On Shravan Sud Punam, typically in mid-August, Hindus celebrate Raksha Bandhan, a festival that honors the sacred bond of love and duty between siblings. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi—a symbolic protective thread—around their brothers' wrists, offering prayers for their prosperity, health, and well-being. In return, brothers vow to protect and support their sisters throughout their lives.
The origin of this festival is that Bhagwan Vishnu, pleased with King Bali’s devotion, agreed to remain in his kingdom in Sutal. When Bhagwan Vishnu did not return to Vaikunth, Lakshmiji became worried. She visited Sutal on Shravan Purnima and accepted King Bali as her brother and tied a raksha on him. Bali Raja granted her a boon, and she asked for Bhagwan Vishnu’s return to Vaikunth. However, Bhagwan Vishnu could not leave because he had previously promised to protect King Bali. As a solution, Brahmaji and Shivji agreed to guard Bali’s kingdom for four months each, allowing Bhagwan Vishnu to return to Vaikunth. The four months when Bhagwan Vishnu is in King Bali’s service came to be known as Chaturmaas. The Raksha Bandhan festival began when Lakshmiji tied a rakhi on King Bali. Since that day, this celebration has also come to be known as Bali-eva or Baleva.
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj once emphasized during a Raksha Bandhan discourse that just as Bhagwan Vishnu promised to protect King Bali, God always protects those who seek His refuge, offer Him devotion, and live according to His teachings. Gunatitanand Swami, in the Swamini Vato, mentions this divine protection by saying,” God is ever ready to protect his devotees. How? Just as eyelids protect the eyes, hands protect the neck, a mother protects her child, and a king protects his subjects, God protects us.”
Swamishri further explains, “When children are afraid, they cling to the necks of their parents; similarly, in difficult times, we have to cling to God and His Sadhu, so they will protect us. How should one cling to the neck? By remembering God. One who has the company of God and His Sadhu has no obstacles on his head, since God protects him.
God protects His devotees in many ways, offering both physical and spiritual protection. For example, in the case of Prahlad, despite his father’s attempts to harm him, God safeguarded Prahlad from every danger. However, God’s true protection (raksha) lies in safeguarding us from internal vices and negative tendencies, such as ego, anger, greed, and attachment. He ensures that devotees do not fall into temptations or lose their path. God offers guidance and strength to overcome obstacles, helping devotees stay focused on their spiritual journey. Through faith and surrender, devotees find comfort in God's presence, knowing that He is always there to support and protect them.”
In this way, Raksha Bandhan not only celebrates the protective bond between siblings but also reminds us of the ultimate protection that God offers to those who seek refuge in Him with faith and devotion.
- Lenin Joshi
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
