Rakshabandha, Raksha-bandha, Rakṣābandha: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Rakshabandha means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit term Rakṣābandha can be transliterated into English as Raksabandha or Rakshabandha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Hinduism
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
1) Rakṣābandha (रक्षाबन्ध) refers to the “ceremonies in which the festival idol is asked to preside over the succeeding events”, as discussed in the tenth chapter of the Īśvarasaṃhitā (printed edition), a Pāñcarātra work in 8200 verses and 24 chapters dealing with topics such as routines of temple worship, major and minor festivals, temple-building and initiation.—Description of the chapter [mahotsava-dhvajārohaṇa-anta-vidhi]: [...] The preparations or the major nine-day festival are described: [...] the preparation of the cloth to be used in the flag-ceremony (227-274); preparation of a maṇḍapa in which further sanctifying ceremonies are done to the cloth for the flag (275-304); the rakṣābandha-ceremonies in which the festival idol is asked to preside over the succeeding events (305-334); [...]. When these things have been done, then gifts and other rewards are generously to be given (382-384), [...].
2) Rakṣābandha (रक्षाबन्ध) refers to the “ceremony of tying the icon’s wrists” employed during Jalādhivasa, as discussed in chapter 4 of the Bhāradvājasaṃhitā or “Bhāradvāja-kaṇva-saṃhitā”: a Pāñcarātra text comprising some 230 ślokas mainly concerned with basic details concerning temple construction and icon consecration.—Description of chapter [Jalādhivāsānukramaṇikā]: [...] Then, with much pomp and éclat he should bring the deity to the yāgavedī. Certain upacāra-ceremonies should be done to the icon there—tying its wrists [rakṣābandha—with almost five ślokas dedicated to the “meaning” of the word and of the ceremony], etc. Other matters are attended to also: [...]
3) Rakṣābandha (रक्षाबन्ध) (or Rakṣābandhana) refers to the “ritual of tying cords”, as discussed in chapter 23 of the Śrīpraśnasaṃhitā: a Pāñcarātra text comprising 5500 Sanskrit verses covering a number of subjects ranging from selecting a temple site through building and furnishing it to sanctifying and maintaining worship in the sacred complex.—Description of the chapter [rakṣābandhana-ādi-kumbhasthāpana-anta-vidhi]: In the yāgamaṇḍapa the Ācārya arranges various pots, wrapping them in strings, filling them with water, etc. A central pot, larger than the others, is similarly treated, and into this he invokes various mantras (1-61). Then, going to the sanctuary, he ritually cleanses the main icon with mantras, mudrās, and pañcagavya, whereupon he ties rakṣābandha cords on his own and on the icon’s wrist (62). He does a similar cleansing for Lakṣmī, whereupon he does the same for the vimānadevatās (63-79a). [...]
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
Languages of India and abroad
Kannada-English dictionary
Rakṣābaṃdha (ರಕ್ಷಾಬಂಧ):—
1) [noun] a band of threads tied to the wrist to guard against evil spirits.
2) [noun] a talisman, amulet used for the same purpose.
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Raksha, Bandha.
Starts with: Rakshabandhan, Rakshabandhana, Rakshabandhanadikumbhasthapanantavidhi, Rakshabandhanavidhi.
Full-text: Rakshabandhana, Rakshayamtra, Dvarapuja, Svayamdiksha, Homakarma, Utsavabimba, Avabhritha, Rakshabandhanadikumbhasthapanantavidhi, Jaladhivasanukramanika, Plavotsavavidhi, Mahotsavadhvajarohanantavidhi, Pavitrotsavadividhi, Plavotsava, Utsavavidhi, Pavitrotsava, Dhvajarohana, Utsava, Acaryalakshana.
Relevant text
Search found 3 books and stories containing Rakshabandha, Rakṣā-baṃdha, Raksa-bamdha, Rakṣā-bandha, Raksa-bandha, Raksabamdha, Rakṣābaṃdha, Rakṣābandha, Raksabandha, Raksha-bandha, Rakshabamdha; (plurals include: Rakshabandhas, baṃdhas, bamdhas, bandhas, Raksabamdhas, Rakṣābaṃdhas, Rakṣābandhas, Raksabandhas, Rakshabamdhas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
A Descriptive Catalogue of the Sanskrit Manuscripts, Madras (by M. Seshagiri Sastri)
Temple worship and Rituals as per Shaiva Agamas (by Gayathri Balasubramanian)
Part 5.1 - The festival of Krittika Dipa < [Chapter 3 - Temple Rituals]
Manasara (English translation) (by Prasanna Kumar Acharya)