History of Raksha Bandhan: Who tied the first rakhi? Learn about the Krishna and Draupadi rakhi story here

Raksha Bandhan 2024

The festival of Rakhi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. This festival is celebrated on the day of Shravan Purnima. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie a rakhi on their brother's wrist and pray for his long life. There are many stories associated with it. So, let's learn about the various beliefs and practices related to Raksha Bandhan.

First story: Draupadi Tied a Rakhi to Shri Krishna
There is a popular story from the Mahabharata era involving Lord Shri Krishna and Draupadi. The tale goes back to the time when Lord Krishna used his Sudarshan Chakra to kill Shishupala in Indraprastha. During this event, Krishna's finger got cut, and it started bleeding profusely. Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it around Krishna's finger. Coincidentally, it was the day of Shravan Purnima. Lord Krishna was so pleased with this act that he promised Draupadi he would repay her for this small piece of cloth. Krishna fulfilled his promise during the incident of Draupadi's disrobing, where he protected her honor like a true brother.

Second Story
Another popular story regarding Raksha Bandhan comes from the time of the Mahabharata. Yudhishthira was preparing for war against the Kauravas and was worried about how to win the battle. When he asked Lord Krishna for a solution, Krishna advised him to have all the soldiers tie a protective thread on their wrists. Following Krishna's advice, all the soldiers tied the protective threads and emerged victorious.

Third Story
The third story is about Queen Karnavati and Emperor Humayun. During the medieval era, when there was a conflict between the Rajputs and the Muslims, the widowed Queen Karnavati of Chittor sought help from the Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, for the safety of herself and her subjects. She sent a rakhi to Humayun, considering him her brother. In return, Humayun promised to protect her and gave her the status of a sister, safeguarding her and her subjects.

Fourth Story
The fourth story involves Alexander the Great's wife and his Hindu enemy, King Porus. During the battle between Alexander and Porus, Alexander's wife tied a rakhi on Porus' wrist, making him her brother and extracting a promise that he would not kill her husband during the battle. Porus honored the rakhi and spared Alexander's life.

Fifth Story
The fifth story is about the Queen of Ginnaurgarh and her friend, Mohammad Khan. Alam Shah, a relative of King Nizam Shah Gond, poisoned the king as part of a conspiracy. The queen, seeking revenge and to save her kingdom, sent a rakhi to Mohammad Khan asking for his help. Mohammad Khan fulfilled his duty as a brother and helped the queen.

Sixth Story
The sixth story, from the Bhavishya Purana, is quite popular. It is said that a war between the gods and demons had been ongoing for 12 years. Fearing defeat, Indra went to Guru Brihaspati for advice. On Brihaspati's suggestion, Indra's wife, Queen Shachi, tied a protective thread on Indra's wrist on the day of Shravan Shukla Purnima. Subsequently, the gods won the war.

Seventh Story
The seventh story is about the god of death, Lord Yama, and the Yamuna River. According to mythological tales, Yamuna once tied a thread on Yama's wrist, considering him her brother. Pleased with her, Yama granted her a boon of protection and immortality. He also promised that any brother who helps his sister will be blessed with a long life.

Eighth Story
The eighth story involves Lord Ganesha's sons, Shubh and Labh, who wished for a sister. Lord Ganesha performed a ritual and summoned Goddess Santoshi. The two brothers were very happy to have a sister.