Story of Balarama – The Mighty Brother of Krishna

Story

It was a bright and festive morning in Puri, Odisha. The grand Jagannath Rath Yatra had just begun. Gigantic, colourful chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra rolled through the crowded streets, pulled by thousands of excited devotees.

Among them was a family of three – a curious 8-year-old girl named Meera, her father, and her mother. Meera was amazed by the three huge chariots.

“Papa,” she asked, pointing to the white-chariot, “I know Lord Krishna is Jagannath, and Subhadra is his sister. But who is that strong-looking god in the other chariot?”

“That, my dear Meera, is Balabhadra, also called Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna,” replied her father with a smile.

“Tell me more about him, Papa!” Meera said eagerly, her eyes shining with curiosity.

“Alright,” said Papa, as they sat down near the temple courtyard, away from the crowd. “Listen carefully. This is a story full of strength, wisdom, and courage.”

Long ago, in the land of Mathura, there was an evil king named Kamsa. He was very cruel and troubled the people. Lord Vishnu decided to take birth on Earth to end his rule. So he was born as Krishna, and along with him, his elder brother Balarama was born.

“But Balarama wasn’t an ordinary boy,” said Papa. “He was an avatar of Sheshnaga, the mighty serpent who forms the bed of Lord Vishnu in the ocean of milk!”

“Wow!” gasped Meera. “So he was very powerful?”

“Indeed,” smiled Papa. “Even as a child, Balarama was known for his great strength. He loved farming, ploughing the fields with his favourite weapon – a plough called hala. He was calm and wise, but very strong when needed.”

One day, in the village of Vrindavan, a demon named Dhenukasura, who had the form of a wild donkey, troubled the people and animals. He had taken over the Taalavana, a forest filled with sweet palm fruits. No one dared to enter.

But Balarama wasn’t afraid. He went straight into the forest with Krishna and challenged the demon.

When Dhenukasura came charging at him, kicking and roaring, Balarama caught his legs and spun him high into the air before throwing him onto a tree! The other demons fled in fear.

“Balarama saved everyone with his bravery!” said Papa proudly. “That’s not all. He also fought many more demons like Pralambasura, who tried to cheat during a game. Balarama saw through his trick and defeated him easily.”

“Balarama always supported Krishna. He was like a rock—strong, loyal, and kind,” added Papa. “He taught people about farming and being connected to nature. That’s why he is also called Halayudha – the one who holds the plough.”

“And what about the chariot, Papa?” Meera asked, looking again at the grand chariot of Balabhadra.

“This chariot,” Papa explained, “carries Balarama as he goes to visit his aunt’s house with Krishna and Subhadra. That’s why people celebrate the Rath Yatra—with music, dance, and joy. Because the divine siblings are coming out to bless everyone.”

Meera smiled. “So Balarama was not just strong, but also loving and protective, just like a big brother should be!”

Papa hugged her gently. “Yes, my dear. And that’s why we remember Balarama with love and respect. He shows us that true strength lies in protecting others and standing up for what is right.”

As the chariots rolled on and the drums beat louder, Meera held her father’s hand and looked at Balarama’s chariot with admiration.

She whispered, “Jai Balabhadra!”

Balarama teaches us to be strong, kind, and fair. Like him, we should help others, stand by the truth, and protect those who need our support.