HAPPY RAKSHABANDHAN 2017 – AUSPICIOUS TIME TO TIE RAKHI AND CLARIFICATION OF MYTHS ASSOCIATED WITH LUNAR ECLIPSE (CHANDRA GRAHAN) ON RAKHI

Rakhi Date: 07^th August 2017

This year, Rakshabandhan would be celebrated on 7th August across the country. In this post I would discuss the legend associated with the festival so that you clearly know why rakhi is celebrated and would also give you auspicious time for rakhi ceremony. I would also clarify the myth associated with tying rakhi during sutak for lunar eclipse.

LEGEND ASSOCIATED WITH RAKSHA BANDHAN

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the holy month of Shravana during full moon or Purnima day. There are number of legends associated to the holy thread and bond of Rakhi. The most popular legend is that Draupadi tied a rakhi on Lord Krishna's hand when He hurt his finger while setting off His sudarshan chakra against evil king Shishupalal. As Krishna's slashed finger bled, Draupadi tore a piece from her sari and tied it around Krishna's hand. Krishna in return vowed to protect Draupadi against all adversities in future.

AUSPICIOUS TIME TO TIE RAKHI

Now the question arise what is the best time to tie rakhi. The best time to tie Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan is during Aparahna , which usually falls around afternoon. If for some reason, you are not able to tie it in the Aparahna period, the Pradosh time is also deemed suitable to perform the festive rituals. According to the scriptures, Raksha Bandhan rituals should be avoided in the Bhadra phase of the day. During the Bhadra time, certain malicious energies are said to come into force. Bhadra prevails during first half of Purnima day.

Raksha Bandhan Thread Ceremony Time = 11:04 to 21:13 (9.13 pm)

Duration = 10 Hours 8 Mins

BEST TIME - Aparahan Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat = 13:46 (01.46 p.m.) to 16:25 (4.25 pm)

Duration = 2 Hours 38 Mins

Pradosh Time Raksha Bandhan Muhurat = 19:04 to 21:13 (9.13 pm)

Duration = 2 Hours 9 Mins

RAKSHA BANDHAN DURING LUNAR ECLIPSE (CHANDRA GRAHAN)

There are many astrologers and pundits who are advising to avoid raksha bandhan as on 7^th August, lunar eclipse is occurring and due to sutak starting on 01.44 pm.  If we refer to Hindu classical texts, including Dharma Sindhu and Nirnaya Sindhu, they do not consider sutak for Raksha Bandhan ceremony. In other words, Muhurta to tie rakhi would not change due to Lunar eclipse or Chandra Grahan. Dharma Sindhu ask to avoid bhadra time while Nirnay  Sindhu says that Raksha Bandhan ceremony can be performed during Sutak excluding the time when Rahu is visible. In other words, Raksha Bandhan should be avoided only when Chandra Grahan is visible and it can be done any time before Rahu Darshan during Sutak.

In the light of above, it can be said that the best time to tie rakhi is during Aparahan Muhurat, i.e. from 01:46 pm to 04.25 pm. The other muhurat are also given above but you should avoid tying rakhi before 11.04 a.m.

Wish you all a warm and happy Rakhi!

Acharya Vikas Kumar Malhotra
Lal Kitab Astro Centre (LKAC)
Book phone or personal consultation by visiting our website lalkitabastro.com