Raksha Bandhan – A Study

 Raksha Bandhan – A Study

By Dr. Sudhanshu Shekhar Mishra, Patnagarh

As a living memory of ancient tradition, numerous festivals are celebrated in our country. Their annual recurrence strengthens our belief in a bright future. Across the world, many religious and cultural festivals and customs have a way of easing various difficulties; but Raksha Bandhan stands apart from others. This is because, when examined from social, political, historical, and spiritual perspectives, it becomes clear that this festival has played a unique role in protecting human values and upholding love, cooperation, and goodwill among people.

The festival is celebrated on Shravana Purnima (full moon day of the Shravana month). Over time, many customs and traditions have become linked with it, such as Shravani Karma, Hayagriva Jayanti, Sanskrit Day, Jhulan Festival in Vaishnava temples, and the Amarnath Yatra.

Shravani Upakarma
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, during Shravani Upakarma, the following five observances are carried out:

List of Sins – On this day, a list of sins is prepared with a vow to abstain from them. This makes it a meritorious vow, also called “Vish Tordak” (destroyer of poison).

Commemoration of Forefathers – Remembering great men of the past who established noble ideals for society, and taking a pledge to become virtuous, ideal in character, and endowed with divine qualities like them.

Shiva Sankalpa – Resolving, with remembrance of the Supreme Soul, to dedicate one’s body, mind, and wealth for the welfare of the world.

Offering of Yajnopavita (Sacred Thread) – On this day, the sacred thread is offered to the “Dwija” (twice-born). A Dwija is one freed from evil tendencies through sacred rites. The sacred thread is a symbol of a firm resolve. Wearing it signifies a vow to refine and elevate one's character to divinity. Without this, the next level — attaining the status of a Brahmin — is not possible. As said:
“By birth one is a Shudra; through study of the Vedas one becomes a Vipra; through sacraments one becomes a Dwija; and one who knows Brahman is a Brahmin.”

Initiation of Children's Education – According to Vedic tradition, children begin their studies on this day. A Brahmin holds the child’s hand and writes the sacred word “OM” on a slate using chalk.

Mythological Importance of Raksha Bandhan
Ancient scriptures praise Raksha Bandhan in the following manner:

“By tying the Raksha thread, all diseases are destroyed; all inauspiciousness vanishes. Celebrating it yearly ensures the protection of a human being.”

While tying the thread, the Brahmin recites:

“Yena baddho Bali Raja, Danavendra Mahabala; tena tvam prati baddhami, rakṣhe ma chala ma chala.”

Meaning: “With the same Raksha thread that bound the mighty king Bali, I now bind you; do not waver from the path of purity and celibacy.”

Raksha Bandhan – A Festival for Self & Nation’s Protection
The term Raksha Bandhan means “bond for protection.” Every life needs discipline; a life without restraint ends in misery and destruction.

The word bond is often seen negatively, but there are two types:

A divine boundary of discipline

A demonic chain of unruliness

Attachment to person, object, or wealth causes such binding. Raksha Bandhan is meant to bind demonic tendencies within the chains of divine discipline — a boon for both the self and the nation.

It also represents an unshakable bond of love towards God. Just as an elephant is guided by the goad, a horse by reins, and an ox by a nose-rope, a human life bound by God’s discipline is saved from destructive demonic forces.

Raksha Thread as a Symbol of Protection for Women
Historically, Raksha Bandhan has been significant in protecting women’s honour, especially during the Mughal era, when the oppressive rulers violated the dignity of Hindu women.

In such times, the Raksha thread became a powerful protective tool. For example:

When Sultan Firoz Shah of Gujarat attacked Nagaur Fort ruled by Raja Man Singh, Man Singh’s daughter sent a Raksha to the ruler of Arikan, Ummed Singh, seeking protection.

The legendary Rani Padmini tied Rakhi to Emperor Humayun, who then safeguarded her honour.

From such events likely emerged the tradition of sisters tying Rakhi to brothers.

Rakhi as a Symbol of True Dharma
Dharma is that which sustains humanity — “Dharayati iti Dharmah”. Through virtues like truth, peace, compassion, and forgiveness, a person achieves spiritual welfare — this is the soul’s true dharma. Dharma alone protects the righteous.

But due to body-consciousness, man has forgotten his true dharma and fallen slave to desires, labelling various desire-filled religious rituals as dharma.

Rakhi reminds a person to awaken to true dharma. It inspires awareness in thought, word, and deed for a strong, peaceful, and safe life. Without giving up mental vices, one cannot tread the path of Dharma.

Raksha Bandhan as a Symbol of Purity
Just as the lotus remains unstained in muddy water, purity comes from detachment. Only such a person can be worthy of divine service.

A Rakhi is not just a thread; it is a pledge. By tying it, a sister asks her brother to protect her purity — and indirectly pledges that he will never be the cause of another woman's dishonour.

True observance is when every brother considers all women of his village or community as his own sisters and vows to protect their dignity.

Rakhi – The Thread of Divine Love
It is believed that in the present end of the Kali Yuga, the Supreme Soul descends into the body of Prajapita Brahma to lay the foundation of the coming Satyuga. Seeing His children drowning in the ocean of vices, He bestows the urn of knowledge to mothers and sisters, who then tie the Rakhi as a symbol of divine love, calling humanity to transform hell into heaven — to be pure and yogic, and to see one another not as bodies but as souls, all children of one Supreme Father.

Raksha Bandhan in Today’s Context
In today’s world, the original purpose of Raksha Bandhan is often unfulfilled. Women remain unsafe. In Indian culture, women were revered as goddesses — “Where women are worshipped, there the gods rejoice.”

But this has been forgotten. Once, the abduction of Sita led to the destruction of Ravana’s empire; the humiliation of Draupadi brought about the end of the Kaurava dynasty.

Yet today, countless “Sitas” are abducted, “Draupadis” dishonoured, and society largely remains silent. Men too feel insecure, weakened physically and mentally, losing their strength, courage, and vitality.

The Gita teaches: “The mind is the friend and enemy of the self… uplift yourself by yourself; do not degrade yourself.” Mental control brings liberation; indulgence brings bondage.

Without true knowledge, Raksha Bandhan remains a mere tradition. Gradually, selfishness has taken over. This is why the Supreme Soul descends, bestowing divine knowledge, and teaches Raja Yoga to free humanity from mental vices. Thought changes the world — and Rakhi, at its purest, is meant to instill the thought that regardless of caste, creed, gender, or age, we are all the children of the One Supreme Father — souls, brothers to one another.

Om Shanti.

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