Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi), Jandhyala / Sravana Poornima - History of Raksha Bandhan

There is no specific reference in history to exactly pinpoint the genesis of Raksha Bandhan.

There is a reference of Raksha Bandhan from the history of Alexander the Great. During his invasion in India, his wife is known to have tied a Rakhi to King Porus asking him to spare her husband in the war. Porus was pleased and assured that her husband’s life would be spared. Later, even when Porus had the opportunity to sever Alexander's head, he left Alexander unharmed as per his word given to Alexander’s wife. This serves as an example to the sanctity attached to Rakhi.

This festival commands respect from Hindus as well as Muslims. There is a story from history to prove this. At the time when Humayun was ruling from Delhi, Mewar was ruled by queen Karunavathi. The king of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, once invaded Mewar with a huge army. The queen's army was unable to withstand the onslaught. Expecting an imminent defeat, queen Karunavathi sent a Rakhi to emperor Humayun seeking his help. Humayun cut short an attack on Bengal and instead set out for Mewar to help the queen. However by the time Humayun reached Mewar, the queen was defeated – she had killed herself to avoid captivity. Humayun avenged for her defeat by waging a war against Bahadur Shah and killed him in the battle. Humayun resurrected the Mewar Crown to the descendants of the Queen. This incident in history presents a shining example to the excellent relations that existed in our country between Hindus and Muslims.