Hinduism Role and Importance of Balrama

Balarama is an important figure in the Hindu mythology. Balarama was the eldest brother of Lord SriKrishna. He was the son of Vasudeva and Rohini. Balarama was the eighth avatar in the Dasavatar series. Srikrishna is considered to be the ninth avatar of Lord MahaVishnu. Balarama is also considered to be the avatar of Ananta, the huge serpent on which Lord MahaVishnu lies down. Balarama took the avatar to protect the Lord while on Earth. He is known for his super powers and strength.

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Krishna and Balarama grew up in Brindavan under the care of Nanda, the chieftain. They spent their childhood tending cows and playing with the local cowherd boys. The boys and the locals were simple people. They knew that both Krishna and Balarama were special and had superpowers. Krishna was attacked often by the wicked asuras sent by his uncle Kamsa. Balarama often used his strength to kill the asuras.

There are many stories related to Balarama. He accompanied his brother Krishna always. They studied together in Sandeepini Maharshi’s ashram. When they were summoned to the palace by Kamsa, they were received by two huge mad elephants rushing to kill them. Balarama bravely fought these elephants. He also fought with two wrestlers twice the size of the modern WWF wrestlers and defeated them easily.

Balarama married Revathi, a princess who belonged to the Satya yuga era. She was taller than he was. So he reduced her height by placing his ploughing tool on her forehead. This is now a custom in Hindu marriages where the bridegroom places the replica of the tool on the bride’s head. Balarama helped Krishna fight the enemies who pursued them when Krishna eloped with Rugmani and married her.

Balarama was known for his strength and ability. He always stood by Krishna’s decisions. The brotherly love and respect are worth remembering in today’s modern world where relationships are frayed. Balarama is said to have been the avatar of Ananta, but the Lord gave him due respect as an elder brother. This is regarded as a compensation for the sufferings Ananta went through in the previous avatar of Lakshman. Lakshman was the brother of Lord SriRama, the seventh avatar of Lord MahaVishnu. He did not sleep for fourteen years in order to protect Rama. Their brotherly love continued into the next birth also.

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A temple is dedicated to Balarama, Krishna and their sister Subhadra. The temple, which is famous, is known as the Puri Jaggannath temple. A car festival is conducted every year. The bedecked idols of the three gods are taken in a procession and witnessed by thousands. The story of Krishna and Balaram still continues to enthral children who are interested in Hindu mythology. He is regarded as the God of strength and courage.

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