By exploreodisha.in 
In the sacred trinity of Jagannath Puri, the divine siblings—Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra (Balaram)—occupy a unique place in the spiritual consciousness of India. While Lord Jagannath is known for his deep black hue, Goddess Subhadra radiates in yellow, and Lord Balabhadra is depicted in a serene and powerful white color. This visual distinction is not merely artistic or aesthetic; it holds profound philosophical, historical, and mythological significance.
Among the many questions that intrigue devotees and scholars alike, one that stands out is: Why is Lord Balabhadra white? The answer lies in a blend of Vedic cosmology, Puranic legends, spiritual symbolism, and regional traditions, particularly in the context of Odisha’s deep-rooted Jagannath culture.
This article unpacks the origin, meaning, and deeper implications of Lord Balabhadra’s white color in a holistic and detailed manner.
Who Is Lord Balabhadra?
Before diving into the symbolism of color, it is essential to understand who Lord Balabhadra is. In Hindu mythology, Lord Balabhadra (also called Balarama or Baladev) is the elder brother of Lord Krishna (Jagannath) and Goddess Subhadra. He is regarded as the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, sometimes also considered an avatar of Adisesha, the serpent of eternity who serves as Vishnu’s divine companion.
Lord Balabhadra is known for his immense strength, discipline, and sense of dharma. He is portrayed as the embodiment of agricultural and physical strength, the guardian of morality, and a symbol of spiritual clarity and inner peace.
The White Color: Philosophical and Symbolic Interpretation
1. Symbol of Purity and Truth
In Sanatana Dharma, colors are deeply symbolic. White represents:
- Purity
- Satya (Truth)
- Calmness
- Detachment
- Sattva Guna (the quality of light, harmony, and balance)
Lord Balabhadra’s white complexion thus signifies his association with spiritual purity and inner tranquility. He is the force of order and righteousness (dharma) in a world where chaos and illusions often dominate. His serene white appearance reflects a consciousness free of passion (rajas) and darkness (tamas), making him a guiding light in both myth and morality.
2. Manifestation of Sattva Guna
In the Bhagavad Gita and other Vedantic texts, the three gunas—Sattva (purity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia)—are considered the foundational energies of the universe. Balaram, by color and conduct, is believed to be the pure embodiment of Sattva. His decisions, demeanor, and even his reclusive tendencies compared to Krishna’s dynamic persona all reflect this elevated spiritual state.
Scriptural and Mythological Origins of the White Color
1. Birth in the Womb of Devaki, Transferred to Rohini
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Balarama was initially conceived in the womb of Devaki, Krishna’s biological mother. However, due to the threat from Kamsa (who had killed Devaki’s first six children), Lord Vishnu transferred the fetus mystically to the womb of Rohini, Vasudeva’s other wife. This divine act is known as “Sankarshana”, meaning one who is attracted or drawn.
Rohini, as per mythological texts, was a goddess of purity and devotion, residing in the hermitage of sage Vasishtha. It is believed that being born from such a pure and chaste womb, untouched by the tyranny of Kamsa, Balarama inherited the white glow of spiritual brilliance.
2. Adisesha’s Color and Influence
Balarama is also considered the incarnation of Adisesha, the celestial serpent on whom Lord Vishnu rests. Adisesha is typically depicted in white or silver, radiating cosmic energy and peace. By this lineage, Balarama carries the transcendental whiteness of cosmic serenity, associating his form with cosmic balance and protection.
Iconographic Traditions in Puri Jagannath Temple
In the sacred tradition of the Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha, the three siblings are worshipped in wooden idols that are replaced during the Nava Kalebara ritual. Among these, Lord Balabhadra’s idol is painted pure white with serene eyes, a robust form, and a distinct agricultural weapon called the plough (hala) in one hand and a mace (gada) in the other.
This color is strictly followed in both iconography and artistic depictions, and it visually distinguishes him from his brother Jagannath (black) and sister Subhadra (yellow). Local priests and servitors in Puri believe that Balabhadra’s white hue also represents the coolness of the moon, contrasting with Jagannath’s sun-like intensity.
Cultural Symbolism in Odisha and Beyond
In Odisha’s folk narratives, Balabhadra is often seen as a guardian deity of farmers and the countryside. White is also the color of the rural soil, milk, rice, and purity—elements closely associated with agrarian life. Balabhadra’s role in ensuring agricultural prosperity through rain, ploughing, and fertility further reinforces this connection.
Moreover, the tribal roots of Jagannath worship, particularly from the Sabara tradition, speak of deities with distinct colors to represent different aspects of nature and cosmic functions. The white-colored Balabhadra was believed to control calm weather, rainfall, and seasonal balance.
Spiritual Meaning in Rath Yatra
During the grand Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) in Puri, Lord Balabhadra’s chariot is called Taladhwaja, decorated in blue and white, matching his aura. He travels separately from his siblings, reinforcing his identity as an independent force of dharma and strength.
Devotees pulling his chariot believe that his white form purifies the atmosphere, blesses families with discipline, and protects them from negative influences. His presence in the chariot procession is seen as an anchor of stability in the emotionally charged energy of the festival.
Balabhadra in Other Traditions and Temples
While the Jagannath Temple in Puri is the most prominent center of worship, Lord Balaram is also revered in Mathura, Dwarka, and Vrindavan, where his complexion is often described as fair, bright, or silver-like in temple scriptures and bhajans (devotional songs).
In classical dance forms like Odissi, he is portrayed in white attire, often holding a plough, with movements that reflect strength, stability, and composure, aligning with his symbolic color.
Modern Relevance and Reflection
In contemporary times, the image of a white-colored Balabhadra serves as a spiritual metaphor. In a world driven by impulse and chaos, his form invites us to seek calmness, balance, and integrity. His presence reminds us that true power lies not in aggression but in clarity and righteousness.
As modern devotees engage with Lord Balabhadra, his color becomes a guiding principle to live a clean life—physically, emotionally, and ethically. Just as white contains all other colors in harmony, Balabhadra represents unity through purity.
Conclusion
The white color of Lord Balabhadra is not a mere artistic tradition but a profound spiritual truth, steeped in scriptural wisdom, cosmic symbolism, and devotional meaning. From his divine birth and association with Adisesha to his role in agriculture and cosmic balance, everything about Balabhadra aligns with his radiant white form.
In the rich spiritual landscape of Jagannath culture, Lord Balabhadra stands as a pillar of purity and strength, a serene guide through life’s complexities, and a beacon of sattvic wisdom. His color is both a physical feature and a spiritual expression, inviting all who behold him to pursue lives of truth, discipline, and divine harmony.