Mahabharata was such a great war which shook not only the earth but also every person who was a part of that era. Whenever there was a major turning point in this war, everyone’s attention was drawn to such things, which sometimes seemed incomprehensible.
Pandavas got the support of Krishna, Kauravas were confident of their huge army and everyone was dreaming of victory in their own way. But meanwhile, one such question always kept revolving in the minds of people – why did Krishna’s elder brother Balram stay away from the war? It has always been discussed that when all the other warriors entered the war according to their religion and duty, then why a powerful and master of mace art like Balram distanced himself from this entire conflict. Balarama was not only Krishna’s brother, but was also the teacher of many warriors from both sides. Both Duryodhana and Bhima had taken mace training from him. That is, if Balram had entered the war, he could have turned the tables on either side. Then what was it that kept them away from this great war? Many people associate it with emotions, some people consider it with their nature and some consider it a part of their spiritual thinking. Today we will try to understand this mystery in very simple and clear language, so that we can know why Balram chose to remain neutral even in a huge war like Mahabharata.
Balram and Mahabharata story
Why did Balram not participate in the Mahabharata war?
1. Deep connection with both parties
The biggest reason was that Balram was very attached to both Kauravas and Pandavas. Both Duryodhana and Bhima had learned mace fighting from him. Duryodhana was one of his favorite disciples, while he also respected Bhima a lot. In such a situation, it was not easy for Balram to support any one side. If he had stood with the Pandavas, Duryodhana would have been hurt and if he had helped the Kauravas, Bhima would have felt wrong. He considered both of them like his own children and even the thought of seeing one of them getting hurt was unbearable for him. This was the reason why he clearly said – “I will not hold the flag of any party.”
2. Balram’s calm nature and distance from war
Balram was originally of very calm nature. He is considered the god of power, but still he did not like violence. He believed that war is never the right solution. They also understood that this war had become the result of personal revenge and stubbornness, in which victory for no one would be a real victory. Therefore, he chose this path that he would completely stay away from violence. He clearly realized that no matter who wins, there will be losses on both sides.
3. To set out on a pilgrimage before the war begins
When it was decided that the war could not be averted, then Balram decided to completely distance himself from this environment. He said that he cannot see brothers fighting, so he is going on pilgrimage. This was not an excuse, but a way in which they could avoid any kind of bias. At the time when weapons were shining on both sides of the field, Balarama was traveling to different places of pilgrimage to keep his mind away from this destruction.
Balram and Mahabharata story
4. Description in some stories – differences with Krishna
It is also said in some stories that there came a time when Balram did not agree with one thing of Krishna.
This created some confusion and distance in his mind. This was the reason why he was feeling entangled between religion, policy and family and did not want to take direct part in any dispute. Although this difference was not big, but it had an impact on his mental state.
5. Just nature and desire to remain neutral
Balram has always been simple and clear thinking. He only did what he believed was right. He had no feelings of partiality towards anyone and that is why he was not able to decide who was actually right. He found some things right and some wrong on both sides. That’s why he said – “When I am not able to clearly understand right and wrong, then why should I stand with anyone?” This thinking led him to remain neutral.