From Krishna-Draupadi To Yama-Yamuna: 7 Stories That Explain The Meaning Of Rakhi

New Delhi: As soon as Rakhi arrives, preparations for sweets, threads and gifts start in every house. Sister ties Rakhi on the wrist, and brother takes an oath to support her in every difficulty, everyone knows this ritual. But the story of this thread is not limited to today only. From Puranas to history, Raksha Sutra has appeared in many forms, sometimes in the form of protection from trouble and sometimes in the form of love and promise. Here are 7 stories that explain this festival in a little more depth.

Where did Rakhi come from in the story of Krishna and Draupadi?

Once Krishna's finger got cut. Without thinking, Draupadi tore the pallu of her saree and tied it on her finger. Krishna in return promised to protect her and years later when Draupadi was humiliated in the court of Hastinapur, the same promise was kept. 

Why did Lakshmi tie Rakhi on the wrist of King Bali?

Vishnu had started living with King Bali and Lakshmi wanted to bring him back. So she disguised herself as an ordinary woman, approached Bali and tied the Raksha Sutra on his wrist. When Bali asked about giving a gift, Lakshmi revealed her real identity and demanded to take Vishnu along. Bali kept the honor of Rakhi and let Vishnu go.

Why did Shubh-Labh need a sister?

Ganesh's two sons, Shubh and Labh, were adamant, they also wanted a sister who could tie Rakhi. Ganesh obeyed him and gave birth to a daughter. She later came to be known as Santoshi Mata. The story is short but tells us how important the brother-sister relationship is in a family.

Which boon did Yama give to Yamuna?

Yama had not met his sister Yamuna for years. When he finally arrived, Yamuna served him food and tied a Raksha Sutra on his wrist. Yama was so happy that he gave a boon that the brother who ties Rakhi to his sister on this day will get long life and security. It is believed from here that the wish of long life got associated with Rakshabandhan.

What is the story of Rakhi between Sikandar and Porus?

Another famous story is that Alexander's wife Roxana sent Rakhi to Porus and asked for his promise not to kill her husband in the war. It is said that Porus also kept that promise. But historians do not agree on this story and concrete evidence is not available. It would be better to consider this as folklore rather than certified history.

Why did Queen Karnavati send Rakhi to Humayun?

When Chittor was in trouble, it is said that Karnavati sent Rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun and asked for help. This story is often told as an example that there are relationships beyond religion and politics. Historians have been raising questions on many parts of it, yet this story is deeply seated in folk memory.

Why did Sachi tie Raksha Sutra on Indra's wrist?

According to a story in Bhavishya Purana, Indra was in trouble during the war between gods and demons. Wife Shachi prepared a sacred thread and tied it on his wrist, with wishes for victory and protection. Here the protection formula is not limited to brothers and sisters but becomes a prayer for the safety of one's loved ones.

How much has today's Rakhi changed?

The way of celebrating has changed, instead of ordinary thread, now gold-silver, designer and eco-friendly rakhis are also available. Brothers and sisters sitting far away manage by sending Rakhi online. In many houses, sisters have also started tying Rakhi to each other. The method has changed, the feeling is the same old.

If we look at these seven stories together, one thing becomes clear, Rakhi has never been just a thread tied on the wrist. Sometimes it was a promise, sometimes a blessing, sometimes an assurance to stand together in any crisis. Perhaps that is why these centuries-old stories seem as true today as they would have seemed then.