Stories Behind Raksha Bandhan Festival

Here are six stories denoting the significance and history of Raksha Bandhan celebrations.Raksha Bandhan is an auspicious occasion to celebrate the blessed brother-sister relationship. It is celebrated in various parts of India with happiness and excitement. The sister ties a ‘Rakhi’ thread around her brother’s hand who in turn promises to protect her always. It is celebrated among cousins as well as siblings. It is an important occasion signifying the relevance of brother-sister relationship.Here are six stories from history describing the origin of this festival. In this articleKrishna and DraupadiRani Karnavati and HumayunAkexander, the GreatGoddess Lakshmi and King BaliBhavishya Puran LegendKrishna and DraupadiPerhaps, one of the most important stories which come to one’s mind is the story of Krishna and Draupadi. It is said that Krishna once hurt his finger when he was handling sugarcane. Seeing his pain and bleeding hand, Draupadi immediately tore a piece of her sari and tied it around Krishna’s finger while Rukmini and Satyabhama did not do the same even though they too were present.Seeing her affection, Krishna promised to protect her whenever she was in distress. He kept his promise to her when Duryodhana tried to disrobe her in full public view but he could not succeed only due to the protection of Krishna.Rani Karnavati and HumayunRani Karnavati’s kingdom was being attacked by Bahadur Shah. She sent a hopeful letter to Humayun along with a rakhi asking for his help. He immediately rushed to help her leaving a military campaign midway. Playing a dutiful brother’s role, he immediately rushed to protect Rani Karnavati. This is also one of the most famous stories behind Raksha Bandhan celebrations.Akexander, the GreatWhen Alexander the Great invaded India, his wife Roxana sent a Rakhi to the Katoch King Porus. He vowed to protect both of them. While on the battle field, his eyes fell on the rakhi and he stopped himself from killing Alexander.This story proves the value of the scared thread ‘rakhi’ and how it saved Alexander, the Great’s life.Goddess Lakshmi and King BaliLord Vishnu wanted to protect Bali – the demon king who was his great devotee. So, he disguised himself as a doorman and reached Bali’s kingdom. He was protecting Bali. Goddess Lakshmi who was Vishnu’s consort wanted to meet her husband so she approached Bali seeking shelter. He told him that her husband was away. Soon Bali begins to prosper as Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth. In the holy month of Shravana, she ties a wrist around Bali’s wrist and wishes for happiness and peace. Bali asks her to name her wish or desire saying that he will fulfil her promise.She simply points towards the doorman who Bali realizes is none other than Vishnu, the God himself. She also reveals her true identity. Bali keeps his promise and Vishnu returns back with Goddess Lakshmi. In turn he says that he will be with Bali for four months every year.Bhavishya Puran LegendAccording to legend, the gods and demons were having a fight. The demon King Brutra was advancing towards Indra, and it looked like the Gods were going to be defeated. Indra approached the Guru Brihaspati to seek his help. He told Indra to tie a sacred Raksha on his hand containing the powers of holy mantras on the day of Shravan Purnima. The power of the sacred Raksha thread propelled the Gods to victory. The tradition of tying the thread continues till the present day as a sign of goodwill.Raksha Bandhan is a very good occasion for brothers and sisters to bond. It is said that the female Divine energy transfers to the thread while tying on the brother’s hand and stays for at least four hours after tying on the wrist. The brother promises to protect the sister and pampers her with special gifts on this special and important day.When is Raksha Bandhan celebrated? What is the history behind Raksha Bandhan festival? What is the significance of tying ‘Rakhi’ on the Day of Raksha Bandhan? Discuss here.