Keith Mack
Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and revered Hindu deities. He is known as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped for his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and his role in the epic Mahabharata. Lord Krishna had several siblings, including an elder brother named Balarama, also known as Baladeva or Balabhadra, who was an avatar of the serpent god Adishesha or Shesha. Balarama is known for his strength, courage, kindness, and loyalty and is revered as a symbol of brotherly love and devotion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Balarama, also known as Baladeva or Balabhadra |
| Relationship to Lord Krishna | Elder brother |
| Known for | Strength, courage, kindness, loyalty to dharma (righteousness) |
| Incarnation | Shesha, the divine serpent who supports Lord Vishnu |
| Parents | Vasudeva and Devaki |
| Childhood | Transferred to the womb of Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva, to protect him from King Kamsa; also called "Rohini-putra" (son of Rohini) |
| Connection to agriculture | Often shown holding a plow |
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What You'll Learn
Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna
Balarama, also known as Baladeva, Balabhadra, Halayudha, Sankarshana, and Gada Danda, is the elder half-brother of Krishna. In Hindu mythology, Balarama is a powerful god in his own right and is considered one of the 10 avatars, or incarnations, of the god Vishnu, particularly among members of Vaishnava sects. He is also often regarded as the human incarnation of the serpent Shesha or Sheshnag.
Balarama's birth is a significant incident in Hindu society, reflecting its motifs, ideologies, traditions, and culture. According to Hindu legends, Balarama was born to Rohini, Vasudeva's second wife, and was named Rama, which later became "Balarama", meaning "strong Rama" due to his extraordinary strength. He was also called Balabhadra, meaning "strong brother", as he was the elder brother of Krishna and was born to protect and help his younger brother. Balarama was born with a plough in his hand, which is why he is usually depicted holding a plough and is associated with farming and farmers. The plough, or vajra, has been used to symbolise power and authority. In the Mahabharata, Balarama uses his plough to defeat the demon king Narakasura.
Balarama is one of the most popular characters in Hindu mythology and is significant in the Jagannath tradition as one of the triad deities. He is also significant in Indian culture, with roots dating back to ancient times. In artwork dating back to the 2nd/1st century BCE, Balarama is shown holding a hala (plough) and a musala (pestle) with a snake canopy above his head. He is always shown in paintings with fair skin, in contrast to Krishna’s blue complexion.
Balarama shared many adventures with his younger brother Krishna, who was brought up by Nanda and Yashoda, the chief of the cowherds, and his wife. In the Puranas, Balarama is a deity who helps in slaying demons and protecting dharma. Balarama is also significant in the Harivamsa Purana (8th century CE) of Jinasena, where one of the triads is Krishna as the Vasudeva, Balarama as the Baladeva, and Jarasandha as the Prati-Vasudeva. In each age of the Jain cyclic time, a Vasudeva is born with an elder brother termed the Baladeva, who upholds the principle of non-violence, a central idea of Jainism.
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Balarama's birth and childhood
Balarama, also known as Baladeva, Balabhadra, Haladhara, Halayudha, and Sankarshana, is a Hindu god and the elder brother of Krishna. In the Puranas, he is a deity who helps slay demons and protect dharma. He is worshipped by some devotees of Vaishnavism, particularly in South India and in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition of ISKCON.
According to Hindu legends, Balarama was born to Rohini, Vasudeva's second or first wife. He was conceived when Vishnu took one black and one white hair from his head and implanted them in Devaki's womb. Before their birth, the two hairs-turned-offspring were transferred by Vishnu to the womb of Rohini, who had desired a child of her own, to save them from the evil king Kansa, Devaki's brother, who intended to kill Devaki's children. Rohini gave birth to two boys, one dark and one fair. The fair child was named Rama but was renamed Balarama, which means "strong Rama", due to his great strength.
Balarama grew up with his younger brother Krishna in the household of Nanda, the chief of the cowherds, and his wife, Yashoda. Balarama spent his childhood as a cowherd boy alongside Krishna, and the two brothers partook in many adventures together. Balarama is often depicted with Krishna, such as in the act of stealing butter, playing childhood pranks, and studying together at the school of Guru Sandipani. He is described as Krishna's constant companion and watchful protector.
Balarama is also known as the God of Agriculture, and he is almost always portrayed with a plough, which he used as a weapon to defeat the demon king Narakasura. He is considered to be an incarnation of Shesha, the serpent associated with the deity Vishnu, and is included as the eighth avatar of Vishnu in some traditions. Balarama is a symbol of strength and duty, and he is revered for his role as a protector and his tremendous strength, which is believed to surpass that of a herd of elephants.
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Balarama's personality and legacy
Balarama, also known as Haladhara, Halayudha, Baladeva, Balabhadra, and Sankarshana, is a Hindu god and the elder brother of Krishna. Balarama is an ancient deity, with his image appearing in artwork dated to around the start of the Common Era and on coins from the 2nd century BCE. He is particularly significant in the Jagannath tradition as one of the triad deities.
Balarama is often depicted with a plough and other farming artefacts, reflecting his strong associations with agriculture and farmers. In fact, his name is derived from "hala" or "langala", meaning plough. Originally an agricultural deity, Balarama is described as an incarnation of Shesha, the serpent demigod associated with the deity Vishnu. In some traditions, he is regarded as the eighth or ninth avatar of Vishnu.
Balarama is known for his remarkable qualities and feats, including his great strength and control over nature. In the Mahabharata, it is stated that Balarama and Krishna are the same, with Balarama being the first plenary expansion of Krishna, sharing the same divine essence. Balarama is considered an integral figure in cultivating sincere love and devotion for Krishna, serving as the perfect medium through which to understand Krishna's heart.
Balarama's mythology and association with Vishnu are relatively younger and post-Vedic, as they are not found in the Vedic texts. However, his legend appears in various texts such as the Mahabharata, Harivamsha, Bhagavata Purana, and other Puranas. In the Kakawin Bhāratayuddha, an 11th-century Javanese poem based on the Mahabharata, Balarama is an important character. Additionally, Balarama finds mention in Kautilya's Arthashastra (4th to 2nd century BCE), where his followers are described as ascetic worshippers.
Balarama's legacy extends beyond ancient Indian culture and has influenced Western philosophy and literature. In the 19th century, Transcendentalism emerged as a philosophical, social, and literary movement inspired by Hindu thought. This movement emphasised the inherent spiritual goodness in all people and nature, reflecting the belief in the omnipresence of divinity.
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Balarama's relationship with Krishna
Balaram, also known as Baladeva or Halayudha, is the elder brother of Lord Krishna and is considered to be an avatar of Shesha, the serpent deity and one of the primal beings of creation in Hindu mythology. He is often depicted as a strong and quiet figure, carrying a plough as his weapon and known for his strength and calm demeanour. Balaram is the son of Vasudeva and Devaki, like Krishna, but was miraculously transferred to the womb of Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva, to be safe from the wrath of Kamsa, the maternal uncle of Krishna and Balaram, who intended to kill all the children of Devaki. Thus, Balaram was born and raised in the care of Rohini, away from the direct threat of Kamsa. This act of divine intervention highlights the protective nature of their relationship, with Krishna ensuring the safety of his elder brother.
Balaram and Krishna shared a deep and loving bond, with Balaram often acting as a mentor and guide to his younger brother. Despite their different upbringings, they were inseparable and shared many adventures together. Balaram is known for his sense of justice and protection, often acting as a mediator and peacekeeper. In the Mahabharata, Balaram tries to establish peace between the warring cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and when war becomes inevitable, he refuses to take sides, maintaining his neutrality. This reflects his role as a moral compass and voice of reason in Krishna's life.
Balaram also accompanies Krishna in many of his exploits and provides support and assistance. In the story of Krishna and the snake Kaliya, it is Balaram who dives into the Yamuna river to rescue Krishna when he is presumed dead after fighting the serpent. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and deep affection. Krishna, known for his playful and mischievous nature, often relies on Balaram's steady and calm presence. Balaram, on the other hand, looks up to Krishna and seeks his counsel, especially in matters of dharma, or moral duty. Their relationship dynamic showcases a beautiful balance of strength and softness, activity and contemplation.
Balaram is also associated with the yogic tradition and is considered a master of the art. His name, Balaram, means "one who gives strength through yoga." He is often depicted as a source of spiritual knowledge and guidance, and his relationship with Krishna extends beyond the physical to the spiritual realm. Their bond represents the union of the individual self (Krishna) with the universal self (Balaram) in the yogic tradition, highlighting the spiritual and philosophical aspects of their connection. Balaram is also considered the source of the Ganges river, with the river goddess Ganga residing in his plough, further emphasising his connection to spiritual purification and enlightenment.
The relationship between Balaram and Krishna extends beyond their personal bond, impacting the wider community and setting an example of ideal brotherly love and devotion. They are often worshipped together in Hindu temples and are seen as a united force of protection, wisdom, and joy. Their relationship is a source of inspiration and guidance for devotees, reflecting the complex and beautiful nature of human connections, where strength and softness, adventure and contemplation, can coexist harmoniously. The bond between Balaram and Krishna is a testament to the power of family, love, and dharma in Hindu mythology.
Through their relationship, we see a beautiful interplay of contrasting yet complementary qualities, reflecting the complex tapestry of human emotions and experiences. Balaram's relationship with Krishna serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring power of family bonds, the importance of protection and guidance, and the ultimate victory of good over evil. Devotees often seek to emulate their relationship in their own lives, striving for a balance of strength and compassion in their personal and community interactions.
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Balarama's role in the Harivamsa Purana
Balarama is the elder brother of Krishna, and is considered a hero and a deity in his own right. In the Harivamsa Purana, Balarama is described as the supreme God, and is worshipped alongside Krishna.
The Harivamsa Purana is an important work of Sanskrit literature, containing thousands of shlokas, mostly in the anustubh metre. The text is believed to be an appendix or supplement to the Mahabharata, and is traditionally ascribed to Vyasa. The text is complex and likely has layers that date back to the 1st or 2nd century BCE. It is a source of information on the origin of Vishnu's incarnation, Krishna, and is divided into several parvas (books) and chapters.
In the Harivamsa Purana, Balarama is described as the cause of all causes, except Krishna. This means that one cannot attain Krishna without the mercy of Lord Balarama. Balarama is also described as the Serpent Sesa, the support of the worlds. He is said to hold the globe of the earth on his head, and at the end of the universe, he withdraws within himself and contains it.
Balarama is also a celebrated tiller and is associated with agriculture and livestock. His weapon is a plough, which he uses to fight asuras, and dig a way for the Yamuna river. He is also a teacher of the art of war with a mace, and taught Duryodhana and Bhima. When war broke out between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, Balarama remained neutral as he had obligations to both sides.
Balarama's death is also described in the Harivamsa Purana. After taking part in the battle that caused the destruction of the Yadu dynasty, Balarama witnessed the disappearance of Krishna. He then sat down in a meditative state and departed from the world. Some scriptures describe a great white snake, the holy serpent Shesha, leaving his mouth, and carrying him into the ocean and out of the physical world.
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Frequently asked questions
Lord Krishna's brother-in-law was King Kansa, the husband of Krishna's sister, Subhadra.
King Kansa was a tyrant and the brother of Devaki, Lord Krishna's mother. He tried to kill all of Devaki's children because fortune tellers predicted that a child of Devaki would kill him.
No, Lord Krishna was born in secret and Vasudeva, his father, carried the infant across the Yamuna river and exchanged him with Yashoda's daughter.
