Raksha Bandhan, the tying of a Rakhi is a national festival of India [Bharat] dating back to the Vedic era crossing boundaries of race religion and class. Rakhi a coloured decorative thread is tied by one to the wrist of the other, sister to brother, priest to his congregational members, well wishes to each other symbolising blessings of protection [Raksha] good wishes and love
With this spirit at heart we say the Sanskrit Vedic prayers:
Sarveapi Sukhinasantu May all be happy
Sarve santu niraamayaah May all befree from all ills and
Sarve bhadrani pashantu May all behold only the auspicious and
Maa kashchit dukhabag bhavet Let no one be affected
This is the most auspicious occasion to recharge ourselves with the true spirit of service and sacrifice for the welfare of society and find therein the highest spiritual fulfilment of human life. Society imbued with this spirit will ensure that everyone is made happy.
The Hindu Puranic heralding the festival of Raksha Bhandan
Lion King Bali the Mighty Demon of the Vedic era was an ardent devotee of mother Goddess Lakshmi, from whom he had obtained blessings of invincible protection [Raksha Kavach] in the form a sacred Rakhi. Great sage, Maharashi Brihaspati pointing at King Bali’s acquired strength, directed Shachi, the pious and spiritual wife of King Indra, to invoke on her spiritual strength and tie a Rakhi (Raksha Sutra) on King Indras wrist, providing him with an invincible protection and his fight against all evil forces, with the following blessings
Yena baddho Bali Raja I am tying this Rakhi onto you,
Daanavendro mahaabalah Similar to the one that was tied to
Tena twam anubadhnaami The powerful king of demons – Bali.
Raksha maa chala maa chala Oh Rakshaa be firm and do not waver
This invisible protection given by Shachi, enable King Indra to overpower the evil forces.
May the same blessings guide us all in bringing about universal good and happiness for all beings.
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