Introduction to Lord Balaram
Lord Balaram is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism and is known as the elder brother of Lord Krishna. According to mythological beliefs, Lord Balaram is considered to be an incarnation of Sheshnag, while Lord Krishna is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. For this reason, Lord Balaram is also worshipped as a part-incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Balaram is considered to be the embodiment of power, might and religion. He is famous by many names like Balabhadra, Sankarshan, Haladhar, Halayudha and Dauji. Devotees in Braj Pradesh and North India affectionately address him as “Dau Dada”.
The story of the origin of Lord Balaram
During the Dwapara Yuga, a cruel king named Kansa ruled in the city of Mathura. Kansa had imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva, because according to the Akashvani, Devaki's eighth son was the one who would kill her.
Kansa killed the first six sons born to Devaki. After that, Lord Vishnu's Yogmaya safely transferred Devaki's seventh fetus to the womb of Mother Rohini. Due to this Sankarshan Kriya, Lord Balaram became famous as "Sankarshana". Finally, Lord Balaram was born from the womb of Mother Rohini.
Relationship between Lord Balaram and Shri Krishna
Lord Balaram and Lord Krishna were involved in various pastimes together since childhood. In Gokul and Vrindavan, both brothers had killed the demons and protected the Gopis.
Balramji always remained as an associate and protector of Shri Krishna. From the discovery of the Syamantaka gem to many important occasions, he was with Lord Krishna. His brotherly love and devotion to duty are considered ideal for devotees.
Lord Balaram's bravery and mace fighting
Lord Balaram is known as the great master of mace fighting. During the Mahabharata period, both Bhima and Duryodhana took training in mace fighting from him.
He was extremely strong and heroic. The plough and pestle are depicted as the main weapons in his hands. Due to this, he is also worshipped as the god of agriculture and power.
The Story of Sambha and the Kauravas
According to one incident, Sambha, the son of Lord Krishna, tried to abduct Duryodhana's daughter Lakshmana. Angered by this incident, the Kauravas imprisoned Sambha.
When Lord Balarama came to know about this, he challenged the Kauravas with his power and got Sambha released. This incident shows the prowess and love of family of Lord Balarama.
Description of Lord Balarama's form
In the religious texts, Lord Balarama is depicted as blond and divinely radiant. He is usually depicted in a two-armed form, holding a plough in one hand and a pestle in the other.
In some paintings, Lord Balaram is also depicted in a quadrilateral form, in which he holds a conch, a wheel, a plough and a pestle. His form is a unique reflection of courage, strength and religion.
Family of Lord Balaram
Lord Balaram's father was Vasudeva and mother was Rohini. Lord Krishna was his younger brother and Goddess Subhadra was his sister.
Lord Balaram was married to Revati. Among their children, the names Nishath, Ulmuk and Vatsala are mentioned in religious scriptures.
Mantras of Lord Balaram
Chanting the mantras of Lord Balaram gives one spiritual strength, physical strength and stability in life. Devotees worship him for agriculture, adventure and family happiness.
॥ ॐ हलदराय संकरशनाय नमह ॥
ॐ ओम क्लीं हलदर बलभदर नमह ॥
ॐ ओम अस्तरहस्ताय विद्यमे पितमहबराय धीमहि तनौ बलरामे पितमहराय धीमहि टनौ बलराय पराय पराय पराय परचोदयात ॥
Festivals associated with Lord Balaram
The birth anniversary of Lord Balaram is celebrated as Balaram Jayanti or Hal Shashti. On this day, devotees observe a fast and perform special worship of Lord Bala
Famous Temples of Lord Balaram
There are many ancient and famous temples of Lord Balaram in India. The Shri Krishna-Balram Temple and Dauji Temple in Vrindavan are particularly popular among devotees.
The Balram Mahadev Temple in Banaskantha, Gujarat is also of great religious importance. There are also famous temples of Lord Balaram in Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and West Bengal.
Spiritual Importance of Lord Balaram
Lord Balaram is the symbol of power, religion and duty. His story teaches devotees that one should always stand firm for truth and justice in life.
Worship of Lord Balaram increases self-confidence, physical strength and morale. He teaches the devotees the importance of simplicity, duty and family love.