RAKHI MYTHS AND LEGENDS
According to one mythological allusion, Rakhi was
intended to be the worship of the sea-god Varuna. Hence, offerings of coconut
to Varuna, ceremonial bathing and fairs at waterfronts accompany this festival.
There are also myths that describe
the ritual as observed by Indrani and Yamuna for their respective brothers
Indra and Yama.
Once, Lord Indra stood almost
vanquished in a long-drawn battle against the demons. Full of remorse, he
sought the advice of Guru Brihaspati, who suggested for his sortie the
auspicious day of Shravan Purnima.
On that day, Indra's wife and Brihaspati tied
a sacred thread on the wrist of Indra, who then attacked the demon with renewed
force and routed him.
Thus the Raksha Bhandhan symbolizes
all aspects of protection of the good from evil forces. Even in the great epic
Mahabharata, we find Krishna advising Yudhishtthir to tie the puissant Rakhi to
guard himself against impending evils
MAY ALL BE HAPPY,
MAY ALL BEHOLD ONLY THE GOOD,
MAY NONE BE IN DISTRESS.
In the ancient Puranik scriptures, it
is said that King Bali's stronghold had been the Raakhi. Hence while tying the
rakhi following lines are recited:
"I am tying a Rakhi on you, like
the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter."
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