Balarama (Balarāma) is Krishna’s elder brother and one of the principal figures of the Krishna tradition. According to the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, he is originally conceived in Devakī’s womb but mystically transferred to Rohiṇī, another wife of Vasudeva, and is therefore also known as Saṅkarṣaṇa, “he who was drawn away.”
Balarama grows up beside Krishna among the cowherds of Vraja and participates in many of his childhood adventures. His characteristic weapons are the plow and mace, linking him with agriculture, physical strength, fertility, and the cultivation of the earth. Vaiṣṇava theology also identifies him closely with Ananta Śeṣa, the cosmic serpent who supports and serves Vishnu.
Balarama’s significance lies especially in divine service and strength. In Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava thought, he is Krishna’s first expansion and the source of the spiritual principle of service—the power through which the divine world itself is supported.
