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Raksha Bandhan Mantra (Yena Baddho Balee Raja)

रक्षाबन्धन मंत्र (येन बद्धो बली राजा) in English · English

🕉️ hindu·📿 1× repetitions·🕐 Raksha Bandhan (Shravana Purnima), at the auspicious muhurta while tying the rakhi·📜 Traditional Sanskrit ritual mantra (Raksha Bandhan / raksha-sutra bandhana)

Read in your language / script

हिन्दी / देवनागरी తెలుగు தமிழ்ಕನ್ನಡ മലയാളം ગુજરાતી বাংলা ଓଡ଼ିଆ ਪੰਜਾਬੀEnglishසිංහල 𑌗𑍍𑌰𑌨𑍍𑌥

✦ Meaning

This is the traditional Sanskrit mantra recited while tying the Raksha Bandhan (rakhi) thread. It recalls how Goddess Lakshmi tied a protective thread on the wrist of the demon king Bali, and invokes that same power so the protective bond stays firm and unbreakable. It is chanted by sisters, priests and family members while tying the sacred thread on Shravana Purnima.

Origin & Story

Traditional Sanskrit ritual mantra (Raksha Bandhan / raksha-sutra bandhana) · Unknown (traditional) · Classical / Puranic

This is the classic verse spoken while tying the raksha-sutra. It alludes to the story of Bali, the mighty Danava king who, through his devotion and generosity, won a boon from Lord Vishnu (in the Vamana avatar). By a well-known tradition, when Vishnu chose to stay as Bali's gatekeeper in Patala, Goddess Lakshmi tied a sacred protective thread on Bali's wrist and, in return, asked for Vishnu's release. From this the custom of tying a protective thread — and reciting this mantra over it — became the heart of Raksha Bandhan.

✦ As told in scripture

Tradition holds that a thread tied with this mantra cannot easily fail in its purpose: just as the bond once held the all-powerful King Bali himself, the rakhi tied with these words is believed to surround the wearer with a guarding presence through the year until the next Shravana Purnima.

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The Mantra

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Yena Baddho Balee Raja Danavendro Mahabalah Tena Tvam Anubadhnami Rakshe Ma Chala Ma Chala

Meaning:With the very same sacred bond by which the mighty King Bali, lord of the Danavas, was once bound, I now bind you, O protective thread. Do not waver, do not slip — stay firm and steadfast.

Word-by-Word Meaning

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Yena🔊By which (sacred thread / bond)

Baddhah🔊Was bound / tied

Balee Raja🔊King Bali (the righteous demon king)

Danavendrah🔊The lord / king of the Danavas (demons)

Mahabalah🔊The exceedingly mighty one

Tena🔊By that same (thread / bond)

Tvam🔊You

Anubadhnami🔊I bind / I tie (the rakhi)

Rakshe🔊O Raksha (protective amulet/thread), O protection

Ma Chala🔊Do not waver, do not slip — stay firm

Ma Chala🔊(repeated for emphasis) Do not move, remain steadfast

Benefits of Chanting रक्षाबन्धन मंत्र (येन बद्धो बली राजा)

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Sanctifies the tying of the rakhi, turning it into a true protective bond

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Invokes the protective power that once safeguarded King Bali

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Bestows protection, long life and well-being on the one who wears the thread

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Strengthens the bond of love and duty between siblings and family

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Connects the festival ritual to its scriptural and Puranic roots

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Removes fear and brings auspiciousness on Shravana Purnima

How to Chant रक्षाबन्धन मंत्र (येन बद्धो बली राजा)

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Best TimeRaksha Bandhan (Shravana Purnima), at the auspicious muhurta while tying the rakhi

Recite this mantra once, clearly and with a sincere wish for the other person's protection, exactly at the moment the rakhi or protective thread is tied on the right wrist. Apply tilak first, then tie the thread while chanting, offer sweets, and seek the blessing. Priests use the same mantra when tying the raksha-sutra during pujas and sankalpa.

Frequently Asked Questions

This page shows the complete रक्षाबन्धन मंत्र (येन बद्धो बली राजा) written in the English script — the same Sanskrit/Hindi verses, transliterated character-by-character so you can read and chant comfortably. Tap any line (or the ▶ button) to hear it recited aloud.

Yes — only the script changes; the words and their meaning are the original. The verse-by-verse meaning, benefits and how-to-chant guidance on this page apply exactly the same.

It says: 'With the same thread by which the mighty King Bali was bound, I now bind you; O protective thread, do not waver, stay firm.' It dedicates the rakhi to the protection of the wearer, invoking the bond that once secured King Bali.

Bali was a powerful but righteous Danava (demon) king. In the Vamana avatar story, Lord Vishnu sent him to rule the netherworld (Patala). By one tradition Goddess Lakshmi tied a protective thread (raksha) on Bali's wrist to free Vishnu from a promise — the origin of the rakhi bond celebrated in this verse.

It is recited once at the moment of tying the rakhi on Raksha Bandhan (Shravana Purnima), and also by priests when they tie a protective raksha-sutra on the wrist during pujas and vows (sankalpa).

Yes. 'Ma chala' means 'do not move / do not waver,' repeated for emphasis. It is a prayer that the protective bond remain steadfast and unbroken, never failing to guard the one who wears it.