Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival, but a living symbol of the stories in Sanatan culture, where the bond of love, dedication, and protection is born. On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan in 2025, learn about those four mythological events where deities and human emotions made the Raksha Sutra divine.
Raksha Bandhan 2025: This time it will be celebrated on August 9, and like every year, there is special enthusiasm for this festival tied to the brother-sister relationship. But Raksha Bandhan is not just a social custom, its roots lie in the deep mythological traditions of Sanatan Dharma. From Shri Krishna and Draupadi to Yamraj and Yamuna, there are many such religious stories of this festival which show that the meaning of Rakhi is not just a thread tied on the brother's wrist, but it is a resolution that makes the feeling of love, trust and protection everlasting.
Draupadi and Shri Krishna: When the Edge of a Saree Became a Raksha Sutra
In the story of Mahabharata, the sentiment of Rakhi is seen in its most emotional form. When Shri Krishna wielded the Sudarshan Chakra during the killing of Shishupal, his finger was cut. Draupadi quickly tore off a piece of her sari and tied it on his wound. This bond was not just a piece of cloth, but became an invisible Raksha-Sutra. Krishna considered it a resolution taken upon himself, and when Draupadi was being humiliated during the Cheer Haran, Shri Krishna, keeping the honor of that thread, protected her dignity.
This incident shows that Raksha Bandhan is not limited to the brother-sister relationship, but when a resolution of protection is taken with true feeling, even God fulfills its dignity.
Indra and Indrani: When the Power Arising from Wifehood Became the Reason for Victory
Another mythological story is of Devraj Indra and his wife Indrani. When Indra reached the verge of defeat in the fierce war with the Asuras, Indrani prepared a mantra-Sanskrit thread and tied it on Indra's wrist on the day of Shravan Purnima.
This thread was a symbol of their faith, love, and desire for protection. After this, Indra won the war. This story shows that the relationship of Raksha Sutra is not only between brother and sister, but can be in every relationship where there is a feeling of dedication and trust.
Vamana Avatar, King Bali and Lakshmi's Raksha Bandhan
When Lord Vishnu, in the form of Vamana, asked King Bali for three steps of land and Bali donated everything, Vishnu made him the lord of the netherworld. Vishnu had to stay in the netherworld according to Bali's promise.
Disturbed by this, Lakshmi Mata took the form of a Brahmin woman and went to Bali and made him her brother by tying a Raksha-Sutra. Bali happily asked for a boon that Vishnu should stay with him.
This story depicts that esoteric feeling of Rakhi, where even a goddess got her husband back through love and relationship. This story conveys the message that Rakhi is not only a thread of protection, but also a thread of connecting relationships.
Yamraj and Yamuna: When the Sister Gave the Blessing of Immortality
The story of Yamraj and Yamuna gives even more depth to the original sentiment of Rakhi. For years, Yamraj had not gone to meet his sister Yamuna. When they met, Yamuna fed him and tied a Rakhi. Pleased with this affection and love, Yamraj gave a boon that the brother who lovingly gets a Rakhi tied by his sister and takes a pledge to protect her, will have a long life.
This story is not only considered the beginning of Raksha Bandhan, but it also proves that the influence of this festival can touch even the god of death.
Raksha Bandhan: Not Just a Tradition, a Sanatan Symbol
From these four religious stories, it is clear that Raksha Bandhan is not just a custom, but a tradition based on spiritual bond, reverence and a pledge of protection. It does not necessarily require a blood relationship, but every relationship made with depth and truth of feeling can be connected with this Raksha-Sutra.
From Shri Krishna to Yamraj, every story tells that Raksha Bandhan is a God-approved resolution, which transcends time, place and circumstances and makes every relationship of life sacred.
