Raksha Bandhan: A Sacred Thread of Love, Duty & Dharma

Every year, on the full moon day of Shravana month (July–August), sisters across India tie a silk thread — a rakhi — on the wrists of their brothers. It may look simple, but this ritual holds centuries of sacred symbolism, powerful sentiment, and spiritual significance.

Raksha Bandhan, meaning “The Bond of Protection,” is far more than just a cultural custom — it's a vow of mutual responsibility, emotional connection, and sacred dharma between siblings.

🌕 Origin & Mythology

In the vast ocean of Hindu mythology, Raksha Bandhan finds its roots in many stories:

🛡️ Krishna and Draupadi

When Lord Krishna injured his finger during battle, Draupadi tore her sari and tied it around his wound. Deeply moved, Krishna vowed to protect her for life. This promise manifested during the infamous disrobing scene in the Mahabharata — where Krishna miraculously extended her sari to save her dignity.

💬 A rakhi is not just a thread — it’s a soul contract.

👑 Yamuna and Yama

The river goddess Yamuna tied a rakhi to her brother Yama, the god of death. He was so touched that he granted her immortality and promised that any brother who receives a rakhi from his sister will be blessed with a long, healthy life.

⚔️ Queen Karnavati and Emperor Humayun

A lesser-known yet powerful historical tale: During a siege, Queen Karnavati of Mewar sent a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun, seeking protection. Honoring the bond, he marched his army to defend her kingdom — proving that even empires bow to the sacredness of this thread.

🪷 The Deeper Symbolism

Raksha Bandhan is not just about gifts and sweets.

It’s about:

Gratitude for the people who stand by us
Recognition of sacred relationships — beyond blood ties
Reinforcement of dharmic duties and emotional bonds

In many traditions, priests tie rakshas (protective threads) on devotees' wrists as a symbol of divine protection. Thus, the rakhi is also symbolic of invoking blessings from the higher Self.

🧵 Modern Meanings

Today, the festival has evolved to include:

Cousins, friends, and even spiritual siblings
Women tying rakhis to soldiers and doctors as a token of gratitude
Eco-friendly and hand-made rakhis with sacred seeds or mantras
Rakhis symbolizing gender equality and universal love

In essence, Raksha Bandhan is a reminder that true protection is born from love, loyalty, and dharma.

✨ Rituals of the Day

Sisters prepare a thali with:
- Rakhi
- Kumkum, rice grains
- Diya (lamp of light)
- Sweets or homemade prasad
The Rakhi Ceremony:
- She applies a tilak on her brother’s forehead
- Ties the rakhi on his right wrist
- Offers sweets
- Prays for his long life
The Brother’s Vow:
- He gives her a gift
- Promises to protect, support, and honor her — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually

💫 A Spiritual Message

In yogic and Vedic terms, the wrist is a powerful energy center — linked to karma and action. By tying a sacred thread, we’re sanctifying our actions, relationships, and responsibilities.

For Kundalini Yogis, this is a day to meditate on:

Balancing the masculine and feminine within
Honoring supportive relationships in our lives
Offering rakhi-like prayers to our inner siblings — the mind and the soul, the body and the spirit

📿 You Can Celebrate Too

Even if you’re far from family, or don’t have siblings, here are beautiful ways to honor the day:

Tie a rakhi to your altar, representing divine protection
Call or message those who’ve stood by you
Send a rakhi to a soldier or a friend who’s been your shield
Perform a simple meditation on the Ajna Chakra, seeking clarity in your relationships

🌕 Closing Reflection

In a world increasingly fragmented by individualism, Raksha Bandhan invites us to return to connection, protection, and devotion.

Whether it’s with siblings, friends, or spirit — may this full moon awaken a deeper commitment to those who matter most.

Tie the thread.
Say the prayer.
Walk the path of love and dharma.

Meet Prakash Chegu

Name: Prakash Chegu

Background: Prakash Chegu is a highly experienced Kundalini Yoga teacher with over four decades of dedicated practice and two decades of teaching in the field. Born and raised in a deeply spiritual family in a small town in Southern India, the spiritual practice at the core of the life-style is ingrained in all aspects of life. Prakash's journey into Kundalini Yoga began at a very young age. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in yogic practices viz., Kriyas, Mantras, and Meditation, he developed a profound connection with the ancient practice.

Education and Training: Prakash pursued a rigorous and traditional education in yoga, alongside a strong engineering and technology, that nurtured his insatiable curiosity into everything life has to offer including Yogic Philosophy from the ancient scriptures, Vedas, and Upanishads. He further honed his skills by studying under renowned Kundalini Yoga masters across the world and undertaking advanced training in Kundalini Yoga therapy, meditation, and an ancient yogic healing modality called Sat Nam Rasayan.

Teaching Style: Prakash's teaching style is deeply rooted in authenticity and spirituality. He believes in the transformative power of Kundalini Yoga and seeks to share its immense benefits with his students. His classes are dynamic, inspiring as well as harmonious, and a blend of traditional techniques and modern understanding, making the practice accessible to people from all walks of life.

Prakash is known for his:

Compassion: He creates a nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel supported in their personal journeys. Prakash understands that everyone's path is unique and offers individualized guidance to help students reach their full potential.
Expertise: With his extensive knowledge of life-time of learning including Kundalini Yoga, Prakash can guide students through even the most complex kriyas and meditations. His in-depth understanding of the bodies, Ayurveda, chakras, and Vedic astrology allows him to facilitate profound experiences of awakening and self-realization.
Holistic Approach: Prakash emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit in his teachings. He incorporates pranayama, mantra chanting, and meditation to help his students achieve a state of balance and harmony.
Innovation: While deeply rooted in tradition, Prakash is open to weaving modern techniques and scientific insights related to yoga and energy work. He continually deepens his teaching methods by integrating scientific research that keeps increasingly validating ancient technologies to provide his students with a well-rounded and relevant experience.

Value Generation: Prakash Chegu is not just a yoga teacher; He's a spiritual alchemist, a guide who empowers his students to unlock their full potential. His immense domain experience and deep spiritual connection allow him to:

Help individuals release physical and emotional blockages, enabling them to experience greater vitality and emotional well-being.
Assist students in tapping into their inner wisdom and intuition, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
Guide individuals on a journey of self-discovery, helping them connect with their purpose and passion.
Foster a sense of community and support among her students, creating a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and spiritual evolution.

Additionally, Prakash Chegu is a successful entrepreneur, and Engineer from a reputed university that brings depth and adequate practical knowledge of Yogic Philosophy in technology and life in general.

Prakash Chegu's classes are sought after by those who seek not only physical health but also spiritual transformation. His dedication to Kundalini Yoga and his ability to generate immense value in the lives of the students make him a respected figure in the world of yoga and holistic wellness.