Legend of Krishna and Yudhishtir
Famous Hindu epic Mahabharata has an interesting episode related to Raksha Bandhan. It says that Lord Krishna advised Yudhishtir - the eldest of Pandavas to perform Rakhi ceremony to protect himself and the army in the war. Following Lord Krishna’s advice Pandava’s mother, Kunti tied a rakhi to Abhimanyu her warrior grandson while Draupadi tied a Rakhi to Lord Krishna.
Legend of Varuna
Believing a legend that Rakhi is celebrated to worship Varuna - the mythological Sea God some offer coconut to Lord Varun on the day of Raksha Bandhan. At several places fairs and ceremonial bathing is also organized in waterfronts to mark the day of Rakhi.
Yama and the Yamuna
The legend says that when Lord Yama - the Hindu mythological God of Death visited his twin sister Yamuna after a long gap, Yamuna tied a sacred thread of Rakhi to Yama and bestowed immortality to him. Lord Yama was immensely touched with his sister’s touching gesture. He announced that whosoever receives a Rakhi from sister and promises protection to sister will not be hurled to hell.
The Story of King Alexander and King Porus
It is believed that King Alexander’s wife tied a Rakhi on the wrist of King Porus. In return King Porus promised to protect her and her husband. Later, when Alexander invaded Indian subcontinent in 326 BC a bloody battle between Alexander and Porus took place. It is said that during the battle King Porus had the opportunity to attack Alexander, however, King Porus showed restraint because of his Rakhi vow to Alexander’s wife.
The Story of King Humayun and Rani Karnavati
It has been noticed that during the Mughal Period the custom of tying Rakhi helped to bind the Hindu Rajputs and Mughal rulers of Delhi together. It is said that when Rani Karnavati of Chittor was attacked by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat she sent a Rakhi to King Humayun and requested help. Humayun did come to his Rakhi sister’s help though he was late. Chittor had fallen and the Rani had immolated herself by performing the Rajput custom of Jauhar.
