Raksha Bandhan in the mythologies of India

Posted by Adhiraj Sengupta | Posted on August 12, 2016

Raksha Bandhan is an ancient Hindu festival which celebrates the duty and love between brothers and sisters. However this festival is well accepted by Jains, Sikhs, and some foreigners and Muslims too so it will be a racist statement if we limit it only to the Hindus.

In the full moon day of Srabon month of Hindu calendar this festival takes place where sisters tie a sacred thread on her brother’s wrist which is the significance of his well being, long livelihood for the vow of her protection in return. Many myths and historical characters are linked to this festival of Raksha Bandhan.

[A traditional thali of Raksha Bandhan]
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Yama and Yamuna

Goddess Yamuna consulted with Goddess Ganga what to do as she was very sad that her beloved brother Yama have not visited him for about 12 years at a stretch. Yama came to visit his sister when he was reminded by Goddess Ganga and on the other hand Yamuna prepared a bounty of food for Yama, being overjoyed to see his brother. Delighted Yama when asker his sister what she wants as gift was told that he should come to visit her again soon. Emotional Yama blessed Yamuna to be immortal. On every Srabon Purnima, Yama comes to visit his sister Yamuna, who ties a sacred thread to his brother’s wrist and since then it has become a tradition for the sisters to tie a rakhi or a raksha bandhan sacred thread to their brother’s wrist which glows as a significance of love, blessings, best wishes.

Indra and Sachi

In the Bhavishya Purana, rain and thunder deity Indtra was disgraced by demon King Bali. Before the war between the two, Indra’s wife Sachi tied a cotton thread bracelet over Indra’s wrist as a sign of well being and success which was given to her by lord Vishnu. Indra defeated Bali and successfully recovered his capital, Amaravati. The story suggests that in ancient times men were given this sacred thread as blessings for success and it is not closed between brother – sister relationship only.

[Raksha Bandhan is a symbol of love between Brother and Sister]
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Shubh, Labh and Santoshi Maa

Ganesh’s sister visited him on the event of Raksha Bandhan and tied a rakhi thread on his wrist, seeing which Ganesh’s sons Shubh and Labh got frustrated as they had no sisters. On Narada’s request Ganesh created a daughter named Santoshi Ma from her wives Rddhi and Siddhi. Thus Shubh and Labh got a sister whom they protected and loved ever after.

Bali and Lakshmi

Demon king Bali requested lord Vishnu to stay in his palace after Vishnu won the three worlds from him. Vishnu agreed to stay but his wife goddess Lakshmi did not like the palace nor did she like the newly found friendship between Bali and his husband so she went to Bali and tied a Rakhi in his wrist making him her brother. Goddess Lakshmi then requested Bali to free Vishnu from the request of staying here. Bali accepted her request by setting Indra free from his own request.

About the author

I am Adhiraj Sengupta, an article writer. I feel no background and other details are necessary about me, simply, if you like my writing then feel free to contact me. Happy reading :)! Read more