Tag: Balarama

Why Lord Balarama, the Adi Guru, kills Dvivida Gorilla, the notorious ape?

Srimad Bhagavatam, tells the story of an ape named Dvivida Gorilla, who was slayed by Lord Balarama. Dvivida Gorilla was not an ordinary ape. He was an associate of Lord Rama. But unfortunately, he became proud of his immense power and started disrespecting Lakshman.

Dvivida Gorilla disrespects Lakshman, so he falls down  

And since he dishonored Lord Lakshman, so, as a punishment he fell down from his high spiritual position and began associating with demons like Narakasura. And because of such bad association he started behaving in a very abominable way.

When Lord Krishna killed Narakasura who had abducted 16,100 princesses then Dvivida started thinking that Krishna is my enemy because he killed my best friend.

We can see that how his consciousness had got corrupted.  In Treta Yuga he was assisting Lord Rama in his war against Ravana. But now when same Lord Rama as Lord Krishna is performing his pastime in Dvapara Yuga, he is not even able to recognize that he is the same Supreme Lord.

In contrast, we see that when Lord Krishna, while looking for Syamantaka Jewel goes inside a cave where Jambavan was living then soon Jambavan recognizes that Krishna is Lord Rama, the Supreme Lord. So, we can understand that how wrong association corrupts us.

Lord Balarama kills Dvivida Gorilla

Srimad Bhagavatam narrates that how after the death of Narakarsura, Dvivida became extremely angry, and he started creating havoc at many places. He would attack cities and villages, torture people, pollute women, destroy flora and fauna.

Once he saw that in a garden Lord Balaram was enjoying with gopis. Seeing the young girls in the garden, he began misbehaving with them. In fact, he started acting in a vulgar way. This infuriated Balarama.

“Angered, Lord Balarāma, the best of fighters, hurled a rock at him, but the cunning ape dodged the rock and grabbed the Lord’s pot of liquor. Further infuriating Lord Balarāma by laughing and by ridiculing Him, wicked Dvivida then broke the pot and offended the Lord even more by pulling at the girls’ clothing. Thus the powerful ape, puffed up with false pride, continued to insult Śrī Balarāma.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.67.14-15

Lord Balarama also started contemplating that this ape, Dvivida Gorilla, has been creating so many disturbances, so he needs to be punished. And finally, Lord Balarama ended the terror of Dvivida Gorilla by killing him with his bare hands.

“The furious Lord of the Yādavas then threw aside His club and plow and with His bare hands hammered a blow upon Dvivida’s collarbone. The ape collapsed, vomiting blood.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.67.25

Glories of Lord Balarama

We see that Dvivida Gorilla had a glorious past. He was in the company of Lord Rama, Hanuman, Vibhisana, Sugriva but still his end was so bad. It happened only because he dishonored & disrespected Lakshman.

Lord Balarama and Lord Lakshman are the same. Balarama is the first expansion of Krishna and later on all the expansions comes from Lord Balarama. He always assists Krishna in his pastime. Similarly, Lakshman assists Lord Rama in his pastime. Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and Balarama, is the Servitor Godhead.

Balarama serves Krishna in following ways.

• When Krishna wants to create this material world, Balarama expands as Kāraṇābdhiśāyī Vishnu (Maha Vishnu), Garbhodakaśāyī Vishnu, Kṣīrodakaśāyī Vishnu to create the material world.
• He creates the spiritual world by the mercy of Krishna.  “That original Saṅkarṣaṇa [Lord Balarāma] is the cause of both the material and the spiritual creation. He is the predominating Deity of egotism, and by the will of Kṛṣṇa and the power of the spiritual energy, He creates the spiritual world, which consists of the planet Goloka Vṛndāvana and the Vaikuṇṭha planets.”  Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, 20.256

• He expands as Krishna’s garments, ornaments, flutes etc to serve Krishna.

• He becomes the bed of Krishna by expanding as Anant Sesa.

• The paraphernalia used in the service of Krishna like mridange, kartal, bells etc are expansion of Lord Balarama.

Srila Prabhupada explains, “According to expert opinion, Balarāma, as the chief of the original quadruple forms, is also the original Saṅkarṣaṇa. Balarāma, the first expansion of Kṛṣṇa, expands Himself in five forms: (1) Mahā-saṅkarṣaṇa, (2) Kāraṇābdhiśāyī, (3) Garbhodakaśāyī, (4) Kṣīrodakaśāyī, and (5) Śeṣa. These five plenary portions are responsible for both the spiritual and material cosmic manifestations. In these five forms Lord Balarāma assists Lord Kṛṣṇa in His activities…Śrī Balarāma is the servitor Godhead who serves Lord Kṛṣṇa in all affairs of existence and knowledge.”  Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā, 5.10

He is always in the mood of serving Krishna. He is the original spiritual master who teaches all the living entities how to serve the Supreme Lord. When the Supreme Lord Krishna appears as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu then Lord Balarama appears as Nityananda Prabhu.

Without the mercy of Balarama, we cannot go to the kingdom of Krishna

One of the reasons why Chaitanya Mahaprabhu comes in this world is to take us back to the spiritual world. And to assist him in this glorious mission Lord Nityananda Prabhu also comes. We cannot get entry into the kingdom of God without the sanction of Nityananda Prabhu.

So, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says,

“brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja”

Translation by Srila Prabhupada

“According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.” Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, 19.151

So, we can understand that without the mercy of guru, it is not possible to attain the mercy of the Supreme Lord. Balarama is the Adi guru, the original guru, and all the gurus are representative of Balarama.  

Nityananda Prabhu is begging us to return back to the spiritual world

Seeing us suffering, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asks Nityananda Prabhu to go and bring the suffering souls back to him.

And Nityananda Prabhu along with Haridas Thakura immediately takes up the mission of liberating the unfortunate living entities from this ephemeral world. They both knock at the door of each house and as soon as the door opens they fall down on the ground begging them to chant the names of Krishna, so that they can elevate their consciousness and perfect their lives.

We see that more than us he wants us to come back to the spiritual abode.

Without the mercy of Lakshman or Balarama or Nityananda Prabhu it is not possible to live in the spiritual world. We see Dvivida Gorilla was with Lord Rama but he could not continue to be with the Supreme Lord because he disrespected Lakshman. 

And later Balarama who is non different from Lakshman had to crush his pride and arrogance by his mighty club.  Lord Balarama had no choice but to slay Dvivida Gorilla and get the earth rid of the notorious ape.

Lesson we learn from this pastime of Lord Balarama

This is an important lesson for all those who want to practice devotion to Krishna. If we fail to show respect to our spiritual master who is always praying to Krishna for our spiritual elevation then we will also suffer the destiny of Dvivida Gorilla. Just as Lord Balarama had to reluctantly kill Dvivida Gorilla, similarly we may also have a terrible future. Our spiritual master teach us how to take shelter of Balaram and attain love of Krishna.

To advance in our spiritual life, we should always be subservient to our spiritual master and take his guidance and practice devotion to Krishna. The bona fide spiritual master knows how to purify our heart and how to engage us 24 hours a day in the service of Krishna. 

In Bhagavad Gita Krishna also teaches us the importance of serving the spiritual master and taking instruction from him.

tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ

“Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.” Bhagavad Gita 4.34

Why Balarama killed Romaharṣaṇa Sūta and the lessons we can learn?

Romaharṣaṇa Sūta was given the position of a spiritual master, he was going to speak on Vedas but why Lord Balarama killed him?

To know this first let us first understand who Balarama is and then we will discuss why Balarama killed Romaharṣaṇa Sūta.

We find that Lord Balarama who is a plenary expansion of Krishna manifests his anger quite a number of times during his pastime with Krishna on earth. 

It is explained that the only physical difference between Krishna and Balarama is that Krishna is blackish in complexion and Balarama is white. Krishna is the Supreme Lord and since he wants to perform many different pastimes, so he decides to expand. And his first expansion is Balarama.

Balarama plays the most significant role in Krishna’s lila. He is always there to serve Krishna, every moment. This is why Balrama is also called servitor Godhead.

Balarama serves Krishna in five rasas

There are five primary rasas, in which devotees serve Krishna. A devotee serves Krishna in only one rasa. For example, Srimati Radharani serves Krishna in Madhurya rasa and Mother Yashoda serves Krishna in Vatsalya rasa.

Now if we see Balarama, then he serves Krishna in all the five rasas.

Balarama is always with Krishna and Krishna can never be alone without Balarama. In the spiritual world everything is spiritual. The garments, the crown, the earrings, the jewelleries which Krishna wears are expansion of Balarama. Goloka Vrindavan is an expansion of Balarama.

In Krishna lila he is the elder brother of Krishna and in Rama lila, he is the elder brother of Krishna. He expands as Ananga Manjari, younger sister of Radharani, and assists her in her Madhurya lila.  Now these are the ways in which Balarama is serving Krishna directly.

Balarama is adi guru

But one of the most important services of Balarama is to guide the misguided souls and help them to reunite with Krishna. The best guide is the guru who is not just a teacher but a friend, philosopher and guide. So, Balarama is the adi guru, the first guru, the original guru. Without the mercy of Balarama, it is not possible to get Krishna.

Now guru can help disciples in many ways. He can be friendly and teach his pupil how to practice devotional life. But sometimes a guru has to show his anger not because he is under the influence of anger but because anger is required to control an unruly conditioned soul.

So, we see in Krishna lila, Balaram has showed his angry quite often. Sometimes the anger is to enhance the rasa.  But many times, to correct those conditioned souls who are committing grave sins.

If we analyse the activities of Balarama, then we will find that he is such a compassionate personality that he is not shying away from helping even the most demoniac person.

But sometimes he goes on to punish someone who may be on an exalted position. One such pastime is Balarama killing of Romaharṣaṇa Sūta.

Why Balarama killed Romaharṣaṇa Sūta?

Balarama did not want to participate in the Mahabharat war. He tried his best to stop the gruesome war, but he did not succeed. Why? Although he is the Adi guru, the Supreme servitor God, but still, he does not force the conditioned souls to do what he wants them to do.

We are free to exercise our free will

Balarama does not interfere in anyone’s free will. A guru guides, inspires, motivates, encourages and shows the right path. But later it is up to the disciples to decide if he (or she) wants to sincerely follow the guidelines of the guru or not. 

In Bhagavad Gita we see that after imparting all the knowledge to Arjuna, Krishna says to Arjuna that he is free to do whatever he wants to do now. But as an ideal disciple, Arjuna says to Krishna, “I will do whatever you want me to do.”

however if you and I want to do things as per our own independent mindset and act against the injunctions of the sastras then guru with a heavy heart leaves us and does not interfere in our life. But for our actions, we have to face the consequences.

So, Balarama does not force anyone to stop Mahabharat war. The war was against his wishes, so he leaves and decides to visit holy places and take bath in holy rivers.

Balarama goes to Naimiṣāraṇya

On his pilgrimage he comes to Naimiṣāraṇya, a holy place. This place is quite famous because transcendentalists assemble at this place to perform sacrifices and to discuss on topics related to God and self-realization.

When Balarama arrived, he found that many great sages, ascetics, brahmanas and learned scholars had assembled for a great sacrifice. These great personalities immediately rose up as soon as they saw Lord Balarama.

Many offered obeisances to him and those who were elderly showered their blessings upon him. These transcendentalists knew that Lord Balarama is the Supreme Lord, first plenary expansion of Krishna and they knew that the two brothers, Krishna and Balarama, had appeared for a specific purpose. After honouring Balarama, they provided him a suitable place to sit.

Romaharṣaṇa Sūta disrespects Balarama

Balarama took his seat but to his surprise, he saw that Romaharṣaṇa Sūta who was sitting on vyāsāsana, did not get up to offer respects to him. In fact, he was ignoring him. Romaharṣaṇa Sūta was a disciple of Śrīla Vyāsadeva, so he must be knowing who is Balarama.

What is the use of being a Vedic scholar if one does not recognize the Supreme Lord and even disrespects him even after knowing him? Demons and atheists abhor the Lord, but they do not pretend to be transcendentalist.

But if someone in the guise of being a Vedic scholar and brahmana is trying to show impudence towards the Lord then it’s a sin, an offence. 

Krishna and Balarama had appeared to establish religious principles. Balarama, the Adi guru, could not allow such hypocrisy to continue. He was extremely angry at Romaharṣaṇa Sūta.

Balarama’s anger

Lord Balarama said, “Although he is a disciple of the divine sage Vyāsa and has thoroughly learned many scriptures from him, including the lawbooks of religious duties and the epic histories and Purāṇas, all this study has not produced good qualities in him. Rather, his study of the scriptures is like an actor’s studying his part, for he is not self-controlled or humble and vainly presumes himself a scholarly authority, though he has failed to conquer his own mind.”  Srimad Bhagavatam 10.78.25-26

Scriptures are not just for verbal recitation. It is the purity of the speaker which transforms the heart of the listener. Someone may be a great orator but if he does not have love and respect for the Lord then he might speak eloquently but it will not transform the heart of people.  

The purpose of knowing Vedic scriptures is to know the Supreme Lord and to know how to approach the Lord. But if one does not respect a guru then how will he get the mercy of Krishna? Because without the help of a guru one cannot attain Krishna.

In such a scenario, a guru cannot be a mute spectator.

Seething with anger, Balarama further said, “The very purpose of My descent into this world is to kill such hypocrites who pretend to be religious. Indeed, they are the most sinful rascals.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.78.27

Balarama had stopped punishing the demons, but he would not allow such hypocrisy to continue. Romaharṣaṇa Sūta had to be punished.

Balarama kills Romaharṣaṇa Sūta

The Lord picked up a blade of kusa grass and with its tip touched Romaharṣaṇa Sūta, he died immediately on the spot.

No ordinary person can kill someone by a blade of grass. But here we see Balarama killed Romaharṣaṇa Sūta just by touching him with a blade of grass.

Balarama killing Romaharṣaṇa Sūta is actually saving him from committing more such sins. Because of the impurities in his heart, he would have committed more sins and would have suffered more.

But the assembled transcendentalists were shocked. They knew that what Balarama did was appropriate.  But the sages were sad and perturbed.

They said, “We had chosen him as the spiritual master and had made him sit on vyāsāsana. Not just that, we had blessed him with a long duration of life and freedom from any pain till the sacrifice continues.So now how our sacrifice will continue. Moreover, you have killed a brahmana which is improper, irreligious.”

Balarama said, “Although, I killed Romaharṣaṇa Sūta but if you want I can bring back his life. Let me know what you want me to do? ”

Romaharṣaṇa Sūta’s son given the position of his father

The sages replied, “Dear Lord, you are the upholder of religious principles, so you know what is appropriate to do. We cannot direct you. But we request you to do something so that you killing him with kusa grass and we giving him the benediction both remain intact.”

Balarama said, “Son is the representative of the father. So, whatever benediction like long life, freedom from pain, stamina etc which was given to Romaharṣaṇa Sūta can be transferred to his son, Ugraśravā Sūta. He can sit on vyāsāsana for the spiritual discourse.” 

“The Supreme Lord said: The Vedas instruct us that one’s own self takes birth again as one’s son. Thus let Romaharṣaṇa’s son become the speaker of the Purāṇas, and let him be endowed with long life, strong senses and stamina.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.78.36

Everyone was happy to hear this and Ugraśravā Sūta occupied the divine position and became the speaker.  

It was not the caste why Balarama killed Romaharṣaṇa Sūta

When in the beginning Balarama was chastising, Romaharṣaṇa Sūta then he said, son of a suta caste, which means low born. Romaharṣaṇa Sūta was born in a pratiloma family because his father was a kṣatriya and mother a brāhmaṇa.

But still Romaharṣaṇa Sūta was given the position of a brāhmaṇa. But since he was not acting as a brāhmaṇa so Balarama was furious.

Brāhmaṇa is not a position which one acquires by birth but is given based on one’s character and qualification. But Romaharṣaṇa Sūta was misusing the position. 

Balarama wanted to end this hypocrisy, so he killed him. But immediately, we see that Lord Balarama awarded the same benediction to his son. So, Balarama was not in fact criticizing the birth of Romaharṣaṇa Sūta but was angry because of his irreligious act.

Since Romaharṣaṇa Sūta’s son had the qualification to be a brahmana so he was installed on that position by Lord Balarama himself.

Just like anyone is eligible to become a doctor. But only one who qualifies the entrance exam, studies for five years and gets the degree and license to practice from the government can become a doctor.

But later, if it is found that the doctor’s conduct is not good then his license to practice is revoked by the government.

Similarly, one who is following the Vedic scriptures and living it as per its directions can become a brahmana but if he is misusing his position then he can be removed from the position of a brahmana from a superior authority.  

Initially I thought that since Romaharṣaṇa Sūta was not a brāhmaṇa so Lord Balarama killed him. But when I read the pastime completely then I understood that Romaharṣaṇa Sūta was not killed because of his caste but because of his irreligious act, Balarama punished him.

Sinless Balarama atones for his sin

Balarama further asked the sages to tell him how he can atone for his sins.

The Supreme Lord Balarama had not committed any sins and so there was no need for him to atone. But to set a higher standard that the words of the sages should be honoured, he asked them how he can atone for his sins?

The sages knew the strength of Balarama, so they requested him to kill a ferocious demon named Balvala who was disturbing them in their sacrifices. The sages further said that after killing the demon, he should continue with its pilgrimage for twelve months.

“Thereafter, for twelve months, You should circumambulate the land of Bhārata in a mood of serious meditation, executing austerities and bathing at various holy pilgrimage sites. In this way You will become purified.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.78.40 

Balarama happily agreed. After killing the demon, he went to many holy places situated in the holy land of Bharatvarsha.

My Prayer to Lord Balarama on Balarama Jayanti

Today is Balarama Jayanti, the day of Lord Balaram.  It is on this day that Lord Balarama appeared in this material world. Son of Rohini, the darling of braja, Lord Balaram came to this world for people like us. He appeared as elder brother of Lord Krishna. On this auspicious day I pray at the lotus feet of Lord Balaram to give me intelligence and determination so that I can become sincere in my spiritual practice.

Balarama serves Krishna in five rasas

Lord Balarama, you are the first plenary expansion of Krishna. You are always with Krishna. You live to serve Krishna. You serve Krishna in all the five rasas – shanta rasa, dasya rasa, sakhya rasa, vatsalya rasa and madhurya rasa.

To serve Krishna in shanta rasa you expand through your energy as Goloka Vrindavan where Krishna performs so many wonderful pastimes. To serve Krishna you become Krishna’s crown, flute, slipper, clothes, ornaments, umbrella, bed, clothes.

You always try to serve Krishna as menial servant in dasya rasa and assist him in his pastime. Srila Prabhupada writes, “Although Lord Baladeva appeared before the birth of Lord Kṛṣṇa and is therefore Kṛṣṇa’s worshipable elder brother, He used to act as Kṛṣṇa’s eternal servitor.” Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Adi Lila 6.76

In sakhya rasa, you play, wrestle, argue, fight, dance and eat with Krishna.

In vatsalaya rasa you are always concerned about Krishna’s well-being. You make sure that Krishna has eaten properly. When it is late you ask Krishna to return home. In the forest when it is dark you become very protective for Krishna.

To serve Krishna in madhurya rasa, you expand as Ananga Manjari and become the younger sister of Radharani. You then assist Radha and Krishna in their conjugal pastime.

You are always engaged in serving Krishna, the Supreme Lord.

Also Read: Damodar Lila: Why Balaram could not untie Krishna

Balarama always accompanies Krishna

When Krishna expands as Lord Vishnu, you become Ananta Sesa. As Anant Sesa you become the bed of Lord Vishnu, you become the crown of Lord Vishnu. You have innumerable hoods and uncountable mouth. From each of your mouth you continuously glorify the Supreme Lord.

When Krishna appeared as Lord Rama you appeared as his younger brother Lakshman. Because you cannot live without a moment away from Rama, you accompanied Lord Rama and mother Sita in the forest. For the 14 years when you lived in forest you decided not to sleep even for a moment so that you can serve Lord Rama and his consort mother Sita every moment.

Balarama teaches us to always serve Krishna

With these examples you teach us that every moment of our life should be utilized in serving the Lord.  My life should be only for the service of the Lord. When will I get the determination and desire to follow your instructions and serve you constantly? Even after hearing again and again that the purpose of life is to serve you and Krishna, I still prefer to serve my sensual desires.

Dear Balarama I pray for your mercy

Instead of developing attraction for the Supreme Lord Krishna I still remain attracted towards the flickering pleasures of this material world.  Instead of developing deep attachment for Krishna I still remain attached to this ephemeral world.  Although I know that this world is temporary still I live as if I have to live here forever. In spite of knowing that this body is perishable I am always busy trying to satisfy the never-ending demands of my body. Instead of utilizing my senses in serving you, I am busy serving my senses and mind.  Instead of accepting you as my master, I have become slave of my mind and senses.  Most of the time, I find myself busy serving the unholy demands of my senses.

Because of being in this material world for many lifetimes my material disease has become too severe. As a terribly sick person becomes insane and forgets what is good for him or bad. My material disease is so severe that I fail to understand what is good for me and what is bad for me.

An expert doctor can cure a seriously patient. You are the Supreme doctor, so please consider my plea and cure me of all material diseases.

You are my only shelter

Other than you, I do not have any shelter. If you leave me, where will I go.

Although I know the importance of taking your shelter but still I fail to take your shelter. My mind is not in my control. My senses refuse to listen to me.

Just like a child caught up in the middle of the ocean surrounded by blood sucking crocodile cries desperately for help. I am also caught up in this material world surrounded by the poisonous senses. I seek your help. I am helpless in front of my powerful senses. Again and again I try to serve you but again and again my senses do not allow me to serve you.

Other than you, no one can rescue me. No one is as merciful like you. A helpless child in the middle of the gigantic ocean can be saved by an expert swimmer.  You are the creator of the gigantic oceans. Upon you the entire material universe rests. So be merciful upon me and save me from the unending miseries of this material world.

Dear Balarama I beg for your shelter

Please purify my senses so that my senses start taking pleasure in serving the lotus feet of Krishna.

Please remove all the impurities from my mind and inundate it with Krishna conscious thoughts.

Please give me intelligence so that I become convinced that material pleasure is the cause of all the misery and not the source of happiness.

Please bless me so that each and every moment of life I should only think of Krishna.

Please shower your mercy upon me so that I lose all taste for this material world.

Human life is useless if it is not used in the service of the Lord. I got this human life by your mercy. So, I beg you to be merciful upon me so that I do not waste my human birth.  Request you to free me from my helpless condition and give me the shelter of your divine lotus feet.