The Raksha Bandhan We Never Celebrate: Ravan and Shurpanakha's Fierce Bond

Raksha Bandhan, a festival that celebrates the sacred bond between brothers and sisters, holds a special place in the hearts of many across India. Yet, hidden within our ancient epics is a darker, more controversial narrative about this relationship one that involves Ravan, the ten-headed king of Lanka, and his sister Shurpanakha. This isn’t just a story of protection and blessings; it’s a tale filled with disfigurement, revenge, and a brother’s overwhelming fury. And perhaps the most unsettling part? We still carry this story with us in a subtle way: women are often advised against tying rakhi during the 'Bhadra Muhurat', the very time when Shurpanakha sought Ravan’s assistance.

In many popular versions of the Ramayana, Shurpanakha is portrayed as a mere caricature: ugly, lustful, and vengeful. However, her true story is much more intricate. She was a woman who faced rejection not only from Rama but also from a societal framework that couldn’t accept her desires. When she dared to express her love for Rama in the forest, he ridiculed her and sent her to Lakshman, who also insulted her. Consumed by jealousy and humiliation, she lashed out at Sita. In response, Lakshman brutally cut off her nose and ears, a punishment that far exceeded any notion of self-defense. Her mutilation was not just a physical act; it represented the erasure of female agency and desire in a patriarchal society.

When Shurpanakha came back to Ravan, battered, bruised, and humiliated, she didn’t just touch his pride; she tugged at his heart as a brother. In that moment, Ravan wasn’t thinking like a king; he was thinking like a brother fueled by loyalty and fury. The abduction of Sita, often seen as a mere act of desire, can also be interpreted as a quest for vengeance, a twisted reflection of the Raksha Bandhan promise. Ravan wasn’t merely battling Rama; he was fighting to restore his sister’s honor, even if it meant going against dharma, the gods, and fate itself.

In Hindu culture, women are warned not to tie rakhi during Bhadra Muhurat. Makers claim this time is inauspicious and can bring bad luck. This belief does have mythological origins. The myth goes that Shurpanakha tied rakhi to her brother Ravan in the Bhadra period. Because of her pain and promise, Ravan, out of anger, pledged to avenge her. In the moment of emotion, he decided to kidnap Sita.

The result? A war that destroyed Lanka, destroyed his kingdom, and ultimately led to his death.

To this day, many women in India will avoid tying rakhi during Bhadra and postpone tying rakhi until the more auspicious window. Is this superstition, or is it a memory projected from a culture recalling the eventful consequences of that Raksha Bandhan?

The dynamic between Ravan and Shurpanakha pushes us to face some tough questions. Is it always right to protect a sibling? Can love and loyalty really excuse actions that are morally gray? And why do we continue to silence women who dare to express their desires or challenge the status quo? Ravan’s way of protecting Shurpanakha was anything but gentle—it was fueled by vengeance. It didn’t bring about peace; instead, it tore kingdoms apart. Yet, there was a certain strength in it, stemming from a brother’s unwillingness to watch his sister be humiliated.

Most tales of Raksha Bandhan are sweet and heartwarming. This one, however, is jagged and raw. It doesn’t wrap up with blessings; it culminates in conflict. But perhaps that’s what makes it significant. Because not every sibling relationship is filled with rituals and smiles. Some are steeped in anger, rejection, and defiance. And figures like Ravan and Shurpanakha remind us that even the most divine stories are laced with human imperfections. So this Raksha Bandhan, as you tie that sacred thread, take a moment to remember the story we often overlook. The one that instilled fear of the Bhadra Muhurat. The one where a sister didn’t receive a gift—she was met with a battle

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