|
Critical Podium Dewanand Hinduism
"Raksha Bandhan" - The Bond of Affection
Sacrificer Ashok Motwani
Sacrifice code wfor0448
Sacrifice date 25 march 2009
Ashok Motwani / Editor - DNN
(Diaspora Network News)
INDIA *GULF* MAURITIUS * USA
=====================.
"RakshaBandhan" - The Bond of Affection:
Dear Friends
Here is an interesting one for tomorrows Festival - repeated due to Many
Compliments from Overseas Indians / PIO's:
Add Comments & Forward to your Friends: Best Wishes - Ashok Motwani
- Editor DNews.
R a k s h a B a n d h a n:
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full-moon day in the month of Sravana
(July-August - This year on 16th Aug). The festival of Raksha Bandhan
symbolizes love, affection and the feeling of brotherhood. On this day,
sisters tie an amulet, the Rakhi, around the right wrist of their brothers
praying for their long life and happiness. Raksha means protection, and
in some places in medieval India where women felt unsafe, they tied Rakhi
round the wrists of men they could count upon, regarding them as brothers.
The tradition of tying a thread or "Rakhi" around the wrist
to convey different feelings has been coming down through the ages since
the Vedic times.
Legend-The Origin of Raksha Bandhan:
The origin of Raksha Bandhan is not really known but there is a popular
legend, which goes like this. There was a fierce battle between the Gods
and the demons in which the demons seemed to be in a favorable position.
Indra, the king of gods, became anxious and asked Bruhaspathi to suggest
a way out. Meanwhile, Indrani (wife of Indra) who was around at the time
of consultation spoke her mind even before Bruhaspati could strike upon
an idea. She assured them of turning the tables in the gods' favor. Next
day was the Sravan Poornima. She consulted some old scriptures and prepared
a talisman, which she tied to her husband's wrist. Indra went to the battlefield
again and the enemies, who had seemed so powerful, now beat a quick retreat
and the gods were victorious. Ever since, on Sravan Poornima day, the
tradition of tying the thread began and it was believed that the persons
would be blessed with health, wealth, happiness and victories
Significance Of The Tradition:
The practice of Raksha Bandhan was also conspicuous with the Rajputs
and history is replete with instances related to the significance of this
tradition. At the time of war when the brave Rajput soldiers prepared
to go to the battlefield, the women folk followed the ritual of tying
a thread around their wrist after applying a dash of vermilion powder
on their forehead. This was considered a sign of good omen and the ladies
believed that it would protect their men from the enemy's blow and bring
them victory.
Popular Stories:
According to a popular story, the Queen of Mewar, Maharani Karmavati,
had to face the threat of Governor Bahadur Shah who laid siege on her
kingdom. Unable to fight the army, she sent a Rakhi to the Mughal king,
Humayun. The Muslim emperor, who under normal circumstances would not
have preferred to help a Hindu ruler, decided to protect her from the
threat. Humayun reached Mewar at the nick of time when the queen was preparing
for self- immolation. He chased Bahadur Shah and his men and restored
the kingdom back to the queen of Mewar.
In another incident, when King Porous' (Purushottam) wife tied a Rakhi
to the mighty Alexander who fought with her husband, Alexander ended fierce
battle in a treaty. That is the significance and power of the flimsy "thread"
!
Raksha Bandhan-The Bond of Affection:
Over time however, the significance of rakhi moved on from battlefields
to personal relations reflecting the bond of affection. Sisters tie Rakhis
to their brothers asking for protection. While the sisters also prayed
for their brothers' welfare, the latter vowed to take care of them even
if it called for some sacrifice on their part.
On the day of Raksha Bandhan, there is a lot of excitement among the
girls. After an early bath, the sister invites her brother to wear the
Rakhi and reaffirm the bond of love. She applies `Tilak' or vermilion
powder on his forehead and ties the Rakhi on the right hand. She then
performs Aarti and offers her brother some sweets. After she completes
the traditional formalities, the brother gives her a gift as a token of
his love and affection. It could be in the form of Jewellery, new clothes,
money or blessings too!
But its value is immeasurable!! 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 cchala maa chala."
The power of this Mantra protects the wearer from evil influences.
The Celebrations:
Happiness and excitement mark the celebration of Raksha Bandhan especially
for young girls and women. Preparations for the festival begin well in
advance. The markets wear a festive look with the colorful, ornate and
dazzling 'Rakhis' hanging loose or put on display for sale in shops that
specially come up for this occasion. You find them heaped on pushcarts
too. Sweet marts also sell a variety of sweets for the festival.
The Rakhi thread, which was simple and unostentatious, gradually began
to be embellished with beads, semi-precious stones, colored or golden/silver
threads, satin ribbons, floral motifs etc. Some of the Rakhis are very
ostentatious and others have a simple, yet aesthetic look. Rakhis are
available in different sizes, colors and shapes from the typical round
ones to heart shaped, symbolizing the bond of love.
Every year some novel ideas are introduced in the design of Rakhis. They
come with small painted faces or made of spices like cardamoms and cloves
or grains of rice, corn etc, perhaps to add more spice, color, and variety
to the traditional Rakhi. Sometimes Rakhis have tiny dolls made of fabric,
straw or paper stuck on them. The myriad range of Rakhis is breathtaking
and often the buyers who flock to these shops are left dazed at the display.
The girls want to make the best choice and pick the most ornate pieces.
After all it will adorn their brothers' wrists!
Happy Affection Bond Of RakshaBandhan To You
Ashok Motwani / Editor - DNN
(Diaspora Network News)
INDIA *GULF* MAURITIUS * USA
=====================.
Asia Coordinator - Global Org. for PIO's
=========================================================
"If you do your Best Where You Are, The Rest Of The World Will Take
Care Of Itself"
=========================================================
***
Critical Podium Dewanand Hinduism
All rights reserved.
|
|