In the realm of Indian traditions, Raksha Bandhan is a festival that cherishes the bond of siblings. While everyone is well aware of this festival’s importance and meaning, only some know about a beautiful tradition of tying rakhi to Krishna on this day. Having roots in mythology, this practice gives Raksha Bandhan even more spiritual dimension. So, why do people tie rakhi to Krishna? Well, the answer lies in a lot of divine stories highlighting the timeless essence of protection and love. Let’s know about some:
Krishna and Draupadi
To truly know – can we tie rakhi to Lord Krishna; let’s journey back to the pages of Mahabharata. At the Rajasuya Yagna, Krishna’s finger got injured. As a spontaneous act of care, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree to bandage his wound. Deeply touched by her gesture, Krishna pledged to protect her whenever she needed it. Krishna kept his promise by protecting her during the infamous disrobing incident in the Kaurava court. He unbelievably extended Draupadi’s saree, safeguarding her respect and dignity. So, Draupadi’s piece of cloth is considered the first rakhi. This explains the ritual of Raksha Bandhan- where a sister ties rakhi to her brother’s wrist symbolising her blessings and care for him. In return, the brother promises to always protect her.
Krishna: The Protector of Devotees
Well, Krishna’s role as a protector is not confined to Draupadi only. He is considered an epitome of divine guardianship by Hindus. By tying a designer rakhi to Krishna, devotees invoke his promise of protection and seek his blessings. This practice is simply a declaration of faith in Krishna reflecting his devotees’ love and devotion in him.
Can We Tie Rakhi to Lord Krishna?
So, the answer to this question as many ask is – ‘Yes’! The act of tying a rakhi to Krishna is a beautiful expression of one’s devotion, trust and reliance on him. In a way, this rakhi acts as a bridge that connects the mortal and the divine, adding all the more spirituality to the festival.
Relevance in Modern Times
In today’s time, the practice of tying a rakhi to Krishna holds even more significance because all of us live in a world full of challenges and uncertainties. Seeking Krishna’s blessings offers solace and hope. It is also a reminder of Krishna’s enduring presence and support in our lives. This meaningful ritual is also a reaffirmation of our spiritual beliefs and a source of inner strength and peace.
Tying a Krishna Rakhi to Your Brother
In addition to the practice of tying a rakhi to Krishna, many sisters choose to tie a Krishna rakhi to their brothers. Featuring a symbol related to Krishna or images of him represents his divine protection and blessings. Tying a Krishna rakhi also invokes the promise of protection and care that Krishna extended to Draupadi. Blending tradition with spirituality, this ritual makes Raksha Bandhan even more meaningful.
So, in the vibrant celebration of Raksha Bandhan, tying a rakhi to Krishna stands out as a gesture of deep spiritual significance. By tying rakhi to Krishna, we participate in a tradition that embodies love, protection and connection of humans with the divine!