Sudha Murty rakes up debate over sharing Rani Karnavati, Humayun story on Raksha Bandhan
Chandigarh, August 19
On the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty explained the value of rakhi and the importance of the festival.
She also shared a story behind celebrating Rakhi--which has stirred a debate online.
Raksha Bandhan has a rich history. When Rani Karnavati was in danger, she sent a thread to King Humayun as a symbol of sibling-hood, asking for his help. This is where the tradition of the thread began and it continues to this day. pic.twitter.com/p98lwCZ6Pp
— Smt. Sudha Murty (@SmtSudhaMurty) August 19, 2024
In a video message posted on X, she said: "Raksha Bandha is an important festival for me, where a sister ties a thread indicating that in case of any difficulty, you should always be there to help me," adding: "It goes back to when Rani Karnavati (from the Kingdom of Mewar) was in danger her kingdom was small and under attack. She did not know what to do. She sent a small piece of thread to Mughal Emperor Humayun and said I'm in danger please consider me as your sister. Please do come and protect me. Humayun did not know what it was...he asked what is this and the locals said this is a call of a sister to a brother...this is the custom of the land. The emperor said okay if this is the case then I will help Rani Karnavati. He left Delhi but couldn't reach there on time and Karnavati died."
"This idea is when you're facing a threat or in distress. A thread indicates that somebody should come and help me and it means a lot..." she added.
However, several users differed on X and trolled her over the story saying it goes back to the time of Mahabharat and not post-medieval India.
At this moment I know u know nothing about Indian festivals and culture if u believe in this nonsense story. I'm sorry to have recommended ur books for kids. They don't need to learn this manufactured story. Please read about Draupadi's Raksha Sutra for Srikrishna and the…
— Candid_Shweta (@CandidShweta) August 19, 2024
It's a real surprise for me that you as a writer is telling this crap
Raksha Bandan is related with Krishna & Draupati
Please educate yourself
— Anu Satheesh 🇮🇳🚩 (@AnuSatheesh5) August 19, 2024
I’m sorry! But This is utter nonsense 🤷🏻♀️
— The ಬೀಸ್ಟ್ Poorna 2/ Swati🚩 (@IAnnapurna1) August 19, 2024
Sudha ji you are factually wrong . This is a made up story . Raksha Bandhan is a very old Hindu practice . Please read the Dharmashastras and Puranas.
— Sumedha V Ojha (@SVOjha) August 19, 2024
Users said the festival goes back to the days of Mahabharat, when Lord Krishna inadvertently cut his finger while using the Sudarshan chakra to kill King Shishupal and Draupadi covered the wound with a piece of cloth.
Lord Krishna was moved by this and he promised to keep her safe from any harm.
And when Draupadi was dishonoured by the Kauravas, Lord Krishna protected her.
Another story on the festival includes King Bali and Goddess Lakshmi. King Bali was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu and he took the responsibility to protect Bali's Kingdom for which he left Vikundam. Goddess Lakshmi wanted to stay with her husband Lord Vishnu.
She tied Rakhi on King Bali's wrist on the full moon day called Shravana Purnima. It is believed that since that day Raksha Bandhan is celebrated.
