Balarāma's Return - Transcendental Arrivals and Reciprocations
The journeys of Lord Balarāma are not merely historical travels but transcendental events that reveal His deep relationships with His devotees. Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings illustrate how the return of the Lord brings immediate relief to those suffering in separation and joy to those awaiting His association. Whether returning from the daily tending of cows or from a massive cross-continental pilgrimage, Lord Balarāma's arrival always signifies the restoration of peace and spiritual bliss.
Daily Returns to the Village of Vraja
In the pastoral setting of Vṛndāvana, the rhythm of life was centered on the forest pastimes of the two brothers. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes how the evening return of Kṛṣṇa and Balarāma was an essential part of the daily life of the residents. As the sun set, the sound of Their flutes announced Their return, bringing life back to the anxious hearts of the gopīs and the elder residents.
- In the evening, Krsna and Balarama, along with the boys and cows, returned to Vrndavana, playing Their flutes.
- Akrura could understand that both Krsna and Balarama had returned from tending cows in the forest; They had taken Their baths and were dressed with fresh clothing and garlanded with flowers and with necklaces made of valuable jewels.
- The gopis said, "Now, how shall we live even for a moment if He (Krsna) goes away from us? At the end of the day, in the evening, along with His elder brother Balarama, Krsna would return home with His friends."
- As soon as Krsna and Balarama heard that Nanda Maharaja was waiting for Them and could not take his food in Their absence, They started to return.
The Influence of Maternal Affection
The Supreme Lord is independent, yet He voluntarily subordinates Himself to the love of His parents. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Mother Yaśodā's affection was so intense that she was often tasked with bringing the boys home when they were too attached to Their games. Her request for Them to return was always honored, highlighting the hierarchy of spiritual love over all other considerations.
- Because of being too attached to playing with the other boys, Krsna and Balarama did not return upon being called by Rohini. Therefore Rohini sent mother Yasoda to call Them back, because mother Yasoda was more affectionate to Them - SB 10.11.13.
- Yasodam presayam asa. These very words show that since Krsna and Balarama did not care to return in response to the order of Rohini, Rohini thought that if Yasoda called They would have to return, for Yasoda was more affectionate to Krsna and Balarama.
- Father and son generally sit together, so mother Yasoda requested Krsna and Balarama to return, and she advised the other boys to go home so that their parents would not have to wait for them.
- Upon hearing this (the sound of ankle bells), Krsna and Balarama could understand that these were not Their mothers They were following, and They would return to Their actual mothers.
Royal Returns and the End of Battles
As the pastimes moved beyond Vṛndāvana, Lord Balarāma's returns often followed significant victories or cosmic events. Śrīla Prabhupāda details how Balarāma's return to Dvārakā or Prabhāsa-tīrtha was greeted with great jubilation. These arrivals signified a return to order after the Lord had personally removed disturbing elements from the earth.
- After killing the great demon Dvivida and being worshiped by showers of flowers and glorious sounds of victory, Balarama returned to His capital city, Dvaraka.
- When He (Balarama) returned to Dvaraka, He was received with great jubilation by relatives and friends, headed by King Ugrasena and other elder persons, who all came forward to welcome Him.
- When Lord Balarama returned to Prabhasa-tirtha, He heard from the brahmanas that most of the ksatriyas in the Battle of Kuruksetra had been killed. Balarama felt relieved to hear that the burden of the world had been reduced.
- After bathing there (river Narmada) according to regulative principles, Lord Balarama returned to Prabhasa-tirtha, where He had begun His journey.
Returning to Fulfill the Devotees' Hearts
The most significant return in terms of emotional depth was Lord Balarāma's visit back to Vṛndāvana. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that even though many years had passed and the inhabitants had grown, the mutual love remained unchanged. This return served to satisfy the intense longings of the cowherd boys and the gopīs, proving that the Lord never forgets those who have dedicated everything to Him.
- When Lord Balarama returned to Vrndavana, all the cowherd boys and the gopis had grown up; but still, on His arrival, they all embraced Him, and Balarama embraced them in reciprocation.
- In the second part of the Gopala-campu, known as Uttara-campu, the following subject matters are discussed: (19) victory over Banasura; (20) a description of Balarama’s return to Vraja; (21) the killing of Paundraka - the imitation Visnu.
- Astonished by the ghastly scene, the cowherd boys began to praise Balarama with the words "Well done!" All of them then embraced Balarama with great affection, thinking that He had returned from death. They offered their blessings and congratulations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the returns of Lord Balarāma illustrate the dynamic nature of transcendental love. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches us that the Supreme Lord is not a static or distant observer, but an active participant in the lives of His devotees. Whether He is returning home from the forest pastures to the relief of Mother Yaśodā, or returning to Vṛndāvana to soothe the hearts of the gopīs, Balarāma's arrival always signifies the ultimate victory of spiritual affection over the miseries of separation. By meditating on these divine returns, a sincere soul can prepare for their own ultimate return—back home, back to Godhead.
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