- By Kashish Rai
- Sun, 18 Aug 2024 10:00 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Balaram Jayanti commemorates the birth of Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna's elder brother and a revered deity in Hinduism. Devotees worship Balarama for strength, prosperity, and protection. This year, Balaram Jayanti will be observed on 19th August 2024.
Lord Balarama embodies strength, courage, and wisdom, serving as a revered deity and a symbol of protection. As a patron of agriculture and fertility, Balarama is often worshipped by farmers for a bountiful harvest. His association with the earth and natural elements reinforces the importance of living in harmony with nature. Through his exemplary life, Balarama teaches the value of loyalty, duty, and selfless service, inspiring devotees to emulate his virtues and strive for spiritual growth and enlightenment. His legacy endures as a powerful spiritual force.
On the occasion of Lord Balaram’s birth anniversary, Gauraga Das Prabhu, member of the ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission and Director of ISKCON’s Goverdhan Eco Village shares insightful perspectives on pivotal aspects of Lord Balaram's persona, deemed essential knowledge for devotees.
1. There exists a divergence of opinion regarding the divine identity of Lord Balaram, with some individuals positing that He is the earthly manifestation of Shesh Nag, while others assert that He represents the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Which one is true?
Gauranga Das Prabhu - “According to Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Adi Lila Chapter 5 (126-133), there is nothing wrong in calling the source of incarnations with the name of an incarnation. Thus when Balaram is called as Ananta and Sesha and so on, it is not wrong. However, according to Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Adi Lila Chapter 5, Lord Balaram is the source of Lord Shankarshana, Karanodakshayi Vishnu, Garbhodakashayi Vishnu, Ksirodakashayi Vishnu and Shesha naga. He is not an earthly manifestation of Sesanaga. In fact, he is the source of Sesanaga. Also, according to Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Madhya Lila chapter 20, which describes the teachings of Lord Chaitanya to Sanatana Goswami, Lord Balaram is the original expansion of Lord Krishna in the spiritual world. And it is from Lord Balaram, that all the other expansions including Vasudeva, Sankarasana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, and Narayana originate. As far as Lord Balaram being the 8th avatar of Lord Vishnu is concerned, the Lord has innumerable incarnations, and we cannot count the sequence, and assign a number to a specific avatar. Whenever the Lord descends from the spiritual world to the material world he appears through the medium of Lord Vishnu (Ksirodakashayi Vishnu). So many avatars of the Lord are said to be the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. But all these incarnations or expansions are the manifestations of the same One Lord in different forms, in different ages, for different purposes.”
2. What are the lesser-known divine attributes or extraordinary qualities possessed by Lord Balaram that remain unknown to devotees, warranting further illumination and understanding?
Gauranga Das Prabhu - “Lord Balaram's service to Lord Krishna is all-encompassing. In the Santa rasa, Lord Balaram expands Himself to create Goloka Vrindavana. The pleasing atmosphere of Vrindavan is arranged by Balarama to perfectly harmonise with Krishna’s desire. In Dasya rasa, Balaram does everything that is required to serve Krishna. In the Sakhya rasa, Balaram plays, dances and wrestles with Krishna just as a friend. The cowherd boys play a variety of charming games. When Krishna and Balaram are fatigued, they sit down, and Balaram puts his head on the lap of one of the cowherds and Krishna massages the legs of Balaram. Sometimes, Krsna takes a palm fan to relieve Balaram of his fatigue. In the Vatsalya rasa, Balaram being the elder brother takes the role of instructing Krishna and protects him while they both play in the forest. In Madhurya rasa, Balaram expands in the form of Ananga Manjiri, the younger sister of Srimati Radharani, to assist Radha and Krishna in Their divine pastimes. Balaramji’s service attitude is all-encompassing.”
Lord Balaram is revered as the elder brother of Lord Krishna. (Image Source: ISKCON Vrindavan)
3. What is the most revered and prominent temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Balaram, considered to be of paramount significance among devotees and adherents of His divinity?
Gauranga Das Prabhu - “The Braj region is renowned for its numerous temples dedicated to Sri Sri Radha Krishna, yet the most significant temple dedicated to Balrama is located in Baldeo. Known as the Dauji Temple, this sacred site, situated 21 kilometres from Mathura, is historically referred to as Vidrumvan in the Puranas. Within this ancient forest, the deities of Lord Balarama and his consort, Revati, are enshrined in a grand temple that draws devotees from far and wide. The temple is encircled by a parikrama path, which is uniquely shaped like a serpent and has been developed into a bustling market. The temple itself features four main gates, each with its own significance: Singhaur, Janani Dabhodhi, Gaushala Gate, and Badwale Gate. Behind the temple lies a large and revered pond, known as Balbhadra Kund, which is referred to in the Puranas as Ksheer Sagar.
A fascinating legend surrounds the temple's history. During the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who was infamous for his campaign of destruction in Mathura, news of the wealth and splendour of the Dauji Temple reached his ears. He ordered his army to march towards the temple to seize its riches. However, as the soldiers approached, they were unexpectedly attacked by swarms of bumblebees and wasps, leading to the deaths of hundreds of them. The remaining soldiers, now severely hampered, took nine days to cover a distance of just two and a half kos (approximately five miles). Upon hearing of his soldiers' plight, Aurangzeb, surprisingly, ordered that no harm should come to the temple. He in fact issued a royal decree to ensure financial support for the temple’s upkeep. Additionally, the Mughal Sultanate constructed a Naqqarkhana (a place for ceremonial drums) near the temple’s main entrance. This act of respect and reverence by the emperor is commemorated on an inscription currently housed in the Naqqarkhana. The Dauji Temple in Baldeo remains a place of profound spiritual significance, steeped in history and legend, and continues to be a cherished pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Balarama.”
