Raksha Bandhan 2024: How Elder Siblings Shield Their Younger Ones; Incidents From Mythology

Elder siblings provide a protective umbrella for their younger siblings. This beautiful bond has been intact for ages since Rama protected his brothers and Sita cared for her sisters. On Raksha Bandhan 2024, read some of the most beautiful episodes from Hindu mythology highlighting sibling bonds. 

elder siblings younger

Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is an Indian festival that celebrates the pure eternal bond of love between siblings. From venting about your difficult examinations to ranting about your boss after a stressful day at work, the pious bond between siblings grows stronger as they grow older. Fun afternoon play sessions turn into late-night drives together.

However, sibling bonds are not only limited to this, the Hindu mythology has some interesting tales to reflect on this comforting bond. We spoke to Gauranga Das Prabhuji, Director at ISKCON Govardhan Ecovillage GEV to help us learn about such mythological episodes. Keep reading to know more.

Yudhishter’s Love

yadātmanā svamātmānaṃ praśaṃsetpuruṣaḥ prabho |

yathāprajñaṃ tu te praśnānprativakṣyāmi pṛccha mām ||

-Mahabharat 3.297.25 (Critical Edition by BORI)

“Yudhister, the eldest brother of Pandavas was devastated upon seeing the dead bodies of his four younger brothers. Because of the love for his younger siblings, the thirsty Yudhister happily agreed not to take water, before answering all the questions asked by the powerful Yaksha,” says Prabhuji.

pandavas

Image courtesy: Pinterest (@Shreyasi Banik)

Sampati’s Protection

In Ramayana, Jatayu, the demigod, was protected by his elder brother, Sampati, from the scorching sun. he laid out his feathers to protect his younger sibling and lost his precious feathers in the process due to sunburn.

Subhadra’s Bond

Prabhuji shares, “The famous Jagannath temple, wherein sister Subhadra is sitting between her two brothers, Lord Krishna and Balaram, signifies the close bond among siblings.” This episode emphasises the sweet bond that sisters have towards their brothers. Elder sisters often take the nurturing role in this equation.

krishna balram subhadra bond

Image courtesy: Pinterest

Rama’s Guidance

Prabhuji says, “When Bharat came to Ram to take him back to Ayodhya, Ram instructed him with a series of invaluable leadership principles, which were later implemented by Bharat while ruling Ayodhya.” this signifies the guidance that an elder sibling showers their younger sibling with to move ahead in life and be a conqueror.

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Balaram And Krishna’s Care

“While in Dwarka, whenever Krishna and Balaram would miss Vrindavan, they would share their deep inner feelings of separation and console each other,” says Prabhuji. This reflects the mutual care and comfort the brothers had for one another.

Rama siblings

Image courtesy: Pinterest

Rama’s Love for Brothers

anāyayitvā tanayaṅ kausalyāyā mahābalam.

svayamēva pravēkṣyāmi vanaṅ muniniṣēvitam৷৷

-Ramayan 2.74.31 (Edition by IITK)

"In the above verse from Ramayana, Bharat, the younger brother declares to undergo a life of penance in the forest if he is not able to reduce the sufferings of his elder brothers Ram and Laxman by bringing them back to Ayodhya from the forest," says Prabhuji

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