As we all geared up to celebrate the festival of Raksha bandhan, don’t you think it will be a bliss if you know the true meaning of Rakshabandhan and how the festival of Raksha bandhan started.
As we all know, the month of Shravan is considered the season of devotion to Lord Shiva.
In this month, the whole world seems to be filled with His presence.
And on the full moon day of Shravan, we also celebrate the beautiful festival of Raksha Bandhan.
But do you know how this festival began?
How a brother, by giving his sister a promise of protection, became bound to her for life?
Today, from our scriptures and ancient stories, we bring you the tale of Raksha Bandhan and the glory of Lord Shiva — so you can understand the true meaning of this festival.
The Spiritual Essence of Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan brings joy everywhere — the loving bond between sister and brother, the decorated markets, the sweet shops, the festive mood in families.
Some celebrate with prayers and rituals, while others focus on gifts and traditions.
But it’s important to remember — this festival is not just a yearly ritual.
Its true purpose is deep and powerful — it strengthens relationships and inspires purity of thought, word, and action.
The Question of Protection
Who protects whom? Is it only that a brother protects his sister?
Don’t men also need protection?
Raksha Bandhan’s protection is not only physical — it is the protection of purity in relationships.
If the world could see each other with the sacred, respectful eyes of a brother and sister, we would truly become one global family.
Self-Protection – The Deeper Vow
On this day, we should also take a vow to protect ourselves —
to keep away from negative thoughts, harmful words, and actions that hurt others.
In ancient times, Brahmins tied the rakhi as a reminder of a vow — to live with purity and high principles for 40 days until it became a habit.
This vow became a spiritual armour that protected the soul.
The Origin Story – King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi
Long ago, battles were fought between the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons).
The Asuras constantly sought to gain the nectar of immortality (amrit) and rule over heaven.
Among them was King Mahabali, grandson of the great devotee Prahlad.
Though born in a demon family, he was righteous, generous, and a devotee of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Through his strength and 100 great sacrifices (yajnas), he became ruler of the three worlds.
The gods grew worried that if Bali obtained amrit, he would be unstoppable.
They prayed to Lord Vishnu for help.
Vishnu took the form of a small Brahmin boy — the Vamana avatar — and approached Bali during a grand sacrifice.
He asked for three steps of land.
Bali agreed, but Vamana grew into a giant form:
- With one step, He covered the heavens.
- With the second, He covered the Earth.
No space was left for the third — so Bali offered his own head.
Impressed by his devotion and truthfulness, Vishnu granted him a boon:
Bali would one day be King of Heaven, and until then, Vishnu Himself would stay with him in the netherworld (Patal Lok).
Goddess Lakshmi’s Plan
Lord Vishnu’s absence saddened Goddess Lakshmi.
She went to Lord Shiva for advice.
Shiva said:
“Bali is a man of his word. If you can bind him with a vow, he will keep it at all costs.”
Lakshmi disguised herself as a maiden and went to Patal Lok with the serpent king Vasuki, who transformed into a sacred raksha thread.
She tied the rakhi to Bali’s wrist, making him her brother.
When Bali asked what gift she wanted, Lakshmi revealed her true form and requested Vishnu’s return.
Bali gladly agreed, saying:
“From today, any woman who ties a rakhi to a man, accepting him as her brother and asking for his protection, will receive it for life. This thread will be a shield against all harm.”
From that day, on Shravan Purnima, sisters tie a strong raksha sutra to their brothers, and brothers become bound to protect them.
The Real Celebration
Raksha Bandhan is more than tying a thread.
It is a bond of love, trust, purity, and divine protection — a reminder to live with respect for all, to guard our own thoughts, and to strengthen the bonds of humanity.
So, on this Raksha Bandhan, let us take two vows:
- To protect the purity of every relationship.
- To protect our own soul from negativity.
When we do this, we are not just keeping a tradition — we are keeping the spirit of Raksha Bandhan alive.Wishing you all a blessed and sacred Raksha Bandhan.
Om Shanti.
