All glories to Lord Balarama, the original source of all spiritual strength, the first expansion of Sri Krishna, and the eternal reservoir of service to the Supreme Lord. Glorious as the white autumn moon, He wields the plough of Dharma and the mace of protection, upholding the universe while ever absorbed in serving the lotus feet of Krishna. Yet, in His divine play, He often moves in ways that puzzle the mind and invite deeper contemplation.
Balarama has a way of profoundly bewildering people. His rare moments of standing against Sri Krishna—whether in the playful pastimes of Vrindavan or in his decisive choice to side with the Kurus over the Pandavas—can, at first glance, strike one as stark disapproval.
But here lies the very beauty of life itself. Balarama’s role reflects life’s own nature—a mosaic of contradictions, resistances, and objections that, remarkably, need not be hostile. For personalities like Sri Krishna, opposition is never a barrier; it is raw material. Whether the situation is favourable or unfavourable, whether one supports Him or opposes Him, Krishna transforms both into the grand eternal order of Dharma—and into the ambrosial nectar of Prema.
A general once received alarming news: “The enemy has surrounded us from all four sides!” Panic would be the natural reaction. But this general smiled and replied, “Excellent—now they cannot escape.” This is the mindset of Sri Krishna. And Balarama—in his own seemingly contrary way—serves to illuminate and magnify this fearless, opportunistic brilliance.
For the Vaishnava, Balarama is the Supreme God; another way to express His identity is sevak-Bhagavān—the servant of Krishna in every form. He becomes Krishna’s very bed as Ananta Shesha, a gesture of tender service, or even openly supports Duryodhana against Bhima in the Kurukshetra war—a move that, paradoxically, still upholds Krishna’s grand orchestration of Dharma.
Balarama may appear a separatist, but a closer gaze reveals the truth—He is the tireless, unshakable servant of Sri Krishna, transforming even apparent divergence into service.
On this most auspicious Balarama Purnima, let us take shelter of Lord Balrama—the gentle, protective elder brother, carrying all our burdens, removing every obstacle on the path of devotion, and lovingly guiding us to the lotus feet of Sri Krishna. May His mercy fill our hearts with strength, humility, and unalloyed love for the Lord.
𝗝𝗮𝗶 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮 !!
– Govind Das (ISKCON MEMBER)
