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रक्षाबन्धन मंत्र (येन बद्धो बली राजा) — Word-by-Word Meaning

रक्षाबन्धन मंत्र (येन बद्धो बली राजा)

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

येन
Yena
By which (sacred thread / bond)
बद्धः
Baddhah
Was bound / tied
बली राजा
Balee Raja
King Bali (the righteous demon king)
दानवेन्द्रः
Danavendrah
The lord / king of the Danavas (demons)
महाबलः
Mahabalah
The exceedingly mighty one
तेन
Tena
By that same (thread / bond)
त्वाम्
Tvam
You
अनुबध्नामि
Anubadhnami
I bind / I tie (the rakhi)
रक्षे
Rakshe
O Raksha (protective amulet/thread), O protection
मा चल
Ma Chala
Do not waver, do not slip — stay firm
मा चल
Ma Chala
(repeated for emphasis) Do not move, remain steadfast

Complete Translation

जिस (रक्षासूत्र) से महाबली दानवेन्द्र राजा बलि बाँधे गए थे, उसी से मैं तुम्हें बाँधता हूँ। हे रक्षासूत्र! तुम डिगना मत, चलायमान मत होना — स्थिर रहो, स्थिर रहो।

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Sanskrit ritual mantra (Raksha Bandhan / raksha-sutra bandhana)

Author: Unknown (traditional)

Period: 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Raksha Bandhan mantra mean?▼
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.
Who is King Bali in this mantra?▼
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.
When and how is this mantra used?▼
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).
Does 'ma chala ma chala' have a special meaning?▼
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.

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