Balarama’s Day as Krishna
Setting: One day, desiring to dress like Krishna, Lord Balarama asked Krishna if He could wear His peacock feather and play Krishna’s flute for just one day. Krishna, who dearly loved His elder brother, agreed and personally gave His peacock feather and flute to Balarama. Krishna and Balarama warmly embraced, and then Balarama, laughing happily, ran away playing gaily on Krishna’s flute.
Kamsa’s Plot: Meanwhile, in Mathura, the wicked King Kamsa was about to send the horse demon, Keshi, to Vrndavana to kill Krishna. The Keshi demon asked King Kamsa, “How will I recognize Krishna?” Kamsa told him that it would be easy to tell because Krishna would be the only person wearing a peacock feather and playing a flute.
Balarama’s Encounter with Keshi: While Balarama was fully enjoying His pastime of being Krishna for the day, the fierce horse demon Keshi stormed into Vrndavana. Seeing Balarama wearing a peacock feather and playing a flute, matching the description King Kamsa had given of Krishna, the Keshi demon roared up and gave Balarama a mighty kick that could have killed a full-grown elephant. This kick knocked the wind out of Balarama and sent Him tumbling out of the demon’s sight. Thinking that he had killed Krishna, the Keshi demon galloped away.
Balarama’s Distress: Balarama picked Himself up and began to cry. His chest still hurt from the demon’s kick, and He was short of breath. Balarama was hungry, very tired, and sore all over from tumbling so far. Reaching home, Balarama immediately went to Krishna and returned His flute and peacock feather. Balarama told Krishna that He never again wanted to wear them, and that a huge horse demon had just violently kicked Him, thinking He was Krishna. Then Balarama met His mother Rohini and fell asleep in her arms.
Krishna’s Action: Krishna replaced the peacock feather in His crown, tucked the flute back in His belt, and walked into the village. Then Shri Krishna met the horrible horse demon and effortlessly killed him.
Moral of the Story:
Nobody can ever take the position of Krishna, God. When someone tries, many problems can occur. Even Lord Balarama, who is closest in creation in powers and qualities to Krishna, could not be Krishna even for a day. What to speak of us living entities who try to imitate God on a daily basis, trying to be enjoyers and controllers. By trying this, we will surely meet our own destruction.
Bhagavad Gita Reference:
Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita (5.29):
bhoktaram yajna-tapasam sarva-loka-mahesvaram suhrdam sarva-bhutanam jnatva mam santim rcchati
“The sages, knowing Me as:
- The ultimate purpose of all sacrifices and austerities;
- The Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods;
- The benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities;
…attain peace from the pangs of material miseries.”
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Unique Position of God: Krishna is unique and supreme, and His position cannot be taken by anyone.
- Humility: Recognize and respect the unique roles and powers of each individual, especially in spiritual matters.
- Consequences of Imitation: Imitating God’s position leads to suffering and destruction.
- Trust in the Divine Plan: Trust in Krishna’s divine plan and His protection.
Prayer:
“O Lord Krishna, please grant us the humility to recognize Your supreme position and the wisdom to avoid the pitfalls of trying to imitate You. Help us to remain devoted to You with a sincere heart and to always seek Your guidance and protection.”
