When Goddess Lakshmi tied first Rakhi to demon King Mahabali…

A popular story behind Raksha Bandhan is one when Goddess Lakshmi tied a Rakhi to demon King Mahabali, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.

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Demon King Mahabali was performing 100 Ashwamedh Yagya so that he could always be the Lord of the three worlds.

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Disguised himself as Vamana, Lord Vishnu went to King Bali’s palace and asked for land space covered by three steps of his.

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The Vamana then grew in size and covered everything Bali ruled in just 2 steps and then Mahabali offered his head for the third step.

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Impressed by his devotion, Lord Vishnu pushed Mahabali to the Paatala Lok and granted the kingdom to him forever.

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Lord Vishnu also promised Bali that he would always remain with the King as his protector.

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Lord Vishnu then and left Vaikunth and became a gatekeeper of his kingdom in Paatala Lok.

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While Lord Vishnu was not in his abode, Goddess Lakshmi went to Mahabali’s palace disguising herself as a Brahmin woman.

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On full moon day, Lakshmi tied a rakhi around Bali’s wrist. In return, Bali asked her what gift she wanted.

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Goddess Lakshmi pointed at the gatekeeper and requested Bali to return her husband Lord Vishnu. Bali then released Vishnu from his duties.

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