Answer

In the Śvetāmbara Derāvāsī Mūrti-pūjaka tradition, Raksha Bandhan is understood mainly as a day of dharma-protection and spiritual remembrance, not only as a brother-sister custom. A rakhi, or more commonly a raksha thread / raksha potli in Jain household practice, is tied as a sign of protection, blessings, and a reminder to live with right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. In Jain understanding, the real protection comes from one’s own pure conduct and observance of dharma. ( jainpedia.org)

Explanation

Śvetāmbara Mūrti-pūjaka Jains are the largest Śvetāmbara group, and the name Derāvāsī refers to temple-centered practice. In many Jain homes and derasars, a raksha potli is a small sacred pouch tied on the wrist after a pooja or special vidhi; it may contain vaskshep, akshat, or a small mantra note. Its purpose is symbolic: to remind the wearer of protection, vows, and careful living. ( jainpedia.org)

Origin Story

A widely taught Jain story connects Raksha Bandhan with Ācārya Akampanacharya and his 700 disciples. According to this telling, cruel ministers opposed the monks, and later the monks were subjected to severe torture. Monk Vishnukumar then protected the monks through his extraordinary power and ended that suffering. Because the monks’ protection took place on the last day of Śrāvaṇa, the day came to be observed as Raksha Bandhan. ( jainworld.com)

Spiritual Understanding

The deeper Jain message is not “festival for family tie” alone, but “raksha of dharma.” The story teaches that one should protect saints, support the Sangh, and remain steady in meditation and restraint even in difficult situations. That is why the day is remembered with devotion, protection-thread customs, and prayers for inner strength. This is the spiritual meaning drawn from the tradition. ( jainworld.com)

Takeaway

So, in Śvetāmbara Derāvāsī Mūrti-pūjaka Jain tradition, Raksha Bandhan means: protection of dharma, respect for monks and spiritual discipline, and a reminder that true raksha comes from Jain conduct, not merely from a thread. ( jainknowledge.com)