Raksha Bhandhan
RAKSHA BHADHAN By Maharaj Washdev Sharma
History:-
There are many legends that signify the importance of the Rakhi in India. Legend goes that once Indra, the Pauranic King of the Heavens, while warring with the Daitya-Raaja (demon king) was confronted and lost. Humbled, he sought the advice of Brihaspati. On the auspicious occasion of Shravan Poornima, both Shachee Devi or Indrani, the consort of Indra and Brihaspati, the Guru of the Gods, tied silken amulets popularly known as Raksha on Indra’s wrist. Subsequently, Indra vanquished the Daitya-Raaja and re-established sovereignty over his celestial abode.
Other references to this simple ceremony are found in the epic Mahabharata where Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava son, enquires from Lord Krishna on how best he could guard himself against all impending evils and catastrophes in the ensuing year. Krishna advises him to observe the Raksha Bandhan ceremony.
Tradition:
Raksha Bandhan is an unspoken pledge exchanged between a brother and sister cementing their fraternal relationship. This also reinforces their protective bond against all ills and odds. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the day of Shravan Poornima that falls in the month of August every year.This year having adika maas (Purushtom) It falls later. On this very day, the sisters tie a delicate, sometimes decorated, thread on the wrist of their brothers as a symbol of love and affection. This makes the brothers bound to protect their sisters from any trouble or wound. The chanting of a holy mantra by the sisters while tying the thread says,
Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
Tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala
It means, I am tying a Raksha to you, similar to the one tied to Bali, the powerful king of the demons. Oh Raksha, be firm, do not waiver.” The mantra recalls how the demon king Bali had become powerful with the Rakhi on. The power of the mantra is to protect the wearer from evil influences.
RITUALS AND CUSTOMS
Raksha Bandhan day starts with a festive mood in every Indian home. Rakhis are made or bought a day before the festival. Traditional goodies and dishes are prepared early in the morning. After an early bath, the offering Puja (worshipping of god) takes place. The sister then offers “aarti” (a traditional way of worshipping) to her brother and ties the thread on his right wrist. Traditional “tilak”or vermilion powder on the forehead of the brother is put and the brother blesses the sister. The tradition of giving gifts and presents is also an important part of this festival. The brother gifts his sister a gift after she ties the Rakhi on his wrist. This gift acts as a token of love and affection of the brother towards the sister. Sometimes sisters also demand for a gift of their own choice to keep it as a loving memory of that very day. However, the blessing bestowed by the brother itself is regarded as the biggest gift for the sister. Treating her brother along with her entire family, the goodies and eatables that have been prepared follows next.
Note:Simple Rakhees are available from Maharaj Washdev Sharma at no costs.
History:-
There are many legends that signify the importance of the Rakhi in India. Legend goes that once Indra, the Pauranic King of the Heavens, while warring with the Daitya-Raaja (demon king) was confronted and lost. Humbled, he sought the advice of Brihaspati. On the auspicious occasion of Shravan Poornima, both Shachee Devi or Indrani, the consort of Indra and Brihaspati, the Guru of the Gods, tied silken amulets popularly known as Raksha on Indra’s wrist. Subsequently, Indra vanquished the Daitya-Raaja and re-established sovereignty over his celestial abode.
Other references to this simple ceremony are found in the epic Mahabharata where Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava son, enquires from Lord Krishna on how best he could guard himself against all impending evils and catastrophes in the ensuing year. Krishna advises him to observe the Raksha Bandhan ceremony.
Tradition:
Raksha Bandhan is an unspoken pledge exchanged between a brother and sister cementing their fraternal relationship. This also reinforces their protective bond against all ills and odds. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the day of Shravan Poornima that falls in the month of August every year.This year having adika maas (Purushtom) It falls later. On this very day, the sisters tie a delicate, sometimes decorated, thread on the wrist of their brothers as a symbol of love and affection. This makes the brothers bound to protect their sisters from any trouble or wound. The chanting of a holy mantra by the sisters while tying the thread says,
Yena baddho Balee raajaa daanavendro mahaabalah
Tena twaam anubadhnaami rakshe maa chala maa chala
It means, I am tying a Raksha to you, similar to the one tied to Bali, the powerful king of the demons. Oh Raksha, be firm, do not waiver.” The mantra recalls how the demon king Bali had become powerful with the Rakhi on. The power of the mantra is to protect the wearer from evil influences.
RITUALS AND CUSTOMS
Raksha Bandhan day starts with a festive mood in every Indian home. Rakhis are made or bought a day before the festival. Traditional goodies and dishes are prepared early in the morning. After an early bath, the offering Puja (worshipping of god) takes place. The sister then offers “aarti” (a traditional way of worshipping) to her brother and ties the thread on his right wrist. Traditional “tilak”or vermilion powder on the forehead of the brother is put and the brother blesses the sister. The tradition of giving gifts and presents is also an important part of this festival. The brother gifts his sister a gift after she ties the Rakhi on his wrist. This gift acts as a token of love and affection of the brother towards the sister. Sometimes sisters also demand for a gift of their own choice to keep it as a loving memory of that very day. However, the blessing bestowed by the brother itself is regarded as the biggest gift for the sister. Treating her brother along with her entire family, the goodies and eatables that have been prepared follows next.
Note:Simple Rakhees are available from Maharaj Washdev Sharma at no costs.
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