Sri Balarama Avirbhava (Balarama Purnima)
Sri Baladeva (Balarama) — Sri Krishna's elder brother, the original guru
ISKCON / Gaudiya VaishnavaGet a reminder before the next Sri Balarama Avirbhava (Balarama Purnima)
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Sri Balarama Avirbhava — Sravana Purnima — the appearance day of Lord Baladeva, Sri Krishna's elder brother and the first plenary expansion of the Lord. The 5-day Jhulan Yatra concludes today. Observed at every ISKCON temple with deity-abhishekam and a grand Bal-bhog feast (Balaji's special prasadam offerings).
Dates 2026–2027
Mantra
नमो रामाय रामाय रामायानन्त रूपिणे / Namo Ramaya Ramaya Ramayananta-rupine — Bhakti-Rasamrta-Sindhu
Sri Baladeva Pranama
I bow to Rama, to Rama, to Rama of unlimited forms — Sri Baladeva who is Adi-Rama (the original)
How to recite
Read the 10th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam describing Sri Balarama's birth at Gokula and His later pastimes (the slaying of Pralambasura, the dragging of the Yamuna with His plough, the killing of Dhenukasura). Offer Balarama-prasadam — particularly milk-sweets which are His favourite. Chant 16 rounds with extra Balarama-kirtans.
Benefits
Sri Balarama is the first plenary expansion of Sri Krishna — the Adi-guru, the source of all spiritual masters. His appearance day on Sravana Purnima also marks the conclusion of Jhulan Yatra. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu identified Lord Nityananda as Sri Balarama tattva — so Balarama Purnima is also dear to Gaudiya Vaishnavas as the celebration of Nityananda-tattva.
✦ Special Note
Per the Mayapur Vaishnava Calendar. This day is also Raksha Bandhan in the broader Indian calendar. ISKCON devotees particularly emphasise Sri Baladeva as Adi-guru tattva — the source of all gurus, including Srila Prabhupada and our entire parampara.
Foods Allowed
Foods to Avoid
Meal Idea
Balaji-prasadam — kheer, rabri, malpua, fresh sliced mango, sweet rice with cardamom — milk-sweet offerings are Sri Balarama's favourite
Related vrats
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- Sri Advaita Acarya Appearance — February 22, 2027Same tradition
- Akshaya Tritiya / Chandana Yatra Begins — April 19, 2026Same tradition
- Sri Radha-kunda Avirbhava (Bahulastami) — November 4, 2026Same tradition
- Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Avirbhava — February 6, 2026Same tradition
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