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Raksha Bandhan History

Legend of Demons and Gods

There is a famous legend which is about war between Demons and Gods. Gods were led by Lord Indra and Demons by King Brutra. When Indra felt that they are about to get defeated in the war, then he approached Guru Brihaspa to find solution to win the war against the demons. His Guru suggested him that on the day of Shravan Purnima, he will tie a thread on his wrist while chanting some powerful mantras. The wife of Lord Indra, Queen Indrani, tied a thread on the wrist of his husband on the decided day. This thread ensured the victory of Gods over Demons. From then, the power of sacred thread has been admired among people and tied during the difficult situation to protect the dear ones.

Famous legend during Mahabharata

Famous legend during Mahabharata

During the time of Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna suggested Yudhishthir to perform Rakhi ceremony. Lord Krishna advised that a sacred thread would protect Yudhishthir and his army from dangers in the war. Also, the mother of Pandavas tied a Rakhi on the wirst of Abhimanyu who was her grandson. Draupadi also tied a Rakhi to Lord Krishna and in return he promised her to protect her in all adversities.

Legend of Humayun

Legend of Humayun

During 16th century, the Sultan of Gujarat invaded Chittor. At that time, Queen of Chittor Karnavati sent a Rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun and asked for his help. A Rakhi from Hindu queen to Mughal emperor melt the heart of Mughal emperor Humayun. He fought from the side of Chittor and fulfilled his promise to always protect Queen Karnavati.

Legend of King Puru and Alexander the Great

This is one of the famous stories in history. In 326 BCE, King Puru and Alexander the Great fought a war against each other. The Wife of Alexander the Great, Roshanak, sent a Rakhi to Puru and requested him not to cause any harm to her husband. King Puru kept his promise and did not cause any harm to Alexander the Great in the battle.

Story associated with Rabindranath Tagore and Rakhi Festival

During the time of Bengal partition in 1905, when British Empire tried to divide Hindus and Muslims, a Rakhi festival was organized by Nobel Laureate poet, Rabindranath Tagorr. This festival became successful because it spread the spirit of fraternity across India.