun and asked for his help to save the kingdom. Humayun was aware of the significance of Rakhi in Indian Culture and was touched by this gesture. As a result, he reached Chittor with his army to save Karnawati. But by the time he reached the fort, she had killed herself in the mass suicide called as Johar.
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