Raksha Bandhan 2025: Want to protect your brother from all evil? Don't skip these ancient Rakhi mantras

Time of India

4 days ago

Raksha Bandhan, celebrated on the full moon (Purnima) of the Sawan month, falls on August 9 this year. While widely known as a festival that honours the sibling bond between brothers and sisters, the practice of chanting mantras during the Rakhi-tying ritual has ancient roots and spiritual significance.
Sisters tie a Rakhi on their brother's wrist and pray for his well-being and protection. In return, the brother promises to protect her. Traditionally, the ritual goes beyond familial love mantras chanted while tying Rakhi are believed to enhance the spiritual power of the Raksha Sutra (sacred thread).
Mantras for raksha and their meaning
Many sisters recite specific mantras while tying the Rakhi to invoke blessings and protection. Two of the commonly chanted mantras include:
1. 'Yena baddho Bali raajaa, daanavendro mahaabalahTena twaam pratibadhnaami raksha maa chala maa chala.'Translation: Just as the mighty King Bali was bound with this Raksha thread, I tie this to you—may this protection remain firm and unbroken.
2. 'Om bhur bhuvah swahTat savitur varenyamBhargo devasya dheemahiDhiyo yo nah prachodayaat.'
Translation: We meditate on the divine light of the Sun; may it guide our thoughts and keep us on a righteous path.
These mantras are meant to purify the moment and create a spiritual shield through the Raksha thread. In Hindu tradition, chanting before any auspicious ritual helps eliminate negativity and invites positive energy.
Vedic significance of Raksha Bandhan
Historically, Raksha Bandhan was not restricted to siblings. Vedic texts describe it as a ritual to ward off evil forces, bad spirits, and illnesses. Similar to Holika Dahan, Raksha Bandhan was originally intended as a yearly ritual for protection against misfortune.
The Vratraj scripture outlines a detailed Raksha Bandhan Puja Vidhi. It describes the Raksha thread as a personification of divine power that makes the worshipper fearless. The origin story traces back to Shachi, wife of Indra, who tied a sacred Raksha to protect her husband during a battle against demons.
According to Vratraj, those who worship Raksha on Shravana Purnima are blessed with happiness, health, wealth, and success throughout the year.
Ritual guidelines and Raksha potli
On the morning of Shravana Purnima, it is customary to take a ritual bath (Snan) before sunrise and perform Deva and Pitra Tarpan (offerings to gods and ancestors). The Upakarma ritual, known in South India as Avani Avittam, is also observed on this day.
The main Raksha Bandhan ritual should ideally be conducted during Aparahna (afternoon). It involves preparing a Raksha Potli made of unbroken rice, white mustard, and gold thread, wrapped in colored cotton or woolen fabric. This Potli is placed on a clean cloth and worshiped before being tied to the wrist.
During the ritual, Bhudevas (earthly deities) should also be worshipped and offered clothes. After this, the Raksha Potli is fastened to the wrist with the chanting of the protection mantra.
For sisters tying Rakhi in a family context, traditional steps to follow include:
Facing east while the brother faces west
Applying a tilak on the brother's forehead
Chanting the mantra before tying the Rakhi
Offering sweets and performing aarti
Always tying Rakhi on the brother's right hand
In modern times, while Raksha Bandhan is seen primarily as a sibling celebration, its rituals are deeply embedded in ancient beliefs. Through these mantras and practices, the sacred thread becomes more than a symbol—it is a spiritual promise of protection.
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