Do we ever stop to marvel at the magic of love? They say, love is as delicate as a flower that a single touch can bruise it, and yet as strong as to withstand all storms - purity makes love bloom and strengthens it for all time. Love born out of purity, begets faith and security; this is undoubtedly the strongest energy force we can possess today. Rakshabandhan commemorates such an eternal, pure, loving relationship.
As seen in the present era, The 'Bond of Protection', celebrated in the month of Shravan (August) on full-moon day, is a festival where brothers and sisters express their love and good wishes; sisters pray for their brothers' well-being, who in turn promise to take care and give protection. But few of us truly understand and cherish the roots of this auspicious festival. Commercializing one of the most enriched festivals of India has perhaps reduced its value. Where we now see Rakhis being created in all shapes and forms and sent through all means (most popular being the 'e-rakhi'), traditionally Brahmin priests would visit homes, apply tilak and tie the sacred thread, mauli (red and saffron thread), on the wrists of all the family members. The mauli symbolized taking sacred vows and served to protect the person from all evil and sorrow. What kind of protection do we really require? Do only sisters need protection? 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.
Rakhshabandhan is the 'festival of destroying vices' (vish torak parv) and 'festival of being charitable' (punya pradayak parv) where devotees travel far and high to visit Lord Shiva's temples and pour water on the Shivlinga every Monday till Rakshabandhan day; this is believed to absolve them of sins through surrendership to Shiva, the Incorporeal Supreme Benefactor. As stories go, tying this bond of purity liberates one from death and guarantees a place in the land of immortality (Yama, the Lord of Death, proclaimed, whilst being tied rakhi by his sister, that anyone who ties this bond and conquers lust, would conquer death itself and come to heaven). The sacred 'rakhi' enables one to attain sovereignty over the heavens (a 12-year long war waged between the deities and demons ended with the latter being victorious; the Lord of the Devas, Indra, returned to claim his lost sovereignty and his wife, Indrani, tied a rakshasutra - symbol of protection - on him before he set out on his second war, one the deities eventually won, and so re-established their sovereignty over heaven).
These and many more rituals and myths talk volumes of how vital Rakshabandhan is to every human being. From destroying vices to performing good actions, to bonding with the Supreme Being, to self-sovereignty and victory over heaven, Rakshabandhan embodies every aspect of spirituality. Protection does not merely imply physical protection, but protection of the inner, eternal, spirit (tilak symbolises awareness of the self as a spirit, atma or soul - as well as a reminder to see others as spiritual beings too - association with the body invites the vices to spread their influence). This vision for the self teaches one to maintain pure thoughts, words and actions, which eventually become our character and destiny. Inculcating purity in one's life requires the divine companionship of God, our Supreme Guide and Protector. God binds us in this sacred bond of love and purity. Making a firm promise to God of imbibing purity and good-will, ensures that we constantly receive strength to overcome the vices and sorrow that are plaguing humanity today. For all our sincere efforts, God in turn, promises to gift us a place in the divine, new world of paradise where happiness, peace and prosperity will rule the lands. One small promise of love and purity on our side will bind God, The Almighty Authority, for eternity.. Isn't it time to see God work the magic of love?
BK Urvashi is an active student and teacher of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (which has its branches in 82 countries worldwide), and am presently dedicating my services at their Head Quarters in Mount Abu.
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