The dharmic scriptures lay a foundational emphasis on seva (selfless service). In Vaishnava literature, seva holds the highest position—so much so that Bhagavan Himself manifests as Sevak Bhagavan in the forms of Ananta and Shesha.

The name Shesha literally means “he who remains,” signifying his eternal presence. And why does he remain? For seva alone.

In Sri Rama-lila, that very Shesha manifests as Lakshmana—the epitome of loyalty. His seva is so profound that he silently endures the pain of witnessing Sri Rama’s suffering. A younger brother, a devoted sevak—he withstood it all.

Yet, in his next incarnation as Balarama, his approach to seva takes a different turn. As the elder brother of Sri Krishna, he becomes a separatist—often standing in opposition to Krishna’s actions, whether in Vraja or on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He even bestows special favors upon Duryodhana and openly expresses anger toward the Pandavas. Yet, his separatism only magnifies the greatness of Sri Krishna. Seva does not cease; it simply takes a different flavor. Whether as a loyalist (Lakshmana) or a separatist (Balarama), both are ultimately manifestations of seva personified.

The Bengali Gaudiya Vaishnavas revere Sri Nityananda Prabhu as the incarnation of Balarama. His nature? Extremist. He moves in stark contrast to his beloved Lord, Sri Chaitanya. While Mahaprabhu embodies discipline and conservative values, Nityananda Prabhu is radically liberal— fearlessly venturing everywhere, embracing all souls to enlighten them. In this sense, he resembles Lord Shiva—magnanimous, unorthodox, and even unsettling to Mahaprabhu’s stricter followers. Yet, Sri Chaitanya dances with him in kirtan, for Nitai and Chaitanya are inseparable.

This imparts a profound lesson to both conservative and liberal followers of Mahaprabhu—one can embrace boundless diversity in service without deviating from the essence. Ultimately, glorifying and serving Sri Krishna is the very purpose of life, and Sri Nityananda personifies that ideal.

-Govinda Das