True significance of - RAKSHA BANDHAN - Although the present era has modernized the festival greatly, its simple and significant meaning exists incognito. A number of legends are connected with tying of the ‘Rakhi’ - symbolising the bond of love and protection - but the most intriguing one is where the devtas (deities) are said to have lost their heavenly kingdom to the asuras (devils). Before he sets out for war to regain the lost sovereignty, Lord Indra’s (King of the Devtas) wife applies tilak of victory on his forehead and ties him a rakhi. In due time, the deities gain victory and return to heaven. How is this fable applicable to us? Is Rakshabandhan a festival that needs to be celebrated only once a year? Are only sisters or females in need of protection? Does fear arise from only external sources? Taking sacred vows to serve and protect a person from all evil and sorrow…. what kind of protection do we really require? Is protection possible if a brother is younger in age, disabled, or living far away? How does purity play a role in this? Can purity protect us? The legends of Rakshabandhan take us deep into the spiritual meaning, thus allowing us to appreciate its immense value
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 07:49:16 +0000