Rakshabandhan By SHRI JYOTISH GURU, 2022-08-09 19:45:16
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the last day of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shraavana, which typically falls in August. The expression "Raksha Bandhan," Sanskrit, literally, "the bond of protection, obligation, or care," is now principally applied to this ritual. On this day, sisters tie rakhi on the wrists of their brothers to protect them against evil influences, and pray for their long life and happiness. They in turn, give a gift which is a promise that they will protect their sisters from any harm. Within these Rakhis reside sacred feelings and well wishes. The history of Rakshabandhan dates back to Hindu mythology. Ancient scriptures mentioned that the sorrowful separation of the brother Yama and sister Yamuna, who loved each other a lot, was known to have been celebrated as Raksha Bandhan between brothers and sisters. According to the folklore, the God of Death Yama had not visited his sister Yamuna for twelve long years. Then Yamuna felt heartbroken and went to Goddess Ganga seeking for her advice. Then Goddess Ganga reminded Yama about his sister Yamuna, On the “Shravan Purnima” (an auspicious day in the Hindi month of Shravan), God Yama visited his sister Yamuna’s home. Yamuna was really glad to see her brother. While welcoming, Yamuna performed aarti to him, applied tilak on his forehead and also tied a rakhi (a sacred thread) on Yama’s wrist. She prepared lots of food and fed him. Being pleased God Yama showered his blessing on his sister and offered her to be immortal. He also said that if a brother visits his sister on that day and gets a rakhi tied by his sister then he would be blessed with good health and wealth and brothers would protect their sisters from all the difficulties. Ever since, that day is known as “Raksha Bandhan”. Draupadi and Lord Krishna shared a strong bondage and though they were not real brother and sister, but their love was never lesser than that. According to one of the Mahabharata version on a Sankranti day, Shri Krishna had cut his little finger while handling sugarcane. Sathyabama, his queen immediately sent her help to get a bandage cloth while his other consort, Rukmini rushed to bring some cloth herself. Draupadi who was nearby, tore off a part of her sari and bandaged his finger. In return for this deed, Krishna promised to protect her in time of distress. Krishna was touched by this selfless token of affection and pledged to rush to Draupadi’s protection whenever needed. Draupadi used to tie a rakhi to the Lord’s hand every year and Krishna always showered His protection on her. The word he is said to have uttered is "Akshyam" which was a boon meaning "unending". And that was how Draupadi’s saari became endless and saved her embarrassment on the day of Cheerharan in Dhritarashtra’s court. ... Shri Jyotish Guru
