- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 09 Aug 2025 09:32 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Balarama Purnima 2025: Balaram Jayanti or the appearance day of Lord Balaram is a significant celebration observed on the full moon day of Shravan. This year, is being observed on August 9th. ISKCON temples are beautifully decorated on this sacred day, and devotees gather from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the deities. As Lord Krishna's closest associate and elder brother, Balaram holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Known as Haldhar, he is often depicted with a plough and mace. As the first expansion of Lord Krishna, Balaram's appearance day is a joyous occasion for followers of the divine duo.
Check out all the significant details about the date, time, significance and rituals of Lord Balaram Jayanti below:
Balarama Purnima 2025: Date And Time
- Balarama Purnima 2025 Date: 9th August 2025, Saturday
- Purnima Tithi Begins: 02:12 PM, 8th August 2025
- Purnima Tithi Ends: 01:24 PM, 9th August 2025
Balarama Purnima 2025: Significance
The story of Balarama Purnima is deeply rooted in ancient scriptures, highlighting the divine birth and life of Lord Balarama. Born to Vasudeva and Devaki, he was transferred to Rohini's womb for protection from Kansa's cruelty. Growing up in Gokul with Lord Krishna, they shared many divine pastimes that are still celebrated today. Balarama's appearance is described as crystal-white, with a youthful energy and supernatural powers. His attire is adorned with blue clothes, garlands, and precious jewels, making him a captivating figure. His strength is boundless, and his love for Krishna is unwavering.
Balarama's relationship with Krishna is one of love and respect, symbolising the elder brother's role in their divine bond. He never left Krishna's side, even knowing his brother's supernatural powers. Their pastimes are filled with sweetness and devotion, making Balarama dear to Krishna. With his broad chest adorned with Gunja Mala and his long arms reaching his knees, Balarama's beauty is like millions of rising moons. His strength is enough to destroy many armies of demons.
Balarama Purnima is celebrated with great enthusiasm in ISKCON temples, where the deities of Lord Krishna and Balaram are adorned beautifully with clothes, jewellery, flowers, etc. (Image Source: ISKCON Vrindavan)
Balarama Purnima 2025: Rituals
On the sacred day of Balarama Purnima, devotees commence the day with early morning rituals, including a purifying bath and preparing a Puja thali adorned with flowers and sacred items. Devotees also observe strict fasting until noon. Temples are beautifully decorated, and idols of Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna are dressed in new clothes and jewellery. The atmosphere resonates with the chanting of mantras and singing of bhajans.
A significant ritual of the day is the Abhishekam, a ceremonial bath of the deities with sanctified substances like milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water. This is accompanied by the recitation of sacred hymns and the offering of a grand arati. Devotees also prepare a variety of dishes as offerings, known as 'bhog', which are later distributed as prasadam.
In the evening, unique festivities such as the reenactment of Lord Balarama's pastime of breaking a honey pot are performed. Other beautiful pastimes of Lord Balarama and Krishna are also recited and read by the devotees. A pot filled with honey and prasadam is hung high, and blindfolded devotees attempt to break it, symbolising the joy and playfulness associated with the deity.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)