Balrama (or Balarama) was born as the brother of Krishna. Balrama is a symbol of strenght, an obedient son, an ideal brother and husband, an ideal man and god. He is a protector from desires, the divinity of strength or the strength of the divine, symbolizing duty, honesty and simplicity.

Vishnu incarnated as Balarama when Indra and the other gods came to lord Vishnu and asked for release from the demon son Kamsa, king of Mathura. Vishnu took one black and one white hair from his head and promised that these two would come to fight against the demons. This way, first Balrama (the white hair) and then Krishna (the black hair) incarnated in the womb of Devaki. To save him from Kamsa, Balrama was transferred secretly from Devakis womb to that of Rohini´s, from which he was born. Together with Krishna he grew up in a cowherd's family.

At an early age, he killed the demon Dhenuka, accompanied Krishna to Mathura and supported him until Kamsa was killed. Balarama also released Krishna´s son, Samba, from Duryodhana's prison.

His wife was Revati, king Raivata´s daughter. They had two sons, Nistha and Ulmuka.

This introduction was made by Christine Gruenwald and Peter Marchand.