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In ancient times a woman tied a 'raksha' on her husband's wrist to protect him from evil. Gradually this changed; she tied a 'raksha' on her brother's right wrist, to protect him from evil influence and those factors which may taint his character, and to strengthen the bond of sibling love between them.
She visits her home and performs his 'pujan' by applying kumkum and rice grains on his forehead. In return the brother gives her a gift and vows to protect her too. The 'rakhadi' itself ranges from a coloured cotton string to exquisitely decorated balls of various sizes and materials such as fluffy cotton, 'zari' paper, tinsel, beads and so on.
A second sentiment relates to 'Baleva' and our devotion to the Lord. Just as Bali Raja offered devotion to Lord Narayan by sacrificing his kingdom and himself, devotees should endeavor to emulate him. That is the true spirit of Baleva.
The Guru also ties a 'rakhadi' on his disciples. In the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the sadhus tie 'rakhadis' on devotees on this day. The underlying sentiment is that the Ekantik Dharma of the devotees be protected.
On 18/8/87, Pramukh Swami Maharaj defined Raksha Bandhan as, The Raksha Bandhan is our surrenderance to God and the Satpurush. Even if the body is not immortalized by such a Raksha Bandhan, the soul is, in that it is freed from metempsychosis - the cycles of birth and death. We also do not falter from Satsang. Devotees should forever beg for such a Raksha Bandhan.
Therefore on this day devotees pray to the Lord and Guru for ultimate protection; to be delivered from 'kusang' - evil elements, from the bondage of samsara and to be eternally bound, hence true 'bandhan' - to You and none others. |
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