Story and History of Raksha Bandhan and Rakhi

Everyone enjoys Raksha Bandhan as an auspicious occasion where the family and siblings reunite. But shockingly, many people need to be made aware of the history of Raksha Bandhan. Rakshabandhan has a long history from the mediaeval period of God. Hence it is clear that Raksha Bandhan originated during the era of gods. But it is necessary to understand the logic behind tying a rakhi to the brothers and why Hindus celebrate Raksha Bandhan.

You will also find about the changes in the structure of Rakhi and its values from the mediaeval era to the 3rd Millennium. You might have heard lots of stories and values from your parents and elders regarding the importance and values of Rakhi. Siblings are always excited to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, but the stories behind the Rakhi are very delicate.

So let's talk about some fortunate stories from where Raksha Bandhan originated.

History of Raksha Bandhan

According to mythology, there are service stories that can tell you the importance and values of Raksha Bandhan. The most popular story begins in Dwapara Yuga.

Lord Krishna and Draupadi

According to the Guru Vyasa, during Mahabharata, Pandavas Draupadi's wife visited Lord Krishna during Makar Sankranti. Suddenly Krishna got cut in his little finger from the sugarcane looking to which his wife Rukmani told her maid to get something to aid him. Draupadi was present at the location while Krishna was bleeding. Looking at the dropping blood, Draupadi tore a piece of cloth and tied it to Krishna's finger.

Lord Krishna was impressed by Draupadi's action and decided to reward her. In return, Draupadi tells Krishna that she doesn't need anything, but instead, she asks to have her back whenever she's in need. Krishna felt it heart-touching and promised to be there whenever she called him.

However, during the Draupadi Cheer Haran, she called Krishna, and He saved her from embarrassment. In addition, he also made a full set of clothes with the small piece that she tied on Krishna's finger.

The story shows the values of Raksha Bandhan when a brother promises their sister to protect her. They will always be looking for their siblings, whatever the tough situation.

Demon King Bali and Goddess Laxmi

In the Vishnu Purana, it is mentioned that there was a powerful demon known as Bali, a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Bali's intention regarding Vishnu was not Great, although he was a great devotee. When Lord Vishnu came to grant Balis' wish, he tricked him and made him a doorman.

When goddess Lakshmi finds out that his husband, Lord Vishnu, is gatekeeping the empire of Bali, she visits Bali's empire to bring Vishnu back. Looking at Lakshmi coming to his Empire, Bali couldn't stop himself. He asks Lakshmi why she came here. Goddess Lakshmi said she wants to sell to live and protect because she is alone.

She tied a cotton thread on Bali's wrist and sought protection. In return, Bali told Lakshmi that she could have anything she wanted. Lakshmi told Bali she wanted him to free the doorman and let him go with her. Later she reveals the identity of Goddess Lakshmi and God Vishnu. However, Bali couldn't deny the promise as he was the brother of Goddess Lakshmi.

This story tells that no matter what enemy or friend. If there's a sacred relationship between brother and sister. Then they always keep the promise even if it's a matter of their dignity.

The tales of Emperor Humayun and Rani Karnavati

The story of Humayun and Karnavati is very popular, showing the depth of Rakhi. Rajputana queen of Chittor, Rani Karnavati, wanted to save her Kingdom from the Gujarat Sultan Bahadur Shah. However, Delhi was under the control of Mughal King Humayun. However, Rajput and Mughals were the biggest enemies.

The widow queen of Chittor decided to visit Emperor Humayun to seek protection. Rani Karnavati sent a message along with the Rakhi to the Emperor. Humayun was overwhelmed with the delicate gesture of sending a rakhi and trusting him as a brother. Humayun went to Chittoor with his troop to protect her sister from the enemies to save Rani Karnavati.

This story narrates the purity of Raksha Bandhan no matter if you belong to Hindu, Muslim, or any other religion. The values and importance of Rakhi always remain the same.

Yama and His Sister Yamuna

The Immortal story of Raksha Bandhan began when Yamuna was missing her brother Yama. Since Yama was the king of death and Yamuna is the holy river that flows in India. Once, Ganga told Yama that her sister Yamuna always misses her. After 12 years, Yama visited to watch his sister Yamuna. By the arrival of Yama, Yamuna got overwhelmed with happiness and made delicious food on the visit of his brother Yamuna.

Yamuna tied a rakhi to Yama and offered him delicious food. Being the king of death, Yama is delighted by his sister's love. He blessed Yamuna with immortality and told her that every girl who ties a rakhi to his brother and who will protect her would become immortal.

The Story of King Puru and Alexander The Great

In 300 BC when the British Empire ruled India. King Alexander was having a conquest with the Indian fighter King Puru. Puru defeated Alexander during the fight and returned him to an unconscious state.

Looking at her husband's plight, Alexandra's wife Roxana was very well aware of the Raksha Bandhan. She approaches King Puru and ties a rakhi to his wrist to beg mercy on her husband. King Puru stood by her sister Roxan and pardoned King Alexander.

Conclusion

Many tales and stories can tell you the values and importance of Rakhi. You can see how the significance of Rakhi was carried forward from generation to generation. There is no limitation to the bond of Rakhi; you can approach anyone with any religion or nationality. The values of Raksha Bandhan remain the same all the time.