Famous siblings from Hindu mythology

Relationships between siblings hold a special place and it is even better in the enchanting world of Hindu mythology.

Vishnu, the 'preserver' in the Hindu Trimurti, and Parvati, the revered goddess of harmony and family, share a unique bond.

Parvati tied a sacred rakhi on Vishnu's wrist, making them spiritual siblings. This gesture symbolized Vishnu's promise to protect Parvati from all obstacles. The Ellora Caves' Kalyanasundara scene beautifully depicts Vishnu and Lakshmi giving Parvati away in marriage to Shiva, with Brahma officiating the ceremony.

The origin of the Rakshabandhan is generally attributed to Draupadi and Lord Krishna.

As the story goes, Lord Krishna accidentally cut his finger while flying a kite and while people ran around to find aid, Draupadi immediately tore off a part of her saree to stop his finger from bleeding. Touched by her selfless act, Krishna was deeply moved and vowed to protect Draupadi whenever she required his assistance.

Later in life, when Draupadi faced the harrowing threat of disrobing, Krishna intervened and safeguarded her dignity and honor.

Shubh and Labh, the sons of Lord Ganesh, were moved when they saw their father receiving a rakhi from his sister. Following that sight, they too requested for a sister who would tie them the rakhi. In response to their wish, Lord Ganesh created Goddess Santoshi from the sacred flames and she became their beloved sister.

Subhadra, the daughter of Vasudeva and Rohini Devi, holds a place as the half-sister of Lord Krishna. Their bond could be seen well when Subhadra and Arjuna fell in love.

Knowing that their union would not gain consent due to Arjuna already being married, it was Krishna who stepped in to assist the young couple to elope. And then, upon Krishna's insistence, Subhadra took charge of the chariot to show that it was Subhadra who had 'kidnapped' Arjuna, rather than the other way around.

According to Vedic scriptures, Yami and Yamaraj, the God of Death, shared a bond as twins. The tradition of tying the rakhi is believed to have been initiated by Yami herself. It is said that Yamuna, also known as Yami, lovingly tied this sacred band around her brother Yama, seeking his eternal well-being and touched by his sister's affectionate gesture, Yama was deeply moved and blessed the tradition. He declared that any brother who received a rakhi tied by his sister would be blessed with a long and prosperous life, graced by the divine.

While as a duo, they are far from being an icon, but including them in a story about sibling bond and love is not up for debate. Ravan showed an admirable sense of brotherly love and loyalty towards Surpanakha.

When Surpanakha approached him with an injury inflicted by Lakshmana, who had cut off her nose, Ravana pledged to retaliate and avenge her humiliation. This pledge ultimately led to him kidnapping Sita which cost him his life.