On the auspicious full moon day of the month of Shravan (July–August), devotees across the world joyously celebrate the divine appearance of *Lord Balarama, the elder brother and eternal associate of **Lord Krishna. At *ISKCON Raichur, this sacred occasion is marked with devotion, grandeur, and deep spiritual insight.
🌀 Who is Lord Balarama?
Lord Balarama is the *Adi-Guru, the original spiritual master, the first expansion of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna. He appears as Krishna’s older brother and plays a vital role in the Lord’s earthly pastimes. He is the *source of all spiritual strength, and without His mercy, one cannot approach Krishna.
“Balarama is the source of the entire spiritual world’s strength, knowledge, and service.”
— Srila Prabhupada
In different yugas, Lord Balarama appears in various forms to assist Krishna in His mission:
- As Lakshmana, brother of Lord Rama.
- As Nityananda Prabhu, the most merciful associate of Lord Chaitanya.
- As Ananta Sesha, the divine serpent who serves as Krishna’s couch and throne.
🕊 His Qualities and Pastimes
Lord Balarama is the embodiment of strength, simplicity, honesty, and devotion. His pastimes, such as slaying the demon Dhenukasura, protecting Krishna in childhood, and teaching Duryodhana the art of mace-fighting, are full of power and grace.
He is also famous for his mood of service — carrying Krishna’s sandals, plowing the fields of Vrindavan, and expanding into all paraphernalia that serves the Lord — such as Krishna’s flute, garments, ornaments, and abode.
Yet, Lord Balarama is also very sweet — He enjoys swinging on Jhulan with the gopis, playing His plough in the Yamuna, and drinking honey with cowherd friends in Vrindavan.
Some Notable Activities of Balaram
- He killed Dhenuakasura, who was a demon.
- He slayed Pralambasura.
- He is adored by Lord Krishna.
- He punished Yamuna Devi when she created hurdles in Balaram’s way.
- He chastised Kauravas when Samba was detained by them.
- He married to Revati.
- He got angry at Bhima as he killed the Duryodhana by using fraud tricks.
- He killed Romaharshana for not signifying Vyasdev correctly.
🌼 Celebrations at ISKCON Raichur
Balarama Purnima is celebrated with love and devotion through a variety of devotional activities:
- 🎉 Abhisheka (Holy Bathing Ceremony): The beautifully decorated Deity of Lord Balarama is bathed with auspicious items like milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and fruit juices, accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras and singing of bhajans.
- 🪔 Kirtan and Bhajans: The temple resounds with soul-stirring kirtans glorifying Lord Balarama’s strength, mercy, and pastimes.
- 📖 Special Discourses: Enlightening talks based on Srimad Bhagavatam and other Gaudiya Vaishnava scriptures, revealing the deep significance of Lord Balarama’s appearance.
- 🎨 Deity Darshan: The Deities are offered new outfits and ornaments in white or blue, symbolizing purity and strength, and the altar is decorated elaborately to welcome the Lord.
- 🍛 Annakuta and Feast: A grand bhoga offering of various sweets, savories, fruits, and drinks is made to the Lord, followed by prasadam distribution for all visitors.
- 🪭 Jhulan Seva: Devotees can swing Lord Balarama alongside Radha-Krishna, remembering His joyful Vrindavan pastimes.
🛕 The Real Meaning of the Festival
Celebrating Balarama Purnima is not just about rituals — it is about reconnecting with the source of spiritual strength. Lord Balarama removes the obstacles on our spiritual path and gives us the determination to follow Krishna wholeheartedly.
Srila Prabhupada said:
“Just as a train cannot run without the rails, we cannot approach Krishna without the mercy of Balarama.”
By honoring Lord Balarama, we are blessed with the inner strength to overcome illusion, laziness, and ego — and walk steadily on the path of pure devotion.
🙌 Join the Festival!
We warmly invite you, your family, and friends to join us in celebrating Balarama Purnima at ISKCON Raichur.
To offer seva, click 👇🏻
https://give.iskconraichur.com
Seva Opportunities:
- Deity Garland Seva – ₹5,008/-
- Deity Night Dress Seva – ₹10,008/-
- Chappan Bhog Seva – ₹15,008/-
- Flower Decoration – ₹30,008/-
- Temple Hall Decoration – ₹50,008/-
- Maha Prasadam Seva – ₹75,008/-
Let us celebrate the divine strength and mercy of Lord Balarama, and pray for His blessings to serve Sri Krishna with unflinching devotion.
“Jaya Jaya Balarama! Haladhara Balarama!”