96. Srimad Bhagavatam - Balarama Slains Demon Pralamba
In the divine presence of Srikrishna and Balarama, Vrindavan experienced a unique spring-like atmosphere though summer had set in.
The trees were wet with a breeze constantly blowing from the snow-led waterfalls. The ponds, lakes were full of lotuses and water-lilies. Peacocks, cuckoos, and humming bees were giving out soothing cries.
Srikrishna, Balarama, and gopalas were allowed to graze cattle in the Vrindavan forest. The gopalas adored tender leaves, flowers, and features of peacock.
The delighted Srikrishna chose to dance while some sang, some made sounds with their flutes, horns, and palms, and the rest watched and applauded. Their duty of taking care of cattle was not ignored.
Games the Lord Played
The two brothers with their hands clapped together revolved around themselves. Along with cowherds, they played long jumps, tug of war, and wrestling.
They would use bilva fruit as a ball and throw at each other, play hide and seek, shut another's eyes and allow him to touch another person.They would mimic beasts and birds, leap like frogs, swing using boughs of trees.
They would also engage in acting with Srikrishna as King and a few others as ministers. Demon Pralamba could not tolerate the happy moments of Srikrishna and His team.
Presence of Demon Pralamba as Cowherd
When Srikrishna and Balarama were grazing the cattle, demon Pralamba appeared disguised as a cowherd in order to make shots of these two brothers.
Srikrishna, the knower of all, allowed the demon to associate with other cowherds and contemplated the means to kill him. Srikrishna said to cowherds, “Let's play dividing ourselves into two camps”.
The cowherds made Balarama and Srikrishna as their leaders. Some joined Srikrishna‘s camp while others went to Balaramas’. Pralamba deliberately chose Balarama's camp as he was aware of the danger from Srikrishna.
They played various games between each other's teams. It was agreed that the loser of a team is required to carry the winner for a distance, say up to a nearby Banyan tree.
Once, the defeated Srikrishna carried Sridama while Pralamba carried Balarama. Taking this opportunity, Pralamba carried Balarama beyond the prescribed distance with great speed. Suddenly, Pralamba could not keep up the speed as Balarama grew in weight as heavy as Mount Meru.
Pralamba was perplexed and resumed his original demonic form with a huge body, burning eyes, and hair glowing as flames.
Balarama, for a moment, was afraid, but having realized his true form, he took no time to hit Pralamba’ head with his strong fists.
Pralamba's head was smashed instantly. Vomiting blood, the demon fell dead with a loud cry.
The cowherds witnessing the event were amazed and joyful. Slaying Pralamba, the Gods showered flowers on Balarama and applauded him.
Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana
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