Since childhood, we have been told that on Raksha Bandhan fest is only limited to Brother-Sister festival. Sisters tie Rakhi to their brothers. However, due to a lack of knowledge of scriptures, we never knew that even wives can tie Rakhi to their husbands. Surprised? Don’t worry i will prove it from Scriptures.
Ancient texts, especially the Skanda Purana (Shravana Mahatmya, Chapter 21), Narada Purana, and Bhavishya Purana (Uttar Parva, Chapter 137), mentions this. It is written that when the Demons were defeated in the Devasura war, they went to their guru Shukracharya to find out the reason for their defeat. Shukracharya explained that Indrani Shachi had tied a protective thread on Indra’s wrist for his safety. This protective thread saved him. This story was told by Krishna to Yudhishthira, along with the method of performing this ritual.
The festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Ordinary people like us have always associated this festival with the deep love and affection between brothers and sisters. We have accepted it completely without knowing the reasoning behind it. Today, there is a lot of misinformation available on the internet and in newspapers about this topic. No one tries to reach the authentic facts. Some say that Draupadi tied a piece of cloth on Krishna’s wrist when he was injured, and in return, he blessed her. Others say that Goddess Parvati tied Rakhi to Lord Vishnu. But these are just legends, as neither Vyasa mentioned it in the Mahabharata nor is it discussed in the Vedas or Puranas. Some mention the story of Bali and the underworld, while others talk about the story of Yamuna and Yama. However, none of these are mentioned in any ancient texts.
In earlier times, priests used to tie a small bundle with rice, yellow mustard, sandalwood, etc., on the wrist after chanting mantras (Bhavishya Purana, Uttar Parva 137.20). Over time, this festival has changed in many ways. It is not known when it became a large-scale festival for brothers and sisters. Regardless of caste or religion, sisters tie a protective thread on their brothers’ wrists and expect continuous love and affection in return. It is a kind of oath of protection.
Who can tie Rakhi to whom: –
1) A mother to her son.
2) A daughter to her father.
3) A sister to her brother.
4) A student to their teacher.
5) A Brahmin to a Kshatriya, Vaishya, or Shudra.
6) Grandchildren to their grandparents.
7) Friends to each other.
A wife to her husband.
To soldiers (this is the most noble act as the army needs this protective thread).
8) Members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (Mumbai) tie Rakhi to each other for protection.
In the Bhavishya Purana, it is also considered good to offer tarpan to ancestors on this day (Bhavishya Purana, Uttar Parva 137). So, tying Rakhi is not just limited to brothers and sisters but is a much broader act.
How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan
When the month of Shravana arrives, on the full moon day, a wise person should bathe at sunrise according to the rules of the scriptures. After performing evening prayers and chanting, they should offer Tarpan to the Deities, Sages, and Ancestors. Then, they should prepare a beautiful Rakhi made of Gold (As per your financial situation) threads, decorated with pearls, and tied with clean, colorful silk threads. This Rakhi should be adorned with intricate knots, flower clusters, and filled with mustard seeds and rice grains.
Next, they should place a pot filled with water and put the Rakhi on top of it. Sitting on a beautiful seat, surrounded by friends, they should engage in auspicious activities. The Acharya should then tie the Rakhi while reciting the mantra:- “येन बद्धो बली राजा दानवेन्द्रो महाबलः। तेन त्वामनुबध्नािम रक्षे मा चल मा चल” which means, “I tie you with the same bond that tied the mighty king Bali, the lord of demons. Do not waver, do not waver.”
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and other people should perform Raksha Bandhan with great care, honoring learned Brahmins. Whoever performs Raksha Bandhan in this way will be free from all faults and live happily for a year. A person who knows this ritual and performs it in the pure month of Shravana will live happily for a year with their children, grandchildren, and friends.
Why can’t Rakhi be tied during Bhadra or Morning time today?
According to Skanda Purana, Shravana Mahatmya, Chapter 21:
भद्रायां च न कर्तव्यो रक्षाबन्धः शुच िव्रतैः। बद्धा रक्षा तु भद्रायां विपरीतफलप्रदा ॥ ५१ ॥
“Raksha Bandhan should not be performed during Bhadra by those who observe pure Rakshabandhan vows. A Rakhi tied during Bhadra gives adverse results.”
What is the best time for Raksha Bandhan?
The most auspicious time is from 1:46 PM to 4:19 PM. Do not tie Rakhi in the morning as that time Bhadra will be present.