The fifth and final day of Diwali Festival is known by the name of "BHAYYA-DUJ" in the Hindi-speaking belt "BHAU-BIJ" in the Marathi-speaking communities and in Nepal by the name of "BHAI-TIKA". As the legend goes Yama, the God of Death visited his sister Yami on this particular day. She put the auspicious tilak on his forehead, garlanded him and fed him with special dishes. Both of them ate, talked and enjoyed themselves. While leaving, Yama gave her a special gift as a token of his love and in return Yami also gave him a lovely gift which she had made with her own hands. That day Yamraj announced that anyone who receives tilak from his sister will never be thrown. That is why this day of Bhayyaduj is also known by the name of "YAMA-DWITIYA" Since then this day is being observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers. It became also imperative for the brother to go to his sister's house to celebrate Bhayyaduj.
Another legend goes thus:
When Lord Vamana was pleased with Bali chakravarthi and appeared in Vishnu-rupa, Bali asked a boon that Lord Vishnu would be on every door at Patalaloka. Lord Vishnu agrees and goes to become Bali's Dwarpalaka. When Goddess Lakshmi heard this from Narad, she was distressed. Laxmi tricks Bali to get her husband back. She goes to him as a poor woman seeking help and says she doesn't have a brother and would dearly like one. When Bali agrees to be her brother and asked what he could give her in return. Laxmi replies that Bali has her all at his service and requests the release of Lord Vishnu. Thus, Lord Vishnu was released from the service of Bali.
Another story says that on the day of Bhai Dooj, Lord Krishna went to see his sister Subhadra after slaying the demon Narakasura,. She welcomes her brother with the lamp, flowers and sweets, and puts the holy protective spot on her brother's forehead.
Yet another story behind the origin of Bhai Dooj says that when Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, attained nirvana, his brother King Nandivardhan was distressed because he missed him and was comforted by his sister Sudarshana. Since then, women have been revered during Bhai
Dooj.
|