Rakshabandhan Meaning and Significance

Raksha Bandhan 2015

Rakshabandhan Meaning and Significance

Rakshabandhan is one of the popular festival celebrated in whole India. This festival depicts about the love of brothers and sisters. On this day a sister tie Rakhi to brother’s wrist and prays to the almighty God for the safety and bright future of her brother. In return brother gives sweets, gifts and blessing of good wishes. The festival is celebrated whole heartedly for the whole day. Rakshabandhan is the combination of two words- Raksha and Bandhan. “Raksha” means protection and “Bandhan” means Bond. This festival is not only for the siblings, but also for the protection of your loved ones.

Raksha Bandhan is mentioned in our epics as a festival of Gods. It is said that Yamuna, the sister of Yama, the lord of Death used to tie Rakhi to his brother on every Shravan Purnima. Indrani tied Rakhi to his brother, Lord Indra. Yama was so impressed by the occasion that he declared that whoever got a Rakhi tied from his sister would become immortal. From that day onwards girls tie Rakhi to their brothers wishing them a long life and brothers bestow their blessings by promising to take care of the sisters through thick and thin.

While tying the Rakhi, the girls chant

"Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala"

This means "I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter."

There are many ancient tales behind this auspicious festival Rakhshabandhan. Below are some of the short stories that will let you know the meaning and commence of this festival.

• In the medieval times, Rakhi was a sign of help. The Rajput kingdoms were being attacked by the Muslim rulers. The Royal ladies seek help from the fellow Rajput rulers sending them Rakhi. The Rajputans considered it their responsibility to respond to the request and help them.
• A famous incident relates how the widowed queen of Chittor, Rani Karnawati sent a Rakhi to Emperor Humayun to help her save the honor of the dependent Ladies. Humayun immediately followed the request and reached there with his troops. He despite all his efforts reached there late and the royal ladies had already performed the Jauhar.
• Rabindranath Tagore started Rakhi Utsavas, a congregation signifying the harmonious relationship amongst the community. It was a vow for peaceful existence and commitment to all the members of society. This was Raksha Bandhan’s universal outlook.

All this signifies that Rakhi was not always an only brother sister festival. It was to fulfil the basic need of protection. It was a un- maligned prayer for good will and protection. It is said that at one time the Sages tied the sacred thread for protection to themselves and their followers.
Rakhi in today’s scenario, though celebrated, as a sibling’s festival, if taken in true sense has a much broader perspective. The festival encompasses true sense of peace and brotherhood. The values propagated by the occasion if inculcated by all human beings can bring the much-needed relief from the ongoing violence and mistrust