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Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Raksha Bandhan 2025: Want to protect your brother from all evil? Don't skip these ancient Rakhi mantras
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. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Raksha Bandhan 2025 falls on a rare yog of nakshatras: When is the right time to celebrate and what rules to follow
credit: canva Raksha Bandhan is more than a festival. It's a sweet ritual of protection, a loving festival celebrated by brothers and sisters. Raksha Bandhan is a reminder of the emotional bonds that hold together families. This year, it will be observed on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This year, the festival falls on a strong planetary conjunction, so it is all the more favorable. If you are going to celebrate it in a traditional and spiritually correct manner, here's everything that you should know, right from timing to rituals to don'ts. When is Raksha Bandhan in 2025? Festival falls on Saturday, August 9, 2025, i.e., Shravana's full moon (Purnima) day. Purnima Tithi starts: Friday, 8 August at 2:12 PM Purnima Tithi concludes: Saturday, 9 August at 1:24 PM Therefore, the most important rituals have to be performed on 9th August morning, before the conclusion of the tithi. Auspicious tithi The most favorable moment for tying of rakhi is from 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM on 9th August. The time interval belongs to the Aparahna phase, which is considered best for this kind of ceremony. Also, there's something called Bhadra Kaal, which is best avoided during any auspicious event. On this day, the Bhadra period ends before sunrise, so you're safe to begin early in the morning. Raksha Bandhan rituals should not be done in Bhadra. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Bhadra is an unfavorable period that needs to be avoided for any auspicious activity. Vratraj, along with the majority of Hindu scriptures, suggests avoiding the Bhadra period to tie Rakhi on the Raksha Bandhan festival. Why is this year so special This year, Raksha Bandhan is taking place in a powerful cosmic conjunction with Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, Saubhagya Yoga, and Shravana Nakshatra present. Astrologers and Vedic experts say that this type of conjunction is extremely rare and may occur once in a hundred years, and is said to double the blessings for any ritual performed on this day. So if you've been feeling like your family or relationships need deeper healing or protection, this is a good year to bring that intention to your Rakhi ceremony. How to celebrate it in a conventional and meaningful way Start with a clean setting Wake up early, bathe, and wash the area where you are going to perform the ritual. Purity of space, mind, and body is essential. Prepare your Rakhi thali Add a diya (lamp), roli (vermilion), rice, sweets, and the rakhi thread. You can add flowers or coconut if you prefer. Perform the ritual within the auspicious window Put the rakhi around your brother's right hand, place a tilak on his forehead, do a small aarti, and give sweets. The brother usually presents a gift and an assurance of protection throughout his life. Raksha Bandhan is not just a cultural tradition. If done with awareness and in awareness, it is a little but potent expression of care and love. In 2025, with such propitious spiritual links, this festival is a time to reaffirm those ties and bring peace, prosperity, and harmony into your household.
