Balarama Page

When the great mace duel finally came between Duryodhana and Bhima, Balarama served as the referee. When Bhima broke Duryodhana’s thighs (a forbidden move), Balarama wept in shame. This moment defines him: He chose dharma (the rule of law) over gotra (family loyalty), even though Krishna, his brother, was supporting the Pandavas.

In Buddhism, particularly in the Pali canon, he is sometimes referenced as a powerful Yakkha (spirit) or as a previous incarnation of the Buddha, known for his great strength and equanimity. balarama