Who Was Balarama's Mother: Rohini or Devaki?

Balarama's birth has a fascinating story. It involves divine intervention and a miraculous event. This raises the question: Who was Balarama's mother - Rohini or Devaki?

The Prophecy and Kamsa’s Fear

Kamsa, the king of Mathura, feared the prophecy. It said Devaki's eighth child would kill him. To stop this, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva. He killed their first six sons immediately after birth.

Divine Plan: Balarama's Transfer

This is narrated in 2nd Chapter, 10th Skandha of Srimad Bhagavatam.

When Devaki conceived her seventh child,Bhagavan intervened. The child was Balarama, an expansion (amsha)  of himself. To protect him, Vishnu used his divine power. He instructed Yogamaya, his mystical energy, to act.

Vishnu told Yogamaya to transfer the fetus. Balarama was moved from Devaki’s womb to Rohini’s womb. Rohini was another wife of Vasudeva, living in Gokula.

Rohini as the Physical Mother

After the transfer, Rohini carried Balarama. She gave birth to him in Gokula. This made Rohini the physical mother of Balarama. However, Balarama was still connected to Devaki. His life was a result of divine intervention.

Krishna's strategy in protecting Balarama highlight his brilliance-

• Krishna recognized the danger posed by Kamsa and took action to protect Balarama by moving him to a safer place. This shows how Krishna anticipated the threat and acted swiftly to avoid it.
• He didn’t just focus on the immediate problem. Krishna planned for the long-term, ensuring that Balarama's safety was part of a larger divine mission. His plan was carefully crafted to address both immediate and future needs.
• Krishna used his divine power, Yogamaya, to accomplish his goal without direct confrontation. He knew how to use the resources available to him wisely and efficiently.
• The transfer of Balarama was a significant change, but Krishna managed it smoothly, ensuring that the divine order remained intact. This reflects how Krishna handled challenges without causing disruption.
• Krishna was prepared for all outcomes. He had a backup plan in case the original plan faced obstacles. By transferring Balarama to Rohini, he showed foresight and readiness for any situation.
• Krishna took control of the situation, ensuring that the outcome was in line with his divine purpose. He didn’t leave anything to chance but instead actively shaped the events.
• Krishna adapted to the situation by using Yogamaya to protect Balarama without engaging in direct conflict. His ability to adjust his approach reflects his wisdom and flexibility.
• Krishna effectively addressed Kamsa's threat by creating a plan that ensured Balarama's safety and continued the divine mission. His problem-solving skills were clear in how he balanced different needs.
• Finally, Krishna’s decision to transfer Balarama to Rohini showed careful thought and consideration of all possible outcomes. He made sure that both immediate safety and long-term goals were met.
• Krishna's actions ensured Balarama's survival and the continuation of the divine plan, showing how he handled challenges and ensured success despite the threats. This highlights Krishna's ability to protect and preserve what is important, even in difficult times.

Success, even for God, isn’t effortless. Krishna shows this through his actions to protect Balarama. Knowing the threat from Kamsa, Krishna used his intelligence to anticipate dangers. He then carefully planned to safeguard Balarama. This involved hard work, as Krishna instructed Yogamaya to transfer Balarama from Devaki to Rohini. This was done with precision and care. The success of this plan didn’t come instantly; it was the result of Krishna’s strategic thinking and adaptability. This proves that success, even for the divine, comes from intelligence and effort.

Krishna blesses his devotees with wisdom to face challenges. He wouldn't prefer to make  life effortless or remove obstacles. Instead, he empowers them to solve problems with intelligence and strength. Krishna’s guidance helps them navigate difficulties, teaching that true success comes from using their abilities wisely. By giving inner strength, Krishna ensures they grow stronger and more capable. His support is about building resilience, not avoiding challenges.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi