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Balvala and Balarama

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Overview

Lord Balarama, the brother of Krishna, is one of the most popular Hindu deities. He is depicted as a man with blue skin and long hair, holding a plough in one hand and a mace in the other. This story is can teach children-

  • How Balrama kills the demon Balvala. 

  • It can also teach kids that good always defeats evil.

Introduction to Balarama Stories

Lord Krishna Caitanya and Nityananda, now their identification is Lord Krishna and Balarama, two brothers who grew up in the cowherd village of Vrndavan along with their family friends: gopis (cowgirls) such as Radha, butter thieves like Subala-rakshas (The demon king), mother Yasoda and father, Nanda Maharaja. Life was actualized near Mathura on the banks of the Yamuna River by these Divine Incarnations during that epoch or age called Kali Yuga.


This is the story of a fight between Balvala and Balarama. In the age of Kali Yuga, there is no peace. The demons are very active and cause havoc in many parts of India. A demon called Balval was causing menace for the sage and the residents of Naimisharanya. They all went to Balrama for help, who agreed and helped them by killing the demon.


Summary of the Story Lord Balarama and the Demon Balval

Balvala had a fierce appearance. His fiery red hair, thick beard and moustache made him look like he was always ready to pounce on his prey.


Balvala had become a menace to the sages of Naimisharanya, whose hermitage he used as his hunting ground. He would soil it with blood and defile its sacrificial fires with butchered corpses, all in an attempt to please the demons who lived among them.


After being repeatedly frustrated by the demon's tricks, the sages sought out Balarama. They told him that during any fight with evil, he would come in contact with the demon and, therefore, should first visit all holy places to purify himself before taking on this difficult task.


Balarama appeared before Balvala, who was flying away on his chariot. He held a plough and club in his hands. Balarama pulled him down with his plough and struck his head swiftly with the club. Balvala instantly died because his head split into two.


The people of Naimisharanya praised Balarama and offered him prayers. Meanwhile, the sages set about preparing Balarama's bath to cleanse the impurities of Balvala's body.


Balarama slaying Balvala


Balarama slaying Balvala


Moral of the Lord Blarama and the Demon Balvala Story

Lord Balarama and the Demon Balvala is a mythological story that primarily talks about the winning of good over evil. This mythological story is exemplary in teaching children the significance of Balarama in the history. Not only that, it can also help children understand that sacrifice, courage and fearlessness are the best character traits that humans can use to survive anything. On the other hand, this story also teaches that evil always gets defeated no matter how powerful it is.


Note to the Parents

Those parents who want to bring their children closer to Hindu culture and mythology can go for this story. Reading this story to kids can help them build a strong character while growing up. They can also distinguish between the good and evil while understanding that goodness always overpowers evil in this world.

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FAQs on Balvala and Balarama

1. Who is Lord Balarama?

Lord Balarama is the elder brother of Krishna, who was born just before him. He is often depicted as a tall, muscular man with four arms and black skin, carrying a plough in one hand and a mace in another. His brothers are Krishna and Pradyumna.

2. Why did Balarama kill the demon in this Balarama story?

For many years the sage Balvala terrorized the neighboring Naimisaranya hermitage by hunting its animals, sacrificing their carcasses to demons and polluting its sacred fires with blood. The sages were so frustrated by the demon's tricks that they went to Balarama for help. He agreed to fight the demon on their behalf and kill it.

3. Why was Balrama so strong?

Lord Balarama was so strong because of his connection to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is the god of preservation and is also known as the preserver of the universe. To maintain balance in the world, Lord Vishnu must fight demons who try to upset that balance. Lord Balarama is one of Sheshnaga's most powerful incarnations and is often referred to as "Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna."

4. How did Balvala look?

Balvala looked as fierce as his reputation. His thick red hair and beard gave him the look of a predator ready to pounce on its prey.


Overview

Lord Balarama, the brother of Krishna, is one of the most popular Hindu deities. He is depicted as a man with blue skin and long hair, holding a plough in one hand and a mace in the other. This story is can teach children-

  • How Balrama kills the demon Balvala. 

  • It can also teach kids that good always defeats evil.