Balaram Jayanti: Why Krishna's elder brother is called Haldhar
The Sashti tithi of Bhadrapada month marks Balaram Jayanti, associated with strength, restraint and reverence for farming.
In Hindu tradition, the Sashti tithi of the Bhadrapada month holds special spiritual and cultural significance. This is the sacred day observed as the birth anniversary of Balaram, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. In different parts of the country, the festival is also known as Hal Sashti, Baldev Chhath, Lalhi Chhath or Balbhadra Jayanti. According to Hindu tradition, the day is meant to honour strength, restraint and the culture of farming.
There are differing views on the date of Lord Balaram's birth. According to one belief, Balaram was born on Hal Sashti, which is why many devotees observe his birth anniversary on this day. According to the Garga Samhita, Lord Balaram was born on the Sashti tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapada month. This tithi begins at 8:59 am on Wednesday, September 16, and ends at 10:47 am on September 17. This is why Balaram Jayanti is being observed on Wednesday, September 16.
One of Balaram's well-known names is Haldhar, meaning one who wields the plough. According to mythological tradition, Lord Balaram is depicted as a warrior holding a plough and a mace. His plough is regarded not merely as a farming implement but also as his principal weapon. This is why Balaram is also called by names such as Haldhar, Halayudh and Baldev. Balaram is also considered a deity connected to farming and the earth, which is why the plough and farming are given special importance in his worship.
The story of Balaram's birth is linked to the story of Lord Krishna himself. According to mythology, Balaram's womb was initially conceived in Devaki's womb. At that time, King Kansa of Mathura was fearful of his sister Devaki's children. According to the tale, Lord Vishnu ordered Yogmaya to transfer the seventh pregnancy growing in Devaki's womb into Rohini's womb. Yogmaya did so, and this is why Balaram is believed to have been born from Rohini's womb. Because of this transfer of the pregnancy, Balaram also came to be called Sankarshan, meaning one who is drawn from one place to another. In this way, the story of Balaram's birth is considered an important link in the complete narrative of Lord Krishna's incarnation.
On Balaram Jayanti, devotees bathe in the morning and meditate on Lord Balaram. A picture or idol of him is placed in the home shrine and offered water, flowers, fruit and food offerings. According to belief, Lord Krishna is also remembered along with Lord Balaram on this day.
