Bhai Dooj Legends
The Legend Of Yamraja and Yamuna
This is the most famous legend which is linked with the celebration of Bhai Dooj. According to it, once, Yamraja went to meet his sister Yamuna after a long time. When he reached there, she was very happy to see him and put tika on his forehead, performing aarti, and offered him sweets to eat and gave him a small gift as a token of love. She treated him with appetizing meal. Yamraja was so pleased to see the love and care of his sister that he declared that any brother, who receives tilak from his sister on this day, will never be sent to the hell and will live a long life. Since then the custom of celebrating Bhai Dooj started and this is why it is also known as Yama Dwitiya.
The Legend Of Lord Krishna And Subhadra
Another legend is linked with Lord Krishna when he went to meet his sister Subhadra after killing the demon Narakasura. Subhadra was very happy to see her brother and she gave a warm welcome to him with flowers and by performing aarti and putting tika on his forehead as a mark of protection and by offering him sweets to eat. This legend then gave birth to the festival of Bhai Dooj, stating that sisters, no matter what, will pray for the well being and long life of their brothers.
The Legend Of Lord Mahavira
This legend is related to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. When he attained nirvana, his brother King Nandivardhan started missing him and became very much upset. At that time he was consoled by his sister Sudarshana, who took proper care of her brother. Since that time, brothers started giving love and respect to their sisters. On the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj, sisters are given beautiful gifts and honour as a token of love.
