Balram was Krishna’s elder brother, though born of a different mother, Rohini. At the house of their foster-parents in Gokula, he was Krishna’s protector, playmate and an equal partner in pranks little Krishna played with the cowherds.
Ancients Speak
Suman K Sharma
When Krishna founded the city of Dwarka, Balram went along with Him. Krishna had since grown up as a paragon of male beauty. His winsome ways charmed Gopis and princesses alike. It was around this time that a Brahmin secretly delivered to Him a letter from Rukmini, the enchanting princess of Vidarbha. Confessing her undying love for Krishna, she had disclosed in the letter that her father, King Bhishmaka, favoured their marriage. But her eldest brother, Prince Rukmi was deadly opposed to it. Rukmi had not forgotten that it was Krishna who had killed his friend, Kansa. He desired that Rukmini should marry Shishpala, Crown Prince of Chedi, who was a great favourite of Emperor Jarasandha of Maghdha. Not content with registering his displeasure, Rukmi had organised a sham swayamvara in which only his friend Shishupala would win. Rumkini had said that she would prefer ending her life rather than marry anyone else than Krishna. The functions relating to the wedding had started though. She would be going to perform a puja in Indrani’s temple. Krishna might abduct her during that period if He cared for her, Rukmini had implored.
Krishna could not ignore such an open avowal of love. He made preparations for journey to Bhishmaka’s capital city of Kundina and Balram insisted on accompanying Him. Krishna abducted Rukmini on His chariot in face of strong opposition by the armies of Vidarbha, Chedi and their allies. Shishupala was crestfallen at the outcome of the battle. Emperor Jarasandh, however, tried to assuage his feelings, advising him accept the defeat gracefully.
Nonetheless, Rukmi would not let the matter cool off. Determined to teach his sister’s abductor a lesson, he pursued Krishna with the resolve to kill Him. A great fight ensued and Rukmi’s soldiers could not withstand the ferocity of brothers Krishna and Balram. Matters came to such a head that Krishna was about to kill the pursuer Rukmi with His sword. But Rukmini intervened, begging for her brother’s life. Krishna relented, though covertly signalling His chariot to do the needful.
His head shaved and hands bound, Rukmi was dragged behind Krishna’s chariot like a common prisoner. The once proud prince appeared to prefer death to such a humiliation. This did not go unnoticed by Balram’s wary eyes. He rode up to Krishna and admonished Him for insulting a warrior who was now His brother-in-law.
Krishna heeded the advice of His elder brother and set Rukmi free.
Fallible as we all are, it is important not to let our ego come in the way to correct our excesses.
Even Krishna Bhagwan could be wrong, and if told, He would make amends. It is interesting to note the extent to which the faith of our democratic ancestors could go. The world bears a witness to it. In the seventy years of independence, there have been very many political upheavals, scams, scandals and so forth, but the steel-frame of our democracy has withstood all. We make the high and mighty listen to us. The happenings in our neighbouring countries go on to make a striking contrast.
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