“Balarama Jayanti”: Celebrating the Divine Strength and Virtue of Lord Balarama

"Balaram Jayanti", also known as "Balabhadra Jayanti" or "Balarama Jayanti", is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of the divine 'Lord Balarama', one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. On one hand, this auspicious occasion typically falls on the full moon day of the Shravan month, which usually falls in August or September. On the other hand, it is celebrated in many regions on the day of Akshaya Tritiya as well while some devotees mark the occurrence of 'Balarama Jayanti' in the month of Vaishakh.

This year, we are commemorating this propitious festival of "Balarama Jayanti" on the '24th August ‘24.'

As per Drik Panchang, tithi for 'Balarama Jayanti' in ‘24 is as follows:

Balarama Jayanti on Saturday, 24th August ‘24

• Shashthi Tithi Begins - 07:51 AM on 24th August ‘24
• Shashthi Tithi Ends - 05:30 AM on 25th August ‘24

Balaram Jayanti holds immense cultural and religious importance in various parts of India, particularly among the followers of the Vaishnavism tradition. In the northern parts of India, this festival is celebrated by the name 'Lalahi Chhath' or 'Hal Shashti.' Braj region celebrates this occasion by the name 'Baladeva Chhath' while Gujarat knows it by the name 'Randhan Chhath.'

On this divine day, Lord Balarama is worshiped by the devotees to seek his blessings.

The Spiritual Strength and Divine Role of Lord Balarama:

"Bala" represents not only physical strength but also spiritual strength. "Rama" symbolizes a place of boundless spiritual happiness. Achieving self-realization requires spiritual strength, as physical strength fades away with the body's death. However, spiritual strength endures, accompanying the soul in its journey through reincarnations. Therefore, the blessings of Baladeva, the original spiritual guide for devotees, are always meaningful and enduring, for his strength knows no bounds.

Lord Balarama is often shown wielding a plough to symbolize his role in nurturing the hearts of devotees, making them receptive to the seeds of devotion (Bhakti). As the primary spiritual guide (Adi guru tattva), he leads devotees on their spiritual journey, helping them progress towards their ultimate destination of returning to the divine abode.

'Lord Balarama', often referred to as 'Baladeva', is considered the elder brother of Lord Krishna and a key figure in our hindu culture. He is known for his extraordinary strength, ploughing skills, and his role as the protector of dharma (righteousness). Balarama is regarded as one of the ) avatars of Lord Vishnu and symbolizes divine strength and virtue.

The following is mentioned in Bhagavad Gita as well:

" sarva-avatārī kṛṣṇa svayaṁ bhagavān
tāṅhāra dvitīya deha śrī-balarāma "

" सर्व अवतारी कृष्ण स्वयं भगवान
तन्हार द्वितीय देह श्री-बलराम "

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, is the fountainhead of all incarnations. Lord Balarāma is His second body.”

Legend related to Lord Balarama:

Some Hindu shastras claim that Lord Balarama is also the incarnation of the great snake God Aadi Sesha, the serpent on which Lord Vishnu used to sleep.

Other than these, Lord Balarama is also believed to be the seventh (7th) child of Vasudeva and Devaki who has killed several demons and symbolizes power and strength. There's also a very interesting legend behind his birth:

A long time ago, a man named Vasudeva married a woman named Devaki. On their way home after the wedding, Devaki's brother, Kansa , drove their chariot to please his sister. However, a voice from the sky predicted that Devaki's eighth child would be Kansa’s downfall. He tried to harm Devaki, but Vasudeva promised to give him all their children.

When their first child was born, Vasudeva gave the baby to Kansa, thinking the prophecy only applied to the eighth child. But later, Kansa learned that all demigods were being born into Vasudeva's family. Fearing his own demise, he imprisoned Vasudeva and Devaki and killed their first six sons. Lord Balarama was the seventh child, born to Devaki.

Then, Lord Krishna, the Supreme Lord, used His power, Yogamaya, to move Balarama from Devaki's womb to the womb of Vasudeva's other wife, Rohini, who lived in Vrindavana. People thought Devaki had a miscarriage, but Balarama was safe and sound in Rohini's womb.

Even Bhagvada Gita mentions about this incident as follows:

" devakya jathare garbham
sesakhyam dhama mamakam
tat sannikrsya rohinya
udare sannivesaya "

" देवक्य जथरे गर्भं शेषख्यं धाम मामकम्
तत् सन्निकर्षा रोहिंग्या उदारे सन्निवेशा "

“Within the womb of Devaki is My partial plenary expansion known as Sankarsana or Sesa. Without difficulty, transfer Him into the womb of Rohini.”

Rituals & Observances of “Balarama Jayanti”:

Balarama-purnima signifies both the conclusion of Jhulana-yatra and the commencement of the second month of chaturmasya. On this day, Raksha Bandhan is also observed, where sisters tie sacred rakhis on their brothers' wrists for protection. Many devoted individuals, with Lord Balarama as their focal point, offer rakhis to seek his safeguarding from worldly distractions. They aspire to remain dedicated to the service of the Lord and ultimately attain the supreme objective of eternal service to the Lord in the spiritual realm.

Other than these rituals, the devotees also observe a fast on Balaram Jayanti and visit temples dedicated to Lord Balarama. Ganjam, Punjab, and Puri are renowned for their grand Balaram Jayanti festivities held at local temples. Besides these, temples like Ananta Vasudeva mandir, Baladevjew mandir, and Baliyana mandir are also recognized for their dedicated worship of Lord Balarama, where the celebration of Lord Balarama Jayanti is marked with great joy and fervor. Special prayers and bhajans (devotional songs) are offered to seek his blessings.

In some regions, elaborate rituals are performed, such as abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Lord Balarama's idol with milk, curd, and other auspicious substances, mainly Panchamrit. Devotees are also involved in decorating the idols with vibrant flowers and garlands.

Spiritual leaders and scholars often give discourses on the life and teachings of Lord Balarama, emphasizing his role as a symbol of strength and righteousness.

Balaram Jayanti is a time for communities to come together. Devotees gather at temples, participate in processions, and engage in devotional activities as a collective expression of their faith.

One of the most cherished aspects of Balaram Jayanti is the celebration of the divine bond between Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna. As brothers, they share an inseparable connection and represent eternal sibling love. Their exploits as children, especially in Vrindavan, are legendary and are recounted in stories and Shastras.

While the core essence of Balaram Jayanti remains the same, the way it is celebrated can vary across different regions of India. In some places, grand processions are organized, while in others, it's a more intimate family affair. Nevertheless, the central theme of devotion to Lord Balarama and his teachings prevails.