HINDU FASTS & FESTIVALS : 9-2.

9. Raksha Bandhan-2.

The followers of the four different Vedas have their Upakarmam on different days.

On this day, Sachi, the consort of Indra, tied a holy thread or amulet around the wrist of Indra, when he was defeated by the demons.

Then Indra, the king of gods, gained victory over the demons by the power of this protection (Raksha means “protection”) and recovered the lost city of Amaravati.

In North India, on this day, an amulet known as a Raksha or Rakhi, is tied round the wrist of brothers by the sisters as a protection from evil during the coming year.

Brahmins and Purohits similarly tie amulets round the wrists of their patrons and receive gifts.

A Mantra is recited when the Rakhi or the silken thread is tied.

The silken thread is charged with the power of the Mantra, which is as follows :



Yena  baddho  balee  raajaa  daanavendro  mahaabalah;

Tena  twaam  anubadhnaami  rakshey  maa  chala  maa  chala.


“I am tying on your hand this Raksha, with which the most powerful and generous King Bali himself was bound; O Raksha, don’t go away; don’t go away.”

The power of this Mantra protects the wearer from evil influences.

NEXT : 10. Ratha Saptami

Swami Sivananda
 To be continued  ...