Rakhi Legends

India is well known for its colorful festivals and celebratory enthusiasm. Though the significance of these festivals varies with each occasion, they are observed with great splendor and joy. The basic individuality of Indian festivals is the fun, enthusiasm, feasts, customs, rituals, and prayers. The festival of Raksha Bandhan keeps the emotional bonding of the family members and the community intact.

Like all other festivals and holidays, there are many legends attached to Raksha Bandhan too and signify the importance of Rakhi in India. We find many mythological as well as historical legends associated with Raksha Bandhan. In this section of our Raksha Bandhan legends, we are bringing to you both the mythological and historical legends behind Raksha Bandhan.

Alexander and Rakhi
Since time immemorial Raksha Bandhan has been the symbol of spiritual bonding between brothers and sisters. Through this sacred bond (Rakhi), the brothers take oath to protect their sisters and sisters pray for the safety and well being of their brothers.

Humayun and Rakhi
During the medieval period, we come across a new dimension of Raksha Bandhan, when the Mughal emperor Humayun received Rakhi from Rani Karnavati of Chittor. In 16th century the sultan of Gujarat attacked the kingdom of Chittor. To save her kingdom from the invader, Rani Karnavati sought help from the Mughal emperor Humayun and sent the sacred thread (Rakhi) for him.

Legend of Indra
According to the legends Indra, the Pauranic (according to the Hindu puranas) King of the Heavens, received setbacks at the hands of the demon king (the Daitya raja). After these reverses, Indra sought the advice of Brihaspati (the Devaguru).

Legend of Lord Vishnu
According to the Hindu mythology, lord Vishnu was impressed by the might of Bali, grandson of the great devotee Prahalada (a great devotee of Vishnu). Lord Vishnu was so pleased that he promised him divine protection and immortality until Bali was crowned Indra.

Legend of Varuna
One more famous legend associated with Rakhi is that of the worship offered to the sea god, Varuna in the western part of India. On the Raksha Bandhan day devotees make offerings of coconut to lord Varuna.

Legend of Yudhisthir
Another interesting legend associated with Rakhi comes from the great epic, the Mahabharata. This legend revolves around lord Krishna and Yudhisthir, the eldest of the Pandava brothers (during the Mahabharata battle).