The occasion of Shravani Upaakarm is generally celebrated in the month of August. There is a synonymous celebration called Raksha Bandhan that is also celebrated at this time. This article is meant to define, distinguish and add clarity between these two occasions. Among the many mythological legends of Hinduism, we learned from Nirnai-Sindhu of one such occasion where the control of the heavenly regions was won in a battle between the Asuras and the Devatas. Lord Indra, as the lord of the heavens sought advice and counsel from his preceptor, Brihaspati.

When Brihaspati arrived, Indra was not home. Brihaspati then give Indra's wife (Indrani) a Rakhee (a protective amulet) with instructions to tie it on Indra's right wrist or drape it across his shoulders. This was done upon Indra's return and we learned that he was subsequently successful in his battle to regain control of the heavenly regions. In time, this day has been identified as Shravani (July-August) Upaa (near) Karm (an action), meaning that the Guru will visit the student and invest upon him/her, this protective amulet, which was meant for their protection in facing their challenges of life. Since it was not practical for the Guru to visit everyone, the wives were charged with the responsibility to put this amulet on their husbands, before they go off into battle. By this act, the wife was asking for victory in battle and the safe return of her husband from whom she is dependent for all her protection. For those men who did not return from battle, their wives would engage in the act of Sutie (voluntary euthanasia).

As more men were not returning safely from battle, their wives were loosing the desire to live out their lives. As this sentiment drew stronger, the importance of survival was shifted to the unmarried sisters of the men, as the sisters were considered to be the progenitors for the continuation of the society and culture. As such the sisters were vested with the responsibility to install the amulet of protection on their brothers as they leave for war. It was felt that they would perform this act with the same love as the wives, as they were known as Dayaya Bhagni Murti, meaning that the sisters were the "embodiment of mercy".

This was a very prevalent and common act during the time of the Rajput dynasty of India. It was also felt that if the Moguls ultimately captured the sisters, they, as mothers could still influence the children's development towards the Rajput culture, even though they would be fathered by Mogul blood. Because the sisters started to perform this act, this occasion was improperly identified as Raksha Bandhan as it was somewhat synonymous with the exchange of brotherly/sisterly love between Yam and Yami on the occasion of Yam-Dvitiya, which is celebrated in conjunction with Deep-Avali. We learned in Bhagvat Puran, that Yam and Yami became separated for a long time.

Upon Yam's return, his sister Yami was overjoyed to see him. She immediately served him with food and tied a Rakhee on his right wrist with the mutual promise that they would never be separated again. This act between Yam and Yami is the correct and appropriate interpretation of the term Raksha Bandhan, meaning that for our mutual protection (raksha) we are now bonded (bandhan) together. Even though the tying of the amulets were vested with the sisters, we must remember that the original symbol of Shravani Upaakarm represents the Guru's benediction to the student, who is about to embark upon a major undertaking.

That's why this day is regarded as the best day in the whole year to invest the children with the sacred thread as part of the Upanayan Sanskaar (Janeoye). In contrast, Raksha Bandhan is a profound act of love from a sister to a brother and a simultaneous request for harmony and understanding between them. This reciprocal exchange of emotions between the brother (Yam) and sister (Yami) is captured in her tying the Saubhagya Sutra on his hand. In conclusion, we differentiate between these two occasions by understanding that in Yam-Dvitiya (Raksha Bandhan), the reason is an exclusive expression of a sister's love for her brother due to a reunion after a long absence.

In Shravani Upaakarm, the reason is a sincere and profound wish for the anticipatory protection of the brother who is going on an uncertain journey, for his safe return and protection of his sister. In Yam-Dvitiya it is a case of singular dependence whereas in Shravani Upaakarm, it is a case of mutual dependence.

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