1. Krishna and Draupadi – The Everlasting Blessing
2. King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi – Keep Your Promises
3. Humayun and Rani Karnavati – The Sister Comes First
4. King Alexander and the Life-Saving Rakhi
5. Santoshi Ma – Yearning for a Sister
6. Yamuna and Yama – The Immortal Gift

1.Krishna and Draupadi – The Everlasting Blessing

Princess Draupadi, known for her strong spirit, found herself in a situation where she needed to aid her dear friend Krishna. Despite Krishna’s might, his encounter with his bua’s son, Shishupal, was fraught with tension. From birth, Shishupal’s destiny was intertwined with Krishna’s. Young Krishna had declared that he would forgive even a hundred of Shishupal’s mistakes, an oath that would come to bear significance later.

The Strained Connection

Years passed, and Krishna’s marriage to Rukmini led to a bitter rivalry with Shishupal. The enmity culminated in a confrontation, where Krishna’s patience was tested beyond limit. Unable to tolerate Shishupal’s insults any longer, Krishna hurled his Sudarshan Chakra, finally ending the feud. However, during this confrontation, Krishna hurt his own finger with the chakra.

The Touching Gesture

Draupadi, a witness to the intense battle and Krishna’s bleeding finger, was moved beyond measure. She tore a portion of her saree and swiftly bound Krishna’s injured finger. This compassionate act deeply touched Krishna’s heart. In gratitude, he made a promise to be her protector, ready to defend her in times of distress. As he tied his endearing promise to her, he whispered the word ‘Akshyam’, signifying that his safeguarding would be eternal.

An Unbreakable Promise

Years later, when the Pandavas faced dire circumstances during the game of dice with the Kauravas, Draupadi was subjected to humiliation in the court. Despite her being humiliated, her dignity was miraculously preserved as the sari she wore seemed endless. This miracle harked back to the promise Krishna had made, solidifying the bond between them. Krishna’s pledge remained unbroken, underscoring the essence of protection and sibling love.

2.King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi – Keep Your Promises

In a distant era, Lord Vishnu, compelled by duty, assumed the role of a doorman for King Bali, a benevolent ruler. Vishnu’s absence troubled his wife, Goddess Lakshmi, who disguised herself as a Brahmin woman to seek refuge with Bali. Unaware of her true identity, Bali welcomed her warmly.

A Token of Love and Protection

As gratitude for his hospitality, Goddess Lakshmi tied a rakhi around Bali’s wrist on a full moon day. In this simple yet profound act, she sought protection and prayed for his wellbeing. Touched by her gesture, Bali offered to grant her a wish. She asked for her gatekeeper, Vishnu, to be released from his duties.

A Promise Kept

Bali, true to his word, obliged and recognized his bond with Lakshmi as a sibling. The revelation that the Brahmin woman was none other than Goddess Lakshmi humbled Bali. This tale showcases the significance of keeping promises and the enduring love that exists between siblings.

3. Humayun and Rani Karnavati – The Sister Comes First

Amidst the Mughal rule, Rani Karnavati of Chittor faced the daunting prospect of an imminent invasion by Emperor Bahadur Shah. Understanding the impending doom, she reached out to Emperor Humayun, a friend in times of need.

A Desperate Plea

Sending a rakhi to Humayun, Karnavati conveyed her appeal for protection, imploring him to stand by her in her hour of crisis. Her brotherly bond with Humayun transcended political considerations, reminding us of the unyielding power of sibling relationships.

A Heroic Gesture

Despite his own military campaign, Humayun heeded the call of his sister. With unwavering devotion, he altered his plans to come to her aid. This sacrifice to honor his sister’s plea, even in the face of potential defeat, immortalized Humayun’s loyalty and commitment to family.

4. King Alexander and the Life-Saving Rakhi

In history, the story of King Alexander’s conquests intertwines with Raksha Bandhan, revealing the potency of a sister’s bond. As Alexander waged battle against King Porus, his wife, Roxana, sought to protect him from harm’s way.

A Symbol of Protection

Roxana sent a rakhi to Porus, entreating him to spare Alexander’s life in the battlefield. Touched by this act, Porus recognized the sacredness of the bond between siblings and chose honor over victory.

The Power of a Sibling Vow

When the time came for battle, Porus found himself facing Alexander. Despite the odds, Porus remembered the promise he made when he tied Roxana’s rakhi. He spared Alexander, cementing the fact that sibling vows could transcend even the fiercest of battles.

5. Santoshi Ma – Yearning for a Sister

In the realm of gods, even deities long for the bond of siblings. Lord Ganesha’s two sons, Shubh and Labh, yearned for a sister to partake in the joy of Raksha Bandhan, a celebration of love and unity.

A Divine Wish

The saint Narada intervened, suggesting to Lord Ganesha that having a daughter would enrich their lives. Out of the divine flames of Ganesha’s wives, Ruddhi and Siddhi, Santoshi Ma emerged, fulfilling the wish of her eager brothers.

An Eternal Connection

Santoshi Ma’s arrival brought unparalleled happiness to her brothers. Their shared celebration of Rakhi symbolized the depth of joy siblings bring to each other’s lives. This tale reinforces the importance of familial bonds, whether divine or mortal.

6. Yamuna and Yama – The Immortal Gift

In the world of gods, even death couldn’t sever the bond between siblings. The story of Yamuna and Yama illustrates the eternal connection that siblings share, even in the face of mortality.

A Long-Awaited Reunion

Yama, the God of Death, had not visited his sister Yamuna for twelve years. Upon hearing of her longing, the Goddess Ganga encouraged Yama to meet his sister.

An Immortal Promise

Upon their reunion, Yamuna tied a rakhi on Yama’s wrist, signifying their unbreakable bond. Touched by her gesture, Yama granted her the gift of immortality. His declaration also paved the way for the tradition of brothers visiting their sisters on Raksha Bandhan, a gesture that embodies the essence of protection and love.

By : Sunil Kumar, Attingal