11/08/2022
Two Beautiful Stories Related to Rakhsha Bandhan!
But first, wish you all "Happy Raksha Bandhan"
It is one of the biggest festivals in India. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the Purnima Tithi (Full Moon day) of the holy month of Shravan or Sawan (a month dedicated to Lord Shiva).
The traditional festival of 'Raksha Bandhan' i.e. Rakhi dates back to its origin about 6000 years ago during the Aryans established their first civilization. Due to diversity in many languages and cultures, the traditional customs & rituals to celebrate the Rakhi festival differs from region to region across India.
Many historical pieces of evidence exist regarding the celebration of the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
So let's dive into:
1. The story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi
For the protection of the Dharma on earth, Lord Krishna killed the devil King Shishupal. Lord Krishna was hurt in the war and left with a bleeding finger. Seeing his bleeding finger, Draupadi had torn a strip of her saree and tied it around his injured finger to stop the bleeding. Lord Krishna has valued her concern and affection. He felt bound by her sisterly love & compassion. He pledged to repay the debt of gratitude in her future. After many years, Pandavas lost their wife Draupadi in the game of dice to crooked Kauravas. They had attempted to remove the saree of Draupadi that was the time when Lord Krishna protected the dignity of Draupadi through his divine powers.
2. King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi
Mahabali, the demon king was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. Due to his immense devotion, Lord Vishnu took the responsibility to protect Bali's Kingdom leaving his normal dwelling place in Vikundam. The wife of Lord Vishnu i.e. Goddess Lakshmi became very sad. She wanted to stay with her husband Lord Vishnu. So she went to King Bali in disguise as a Brahmin woman and took refuge in his castle. She tied Rakhi on King Bali's wrist on the full moon day called Shravana Purnima. Later Goddess Lakshmi revealed who she was actually and why she had come. The king was moved by her and Lord Vishnu's good will and affection for him & his family. Bali requested Lord Vishnu to accompany his wife to Vaikuntam. It is believed that from that day onwards it has become a custom to invite one’s sister on Shravana Purnima to tie the auspicious thread of Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan.