We know the literal meaning of Raksha Bandhan – the bondage of protection and as per tradition, the sister puts a ‘tilak’ on the forehead of her brother, ties a “rakhi’ (a colorful and decorated thread) on their brother’s wrist, and gives sweets as an offering of their love. In return, the brother vows to protect his sister under all circumstances and of course, gives his sister ‘kharchi’ or a gift.
Raksha Bandhan has a deeper spiritual meaning
1. Tilak
The “tilak‟ is a sign of being victorious over “BODY-CONSCIOUSNESS‟ and the web of vices that influenced us to perform negative actions. It is also a symbol of awakening one’s awareness of “Soul-consciousness”, realizing our true identity as infinitesimal points of divine energy – Soul, Atma, Ruha, Spirit or divine light energy, and NOT the physical body.
2. Rakhi
Tying a Rakhi is a sign of the VOW of purity taken by all human beings (souls), a VOW made to God Shiva that we shall remain pure for our entire life. Because we ALL human beings are brothers and sisters among us. We have the same spiritual father – the Supreme Soul is our creator (father). Signifying this, the sister prays for wellness and betterment of her brother, just as God is a well wisher of ours..
3. Sweets (Meethai)
The sweets that the sister offers to the brother are a symbol of sweetness in our relationship. We make a vow of behaving sweetly with EVERYONE whom we shall meet. Sister is saying to brother – ‘Become sweet.’
4. Kharchi (money in return of tying Rakhi)
A relationship is the one in which there is give and take. Hence here also, the brother gives kharchi in return for love and sweets. This is the give and takes that is fulfilled.
Do we ever stop to marvel at the magic of love? They say love is as delicate as a flower that a single touch can bruise it, and yet so strong as to withstand all storms. Love is the epitome of freedom and power but only when grounded in Purity and Spiritual principles. The Festival of Raksha Bandhan (Bond of Protection) speaks of this Sacred, Loving relationship that nurtures, protects, and uplifts. Traditionally, sisters apply a “tilak‟ on the forehead of their brothers, tie a colorful decorated “rakhi‟ or thread on their brother’s wrist, and offer sweets as a token of their love. In return, the brother vows to protect his sister under all circumstances and of course, gives his sister a gift.
Tying a “rakhi” is a symbol of purity in thought, word, and deed. So, make a pledge to stay in your original nature of peace, love, purity, wisdom, mercy… my every thought, word, and action becomes elevated and divine. Then, we receive the sweets as God bestows on us divine wisdom, becomes our true protector and liberator, and showers us with unlimited peace and happiness! Under His canopy of protection, we can be truly safe. The gift I give is to see every other being as a child of God and part of my spiritual family. This unlimited vision of brotherhood breaks all barriers of caste, creed, age, gender, religion, socio-economic status, sanskars (personality traits)…. I can live by my TRUE SELF-RESPECT and help others to do the same.
GOD ties Rakhi to all Souls
We already now understand the deep meaning of the rituals of Rakhi. Tilak signifies ‘soul consciousness’. God, the supreme soul gives us a tilak of remembrance – that you are a Soul. Then he ties us a Rakhi (vow of purity) and asks us to remain pure in this last birth. Then he makes us as sweet as himself. Sweet means with all attainments and virtues. Then, at last, gives us kharchi (wealth of new world) and we shall receive an inheritance of heaven (golden age). This is our golden fortune.
The Festival of Rakhi has a special place in the hearts of all sisters and brothers because on this day, they reinstate the significance of purity in a relationship.