Jaya Lord Balarama
by
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj

While Krsna and Balarama were enjoying the gifts of the rainy season in this way, the autumn season gradually arrived, when all the water reservoirs become very clean, and when pleasing and refreshing air blows everywhere.

With the appearance of autumn, the sky was completely cleared of all clouds, and it recovered its natural blue color. The blooming lotus flower in the clear water in the forest appeared like a person who has fallen down from yoga practice but again has become beautiful by resuming his spiritual life. Everything becomes naturally beautiful with the appearance of the autumn season. Similarly, when a materialistic person takes to Krsna consciousness and spiritual life, he also becomes as clear as the sky and water in autumn.

The citizens of Mathura began to recite Krishna's pastimes-His birth as the son of Vasudeva, His being taken into the care of Nanda Maharaja and his wife in Gokula, and all those events leading to His coming to Mathura to favor them. They spoke of the killing of the demon Putana, as well as the killing of Trnavarta, who came as a whirlwind. They also recalled the deliverance of the twin brothers from within the yamala-arjuna trees. The citizens of Mathura spoke among themselves: "Kesi, Dhenukasura and many other demons were killed by Krsna and Balarama in Vrndavana. Krsna also saved all the cowherd men of Vandavana from a devastating fire. He chastised the Kaliya snake in the water of the Yamuna, and He curbed the false pride of the heavenly King Indra.

Krsna held up the great Govardhana Hill in one hand for seven continuous days and saved all the people of Gokula from incessant rain, hurricane and hailstorm." They also began to remember other enlivening activities: "The damsels of Vrndavana were so pleased by seeing Krsna's beauty and participating in His activities that they forgot the troubles of material existence. By seeing Krsna and thinking of Him, they forgot all sorts of fatigue." The Mathura citizens discussed the dynasty of Yadu, saying that because of Krsna's appearance in this dynasty the Yadus would remain the most celebrated family in the whole universe.

The citizens of Mathura then began to talk about Balarama. They spoke of his very beautiful lotus-petal eyes, and they remarked of Him, "This boy has killed the Pralamba demon and many others also." While they were thus talking about the activities of Krsna and Balarama, they heard the vibrations of different bands announcing the wrestling match.