9th August 2025
Raksha Bandhan has been celebrated by Gods and men alike since ages.
Rakhi fables abound around Gods like Lord Yama, the Goddess Lakshmi, and Indirani (wife of the God-king Indra).
One of the most popular stories is that of Queen Draupadi & Lord Krishna.
Queen Draupadi is often credited with having tied the first Rakhi. According to legend, Draupadi tore a strip of her sari and bandaged a wound for Lord Krishna. Krishna promised her his protection in return. When the Kauravas tried to strip her after Yudhishthira lost a gambling bet, Lord Krishna ensured that the fabric of her sari kept multiplying so that she could not be disrobed.
Raksha Bandhan has been known to transcend religion and has shaped the political fates & boundaries of some of the erstwhile princely states.
Karnavati, the widowed Empress of Chittor, is said to have sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun, beseeching his protection & aid.
He responded by sending his army to protect Chittor from Bahadur Shah of Gujarat.
The sister chants a Holy Mantra while tying the Rakhi,
“Yena Baddho,
Bali Raja,
Dana Vendro Maha Balah,
Tena Twam Anubhadanaami,
Rakshe Ma Chalaa Ma Chalaa”
Which means,
‘Oh Rakhi,
Just as Goddess Lakshmi tied a Rakhi to King Bali,
I’m doing so on my brother’s wrist,
I Pray that you protect my brother, from all evils.’
And the brother reciprocates,
by promising to forever being there for her in her time of need!
Happy Rakshabandhan!
Stay blessed forever.