Raksha Bandhan
A FULL MOON PUJA & YAJNA. ALL ARE WELCOME.
In honor of the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which falls on the full moon in the month of August, a special Mahamrityunjaya Puja & Yajna (ancient Vedic ritual) to pray for healing our relationships on all levels — physical, mental, and spiritual — will be performed at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple at Mount Madonna. The evening observance will also include arati (ritual of light) and kirtan (devotional singing).
In India, the August full moon is called Raksha Bandhan, which means “binding in protection and friendship.” The ceremony of Raksha Bandhan falls during Shravan Mas which extends for about six weeks throughout Northern and Southern India. It is an especially auspicious time to visit Temples and sacred sites to offer prayers and rituals for healing, well-being and protection. It is an important day for brothers and sisters to tie a sacred thread around each other’s wrist to bind themselves in a vow of protection, love, and friendship. In many regions of India, it is important to perform healing ceremonies during Raksha Bandhan in honor of Lord Shiva in the form of Mahamrityunjaya.
Baba Hari Dass wrote, “The main purpose of this ritual is to spread universal friendship. Any person of any religion, caste, or country can become your friend by tying the sacred thread on each other. In this way the great saying from the scriptures, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्) is proved – ‘The Entire World Is A Family.’”
ॐ हौं जूं स: ॐ भूर्भव: स्व:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे
सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्
मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्
स्व: भुव: भू: ॐ स: जूं हौं ॐ
There are a number of ways through which you may choose to participate:
- Raksha Bandhan Observance:
Join us for the evening observance on Thursday, August 27, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. No overnight accommodations or meals included. Please register before August 25 and include the total number of people in your party. Note: Only one vehicle per registration; register each vehicle separately.
Cost: FREE
- Raksha Bandhan with Overnight Accommodations:
Book a Personal Retreat overnight stay including the Raksha Bandhan observance. Please register at least 48 hours in advance to your scheduled day of arrival.
Cost: Based on lodging selection and number of nights
- Raksha Bandhan via Livestream:
Observe Raksha Bandhan from afar via livestream on the Temple YouTube channel. No pre-registration necessary.
Cost: FREE
Event Schedule
| Thursday, August 27 | |
| 5:00 - 5:30pm | Arrival |
| 5:30 - 6:00pm | Ganesh Puja |
| 6:00 - 8:30pm | Raksha Bandhan Puja & Yajna |
| 8:30 - 8:45pm | Arati (ritual of light) |
| 8:45 - 9:00pm | Closing & Kirtan |
