Raksha Bandhan 2017: Legend, History and Astrological Importance

Raksha Bandhan date for 2017 is 7th August. Like every year, this festival will be celebrated by the people with great zest and zeal. It is observed by each and every region of India. It is celebrated to memorialize the never ending bond of love and care between a brother and a sister. According to the Hindu Calendar, it is celebrated on the Purnima of month Shravana. To learn more about this event, read on to this article only on AstroCAMP...

In Northern parts of India, Rakhi Purnima is also called Kajri Purnima or Kajri Navami, when wheat or barley is sown, and Goddess Bhagwati is worshipped. In Southern parts of India, Shravan Purnima is an important religious occasion, especially for the Brahmins. In Western parts of India, the festival is called Nariyal Purnima or the Coconut Purnima. Coconuts are treated as very auspicious according to Hindu faiths and are used in all rituals being an auspicious object. Full Moon Raksha Bandhan is also known by various names such as, Vish Tarak - the destroyer of venom, Punya Pradayak - the bestower of boons, and Pap Nashak - the destroyer of sins.

RAKHI MYTHS & LEGENDS

According to one mythological allusion, Rakhi was intended to worship the sea-god, Lord Varuna. Hence, offerings of coconut to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at waterfronts accompany this festival.

Once, Lord Indra was about to be vanquished in a long-drawn battle against the demons. Full of remorse, he sought the advice of Guru Brihaspati (Jupiter), who suggested for His sortie on the auspicious day of Shravan Purnima (Full Moon Day of the month of Shravan). On that day, Indra's wife and Brihaspati tied a sacred thread on the wrist of Indra, who then attacked the demon with renewed force and zeal and routed the Demon in the battle.

Thus, the Raksha Bandhan symbolizes all aspects of protection of the good from evil forces. Even in the great epic Mahabharata, we find that Lord Krishna was advising Yudhishthir to tie the puissant Rakhi to guard himself against impending evils.

RAKHI IN HISTORY

The strong bond represented by Rakhi had resulted into innumerable political ties and amicable settlement of disputes in the historic era, which could have, otherwise took the shape of wars among kingdoms and princely states. The pages of Indian history testify that the Rajput and Maratha queens had sent Rakhis even to Mughal kings who, despite their differences, have assuaged their Rakhi-sisters by offering help and protection at critical moments and honoured the fraternal bond.

Even matrimonial alliances were established between kingdoms through the exchange of Rakhis. History has it that the great Hindu King Porus refrained from striking Alexander the Great, because the latter’s wife had approached this mighty adversary and tied a Rakhi on his hand, prior to the battle, urging him not to hurt her husband.

We may find mention about several such tales associated with Rakhi on the pages of Indian History. But, one thing is for sure that Rakhi is a Legendary associated with Peace and Fraternity. Therefore, Raksha Bandhan emanate strongly worded message to us to live in peace, love and fraternity.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RAKHI IN THE PRESENT DAY CONTEXT

This socio-religious ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbors, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life, where every individual co-exist peacefully as brothers and sisters. All members of the community commit to protect each other and the society in such congregational Rakhi festivals; the mention about which we find in the priceless writings of Nobel laureate as well as Great Poet Rabindranath Tagore, who was also the great lover of peace and tranquility. I take this opportunity to salute This Great Poet and Writer for His Oceanic knowledge and wisdom and appropriately representing Rakhi/Raksha Bandhan in His writings, which is symbolic of peace and brotherhood and has now become the need of the hour.