A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.212

c5.212

Such are some of the chief incidents of the life of Bala-rāma, as related in the Purāṇas, and as popular among the votaries of Krishna. In the Mahā-bhārata he has more of a human character. He taught both Dur-yodhana and Bhīma the use of the mace. Though inclining to the side of the Pāṇḍavas, he refused to take an active part either with them or the Kauravas. He witnessed the combat between Dur-yodhana and Bhīma, and beheld the foul blow struck by the latter, which made him so indignant that he seized his weapons, and was with difficulty restrained by Krishna from falling upon the Pāṇḍavas. He died just before Krishna, as he sat under a banyan tree in the outskirts of Dwārakā.