Raksha Bandhan: Mythological Stories and Its Deep Astrological Significance
Raksha Bandhan is an extremely sacred and emotional festival in Indian culture. It is celebrated every year on the full moon day (Purnima) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Shravan month. For the general public, it is a symbol of the unbreakable love between a brother and a sister, but from the perspective of Vedic Astrology, the significance of this day is much deeper and broader.
In this blog, we will discuss in detail the mythological stories of Raksha Bandhan, its spiritual and astrological significance, and the correct rules for tying the Rakhi.
Astrological Significance of Shravan Purnima
According to astrology, the full moon day of the Shravan month is a day of energy balance and planetary favorability. On this day, the Moon is in its full phases, which is the significator of the mind and emotions.
Influence of Shravan Nakshatra: Raksha Bandhan is usually celebrated during the Shravan Nakshatra. The ruling planet of Shravan Nakshatra is the Moon, and its presiding deity is Lord Vishnu. Any auspicious work done in this Nakshatra provides stability and protection.
Conjunction of Jupiter and Moon: On this day, the position of Jupiter (Guru) and the Moon is particularly fruitful for spiritual progress. While tying the protective thread (Rakhi), positive energy is transmitted.
Consideration of Bhadra Kaal: In astrology, 'Bhadra' is considered the daughter of the Sun God and the sister of Lord Shani (Saturn). The nature of Bhadra is wrathful and destructive. This is the reason why performing the Raksha Bandhan ritual during Bhadra Kaal is strictly prohibited. One should always tie the Rakhi during an auspicious time devoid of Bhadra so that no crisis befalls the brother's life.
Major Mythological Stories of Raksha Bandhan
The tradition of Raksha Bandhan has been going on not only since the Treta or Dwapar Yuga but from the Vedic period. Let's look at its most authentic legends:
1. The Story of Devraj Indra and Mata Shachi
According to the Bhavishya Purana, a fierce battle once broke out between the gods and the demons. King Bali of the demons defeated Devraj Indra and captured heaven. Disappointed, Indra went to Devguru Brihaspati (Jupiter). Then Guru Brihaspati performed a protective ritual on the day of Shravan Purnima. Indra's wife, Mata Shachi (Indrani), tied the 'Raksha Sutra' consecrated by Devguru on Indra's wrist. By the power of this sacred thread, Indra defeated the demons and regained his lost kingdom. (This is believed to be the beginning of the tradition of tying the Raksha Sutra or Rakhi.)
2. The Story of Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali
When Lord Vishnu took the Vamana avatar and asked for the three worlds in charity from King Bali, He was pleased with Bali's devotion and made him the king of the underworld (Patal Lok). Bali asked for a boon from Lord Vishnu to always remain in front of him. This made Goddess Lakshmi worried. On the day of Shravan Purnima, Goddess Lakshmi disguised herself as a poor woman and tied a Rakhi to King Bali. As a gift, she asked for her husband (Lord Vishnu) back.
3. Lord Krishna and Draupadi
During the Mahabharata era, when Lord Krishna killed Shishupala with his Sudarshan Chakra, his finger got cut and started bleeding. Seeing this, Draupadi immediately tore the pallu of her silk saree and tied it to Krishna's finger. Lord Krishna promised to repay the debt of this 'Raksha Sutra' and fulfilled his duty as a brother by saving Draupadi's honor during the Cheer Haran (disrobing incident).
The Correct Method of Tying Rakhi According to Astrology
For a successful and fruitful Raksha Bandhan, it is extremely important to follow astrological rules:
Direction: While tying the Rakhi, the brother should face East or North, and the sister should face West or South.
Puja Thali: The plate must contain Roli (kumkum), whole rice grains (Akshat), a lamp (Diya), sweets, and the Raksha Sutra (Rakhi). The rice grains should not be broken, as it is a symbol of completeness.
Chanting the Raksha Mantra: Chanting this Vedic mantra while tying the Rakhi consecrates the protective thread and bestows a threefold power:
"Yena baddho Bali raja danavendro mahabalah. Tena twamapi badhnami rakshe ma chala ma chala."
Three Knots: Three knots should be tied in the thread while tying the Rakhi. These are considered symbols of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (the Trinity), representing wishes for long life, health, and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why should Rakhi not be tied during Bhadra Kaal?
Bhadra Kaal is considered an inauspicious time in astrology. It is believed that Lankapati Ravan's sister Shurpanakha tied him a Rakhi during Bhadra Kaal, due to which Ravan was completely destroyed in that very year. Therefore, avoiding Bhadra Kaal is mandatory.
Q2. Is Raksha Bandhan only a festival for brothers and sisters?
From a mythological perspective, anyone can tie a Raksha Sutra to someone who takes a pledge to protect them. For example, a wife to her husband (Shachi-Indra), or a disciple to their guru. However, at present, it is mainly celebrated as the love between a brother and a sister.
Q3. On which hand should the Rakhi be tied?
Men (brothers) should always have the Rakhi tied on their right wrist. In Vedic texts, the right side of the body is considered the center of auspicious activities and power.
Q4. What should be done with a broken or damaged Rakhi?
If a Rakhi breaks or gets damaged, it should not be thrown in the garbage. It should be immersed in a holy river or buried in the soil under a sacred tree (like Peepal).
Conclusion
Raksha Bandhan is not just a silken thread; it is a powerful protective shield of trust, security, and positive planetary energy. From an astrological point of view, a Rakhi tied during an auspicious time brings peace of the Navagrahas (nine planets) to the lives of both the brother and the sister and protects them from negative forces. When you celebrate this festival on Shravan Purnima with an auspicious time and Vedic mantras, it achieves its full spiritual and astrological power. We pray to God that this Raksha Bandhan brings immense happiness, peace, and prosperity to your and your family's life