The history of Raksha Bandhan dates back to 6000 years is a Hindu festival originally, is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains.  It is also called Rakhi Poornima as it comes on full moon; the word rakhi literally mean knot or tie of protection.  The festival is not only momentous for brothers and sister to celebrate the auspicious bond their share but also has a great history and legendary stories that have passed from one generation to another since the ancient times.

Queen Karnawati & King Humayun

In the medieval period, Rajput territory was attacked and was prone to Muslim invasion. During those days Rakhi not only meant strong bond between brothers and sisters but a spiritual promise that protection of sister is the first duty. Queen Karnawati was widow of king ruling in Chittor, after the death of her husband she realized that there was no way to defend Bahadur Shah who was the Sultan of Gujarat. Queen sent a beautiful rakhi to Humayun who was one great emperor.  Humayun was moved by her this gesture and accepting her as sister, he went with his arms to help Karnawati.

Alexander the great and King Porus

It is said that Rakhi indeed saved Alexander the Great.  The first wife of Alexander – Queen Roxana feared that her husband could be defeated by the gallant Indian King Porus.  She sent a rakhi to Katoch King Porus to guard her husband’s life. Porus accepted her as sister and pledged not to harm Alexander and his wife. He could easily kill Alexander in the battlefield but didn’t because of his bond with Roxana.  

Indra and Indrani

It is believed that the first rakhi was tied by Indrani to her husband Indra who was the leader deities.  He was going on a war against the demons and feared losing the battle.  Indrani tied a thread on Indra’s wrist which Lord Vishnu gave her.  The thread protected Indra during the war of gods and demons.

The Birth of Santoshi Maa

According to the mythological tales, when lords Ganesha’s son Shub and Labh saw anut Jyoti tying thread on his hand and getting gifts in return, they asked their father about what was happening. Ganesha told his two sons that the thread strengthen the relationship of brothers and sisters.  After which his son insisted on having theirrown sister that led to creation of Santoshi maa. Ganesha discharged light which came from Riddhi and Siddhi (his two wives) that took the form of a little girl. The girl tied scared thread to Shub abd Labh wrists and got jaggery and chichpeas in return; she was contented with them and did not ask for anything else from her brother. Her satisfaction made her name Santoshi.

Krishna and Draupadi

This tale comes from the great epic Mahabharata, once lord Krishna injured his index finger while flinging the Sudharshan Chaka on to Shishupala. Draupadi took a piece of her saree and tied it around his finger to stop the blood from flowing. Krishna was emotionally touched by her devotion toward him and pledged to protect her. During the cheer haran of Draupadi, draped her into an endless saree was protected her from getting undressed.

In Indian mythology there are numerous of example of brothers and sisters who have shared magical bond of love. Rakhi celebrated the lifelong bond that can never be broken apart. The other prominent example are of Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali, Kunti and Abhimanyu, etc. Indian mythological tales have been significantly included our mind about why the bond is so special. This Rakhi give your brother the best designs from our silver Rakhi collections.