Raksha Bandhan: Know the astrological significance behind special threads

Raksha Bandhan is a festival that is all about affection, fraternity and sublime sentiments. This is an occasion to flourish love, care, affection and sacred feeling of brotherhood.

On this day, sisters prepare the puja thali with diya, roti, chawal, rakhi thread and sweets. The ritual begins with prayers, then a sister ties rakhi to her brother with best wishes. The brother acknowledges the love with a promise to stand by his sister through all the good and bad times. A sister ties rakhi on the wrist of her brother amid chanting mantras, puts tilak and rice on his forehead and prays for his well-being.

Astrologically, sacred thread is a symbol of protection, commitment and good luck. Every person has their own lucky colour, direction, a specific gift according his/her horoscope. Last year, we mentioned about specific gifts and auspicious attires on Raksha Bandhan. It is believed that when a sister performs a specific tilak on brother’s forehead and ties a thread of a particular colour in a suggestive direction, the ritual improves the position of Jupiter in your horoscope. The process rectifies the negative energies and gives positive energies throughout the year.

ARIES

Tilak: Sindoor.
Thread: Red with nine knots.
Direction: West.
Benefit: To accept responsibility and control anger.

TAURUS

Tilak: White chandan.
Thread: Blue with six knots.
Direction: North.
Benefit: All comforts of life.

GEMINI

Tilak: Kesar
Thread: Green with five knots.
Direction: North.
Benefit: To improve education and knowledge.

CAPRICORN

Tilak: Kajal
Thread: Black with eight knots.
Direction: South
Benefit: To overcome unexpected problems in life.

AQUARIUS

Tilak: White chandan
Thread: Violet with seven knots.
Direction: South
Benefit: To overcome forgetfulness.

PISCES

Tilak: Haldi-rice
Thread: Yellow with three knots.
Direction: East
Benefit: To overcome monetary problems.

ASTRO TIP

If brothers and sisters are not living in the same city and are unable to meet personally, a sister should tie a yellow thread on the wrist of Lord Krishna and pray for the longevity, welfare and prosperity of her brother. She can also recite the mantra Om Nameh Vishnave Nameh,  while praying,

Q: I’m in love with a boy and have had physical relations with him for the past two years. What’s in my future? I’m born on October 4, 1999 at 5.55 am.
—XYZ, Pune

A: The position of Mars and Venus shows your boyfriend must be attractive. There is nothing in this affair. Focus on your career and improve your credentials. Go on fast on Friday to appeal Venus.

Q: I’m planning to set up a factory. Which direction should I be facing while sitting in my office to achieve better results.
—Vijay Pratap

A: You should face North or East while sitting in your office. There should be no curtain or window behind your back. You must do a Vaastu puja before starting the factory.

(The columnist is author of 32 books on Astrology, Numerology, Vaastu, Mantrism, Dreams and Moles. He features regularly on various TV channels. You can email your queries at: pkhurrana@astroindia.com)