Balaram Purnima is a Hindu festival that celebrates the appearance of Lord Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna, on the full moon day of the month of Shravana (August-September). Lord Balarama is also known as Baladeva, Sankarshana, Haladhara, and Revati-natha. He is the first expansion of Lord Krishna and the original spiritual master of all living beings. He is the source of all spiritual strength and the protector of devotees. He is depicted as having a fair complexion, wearing blue garments, and holding a plow and a club as his weapons. He is also fond of honey and river Yamuna.
The history and significance of Balaram Purnima are described in various scriptures, such as the Bhagavata Purana, the Vishnu Purana, the Mahabharata, and the Garga Samhita. According to these scriptures, Lord Balarama appeared as the son of Vasudeva and Rohini in the prison of Kamsa, the tyrant king of Mathura who wanted to kill Krishna. However, by the divine arrangement of Yogamaya, the unborn child of Devaki (the sister of Kamsa and the wife of Vasudeva) was transferred to the womb of Rohini, who was living in Gokula under the protection of Nanda Maharaja. Thus, Balarama became the elder brother of Krishna and grew up with him in Vrindavana.
Lord Balarama performed many wonderful pastimes with Krishna in Vrindavana, such as killing many demons, playing with the cowherd boys and girls, dancing with the gopis, lifting Govardhana hill, and subduing Kaliya serpent. He also accompanied Krishna to Mathura and Dwaraka and participated in the Kurukshetra war as his chariot driver. He taught the art of fighting to Bhima, Duryodhana, and Pradyumna. He also visited many holy places in India and established his own dham (abode) at Ananta Padmanabha temple in Kerala.
Balaram Purnima is celebrated with great devotion by the followers of Vaishnavism, especially those who belong to ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). They observe a fast till noon and offer prayers to Lord Balarama. They also perform abhisheka (bathing ceremony) for the deities of Krishna and Balarama with various substances such as milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, water, fruits, herbs, and flowers. They sing devotional songs and chant Hare Krishna mantra. They also distribute prasadam (sanctified food) to others and share the glories of Lord Balarama.
In 2023, Balaram Purnima falls on Wednesday, August 30. It is a very auspicious day to seek the blessings of Lord Balarama for spiritual strength, protection, and service to Lord Krishna. Those who worship Lord Balarama with faith and love will attain his mercy and ultimately reach his eternal abode.
Here are some mantras that can be chanted on this day to please Lord Balarama:
