Balarama Jayanti Date and timings: Balarama Jayanti falls on 24th August 2024, Saturday. Shasthi Thithi starts on 24th August at 07:52 am and ends on 25th August at 05:30 am.
Lord Balarama is the elder brother of Lord Krishna. The Birth of Lord Balarama is celebrated as Balarama Jayanti. This festival is also known as Balarama Purnima. Balarama Jayanti is observed on Shravan Purnima in many parts of India, while in other regions, it is celebrated on Akshaya Tritiya. Some areas also observe Balarama Jayanti during Vaisakh, which corresponds to April or May. In the northern states of India, this day is known as Hal Shashti or Lalahi Chhath.
Significance of Lord Balarama
Lord Balarama is revered as the seventh child of Vasudeva and Devaki and considered as the 9th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Balarama is also believed to be an incarnation of Adishesha, the divine serpent on which Lord Vishnu rests. He is known by several names, including Baladeva, Balabhadra, and Halayudha. He is often depicted holding a plough and a mace, symbolizing his association with farming and his role as a protector. Haldhar is a name given to Lord Balarama due to his deep affinity with nature. Those who own farms or gardens often plough their fields on this auspicious day. As per the Hindu Scriptures, Lord Balarama defeated the giant demon Dhenuka with his immense physical strength and power. The temples of Punjab and Puri are well-known for celebrating Balaram Jayanti. Additionally, temples such as Ananta Vasudeva Mandir, Baliyan Temple, and Baladev Mandir also hold significant fame. Devotees believe that those who worship Lord Balarama and observe Balarama Jayanti Vrat (fast) are bestowed with physical strength and vitality.
Rituals of Balarama Jayanti
- Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a bath before preparing the Puja thali for Balaram Jayanti.
- Flowers and leaves adorn the temple as part of the decoration for the Puja.
- Idols of Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama are dressed in new clothes and adorned with jewellery.
- Celebrations occur in temples dedicated to Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna.
- Fasting is observed until noon by devotees on this auspicious day.
- Saints and devotees perform a holy bath ceremony, using panchamrit for the idols of Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna.
- Devotees prepare special meals and offer 'bhog' to the deity, distributing sacred food to family, friends, and neighbours.
- The day is marked by joyful dancing and singing of bhajans and songs to celebrate the occasion.
Temples Of Lord Krishna and Balarama
- Sri Krishna Balaram Thirukovil: Natham Rd, near Yadava College, Tiruppalai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625014
- Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir: Indira Nagar, Satyanarayana Puram, Ongole, Andhra Pradesh 523001
- ISKCON - Shri Krishna Balaram Temple: Medchal, Telangana 502401
- Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir: Hare Krishna Marg, Sector 26, Mahal Scheme, Pratap Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017
- Shree Ananta Basudev Temple: Gouri Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Balarama Jayanti is a day filled with spiritual significance and communal joy. It brings families and communities together in devotion to Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna, marked by rituals, fasting, and offerings of gratitude.
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