Sibling Bonding and Jagannatha Dhama

The full moon day of Shraavana, which falls on the ninth of August this year is a special day. Lord Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna, was born on this day. 

In Ramabatara, the elder brother Lord Rama takes the centre stage. However, in Dwapara, it is the younger brother Sri Krishna who takes the centre stage. It is said that both Laxmana of Treta-yuga and Balrama of Dwapara Yuga are the incarnations of Sheshanaga, the snake on whom Lord Vishnu takes rest. 

Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are studies in contrast, though they are both avatars of Lord Vishnu. 

While Lord Rama was the upholder of traditions, Lord Krishna was the rebel ultimate. Of course he broke only those customs that had become obsolete. Lord Rama is regarded as someone whose conduct is worth emulation. He is known as purushottama. At a time when taking multiple wives was the norm, he stuck to one and was loyal to her throughout his life. He was also not reluctant to sacrifice personal and family comfort for the sake of Raja Dharma. 

Some say Lord Krishna’s life is not worth emulating while his wisdom is the ultimate knowledge. Many stories around his life are steeped in symbolism and mysticism. Taken literally, it may lead to lots of practical and ethical problems. 

However, there is one thing that is worth emulating. In Jagannatha Dhama Puri, He is worshipped along with his brother and sister. Usually, in temples different deities are worshipped along with their consorts. But here in Jagannatha Temples he is worshipped along with his brother and sister. All three of them are seated in the same sanctum sanctorum. In Jagannatha tradition there are rituals when his consort Laxmi objects to this. But still Lord Jagannatha continues to side with his siblings. 

In today’s world when family bonds are breaking even in eastern countries, this is a reminder not to break ties with siblings. As people grow up, usually this bond gets weakened. 

Here it is worth remembering that as per the principles of Karma, siblings bring certain deep karmic bonds from previous lives. From this point of view also one should not forsake sibling relationships for trivial reasons. The full moon of Shraavana is also celebrated as Rakhi Poornima to highlight the bond between brothers and sisters. But why limit it only to brother-sister relationship?  Looking at the history of Balrama, Krishna and Subhadra it should be celebrated as a sibling day. It should be a time to take stock of and strengthen all sibling relationships. 

Another lesson that we learn from Lord Balarama is that even though he is the elder brother and his younger brother takes all the limelight, he does not suffer from the jealousy related with sibling rivalry. He continues to help his younger brother and sister whenever needed. He does not mind not being the centre of attraction and has full respect for his multi-talented younger brother, who is said to be a master of all sixty four art forms. 

In addition to other celebrations associated with the Full moon of Shraavana, it would be worthwhile to celebrate all sibling relationships, following the example set by the deities of our beloved Jagannatha Dhama. We may even take up the case to declare this day as International Sibling Day,