Shri Balabhadra Sahasranam Stotram
Balabhadra Sahasranama lyrics, 1000 names of Balarama, Garga Samhita, Duryodhana-Pragvipaka dialogue, tirtha and raga names, Baldeo Chhath
Balabhadrasya Devasya, Pragvipaak Mahamune।
Naamnaam Sahasram Me Bruhi, Guhyam Devaganairapi ॥1॥
Saadhu Saadhu Mahaaraaj, Saadhu Te Vimalam Yashah।
Yat Prichchhase Paramidam Gargoktam Devadurlabham ॥2॥
Naamnaam Sahasram Divyaanaam, Vakshyaami Tava Chaagratah।
Gargaachaaryena Gopibhyo Dattam Krishnaatate Shubhe ॥3॥
Om Asya Shri Balabhadra Sahasra Naam Stotra Mantrasya Gargaachaaryah Rishih, Anushtup Chhandah, Sankarshanah Paramaatmaa Devataa, Balabhadra Iti Beejam, Revati Iti Shaktih, Ananta Iti Keelakam, Shri Balabhadra Preetyarthe Jape Viniyogah ॥4॥
॥ Dhyaanam ॥Sphurad-Damar-Kiritam Kinkini-Kankanaarham।
Chalad-Alaka-Kapolam Kundalam Shri-Mukhaabjam॥
Tuhinagiri-Manojnam Neela-Meghaambaraadhyam-
Hala-Musala-Vishaalam Kaamapaalam Sameede॥5॥
॥ Sahasranaam ॥
Om Valabhadro Raam Bhadro, Raamah Sankarshano'chyutah।
Revati Ramano Devah, Kaamapaalo Halaayudhah॥6॥
Neelaambarah Shvetavarno, Baladevo'chyutaagrajah।
Pralambaghno Mahaaveero, Rauhineyah Prataapavaan॥7॥
Taalaanko Mushali Haari, Hali Yaduvaro Vali।
Seera Paanih Padmapaanih, Lakuti Venuvaadanah॥8॥
Kaalindi Bhedano Veero, Vala Prabala Urdhvagah।
Vaasudeva Kalaanantah Sahasravadanaah Svaraath॥9॥
Vasur Vasumati Bhartaa, Vaasudevo Vasutttamah।
Yaduttamo Yaadavendro, Maadhavo Vrishnivallabhah॥10॥
Dwaarikeshо Maathureshо Daani Maani Mahaamanaah।
Poornah Puraanah Purushah, Pareshah Parameshwarah॥11॥
Paripoornastamah Saakshaat, Paramah Purushottamah।
Anantah Shaashvatah Sheshah Bhagavaan Prakriteh Parah॥12॥
Jeevaatmaa Paramaatmaa Sat, Antaraatmaa Dhruvo'vyayah।
Chaturvyoohash Chaturvedah, Chaturmoortish Chatushpadah॥13॥
Pradhaanam Prakritih Raashih, Sanghaatah Sanghavaan Sukhi।
Mahaatmaano Buddhasakhah, Cheto'hamkaara Aashtatah॥14॥
Indriyesho Devataatmaa, Jnaanam Karma Cha Sharma Cha।
Advitiyo Dvitiyashcha, Niraakaaro Niranjanah॥15॥
Saakaaro Gaganaakaarah, Sataambhurvaapturam Varam।
Tejo Jalam Nirmalaabham, Adhiveeryyo Hiranymayah॥16॥
Viraat Samraat Mahaughashcha, Aadhaarash Sthaashnush Charishnumat।
Phanindrah Phaniraajashcha, Sahasra Phanimanditah॥17॥
Phanishvarah Phani Sphurtih, Footkaari Chotkarah Prabhuh।
Manihaaro Manidharah, Vitali Sutali Talah॥18॥
Atali Sutaleshashcha, Paataalashcha Talaatalah।
Rasaatalo Bhogitalah, Sphuradanto Mahaabalah॥19॥
Vaasukih Shankhachoodaabho Devadatto Dhananjayah।
Kavalaashvo Vegataro Dhritaraashtrо Mahaabhujah॥20॥
Vaarunimadamattango, Mad Ghoornit Lochanah।
Padmaakshah Padmamaali Cha, Vanamaali Madhushravaah॥21॥
Kotikandarp Laavanyo Naagakanyaa Samarchitah।
Noopuri Katisootri Cha, Kataki Kanakaangadi॥22॥
Mukuti Kundali Dandi, Shikhandi Khandamandali।
Kalim Kalipriyah Kaalo, Nivaat Kavacheshvarah॥23॥
Sanhaarakrid Rudravaayuh, Kaalaagnih Pralayo Layaah।
Mahaahih Paaninih Shaastri, Bhaashyakaarah Patanjalih॥24॥
Kaatyaayanih Phakkikaa Bhooh, Sphotaayan Urangamah।
Vaikuntho Yaajnyiko Yajno, Vaamano Harino Harih॥25॥
Krishno Vishnur Mahaavishnuh, Prabhavishnu Visheshavit।
Hanso Yogeshvaro Karmmi, Varaaho Naarado Munih॥26॥
Sanakah Kapilo Matsyah, Kamatho Devamangalaha।
Dattatreyah Prithur Buddhah, Rishabho Bhaargavottamah॥27॥
Dhanvantari Nrisinghashcha Kalkir Naaraayano Narah।
Raamachandro Raaghavendra, Kaushalendro Raghoodvahah॥28॥
Kaakutsthah Karunaasindhuh, Raajendrah Sarvalakshanah।
Suro Daasharathistraataa, Kaushalyaaanand Vardhanah॥29॥
Saumitri Bharato Dhanvi, Shatrughna Shatrutaapanah।
Nishangi Kavachi Khangi, Shari Jyaahat Koshtakah॥30॥
Badyaagodhaangulitraanah, Shambhukodand Bhanjanah।
Yajna Traataa Yajnakarta, Maarichavadh Kaarakah॥31॥
Asuraari Staadakaari, Vibheeshan Sahaayakrit।
Pitrivaakyakaro Harshi, Viraadhaari Vaneshvarah॥32॥
Munipriyo Munivarah, Chitrakoot Nivaasakrit।
Kavandhhaa Dandakeshah, Raamo Raajeev Lochanah॥33॥
Maatangavan Sanchari Netaa, Panchavati Patih।
Sugreevah Sugreevasakho, Hanumatkrit Maanasah॥34॥
Setubandho Raavanaarih, Lankaadahan Tatparah।
Raavanaarih Pushpakastho, Jaanaki Virahaaturah॥35॥
Ayodhyaadhipatih Shrimaan, Lavanaarih Suraarchitah।
Sooryavanshi Chandravanshi, Vansheevaadya Vishaaradah॥36॥
Gopatir Gopavrindesho Gopo Gopishataakshatah।
Gokulesho Gopaputro Gopaalो Gogonaashritah॥37॥
Pootanaari Vakaariścha Trinaavarta Nipa atakah।
Aghaarih Dhenukaariścha Pralambaari Brajeshvarah॥38॥
Arishtahaa Keshishatrur Vyomaasur Vinaashakrit।
Agnipaano Dugdhapaano Vrindaavan Lataashritah॥39॥
Yashomateesuto Bhavyo Rohinilaalitah Shishuh।
Raasamandal Madhyastho Raasamandal Mandanah॥40॥
Gopikaashat Yoothaarthi, Shankhachood Vadhodbhatah।
Govardhan Samuddhartaa Shakrajid Brajarakshakah॥41॥
Vrishabhaanuvaro Nanda Aanando Nanda Vardhanah।
Nandaraajasutah Shreeshah Kansaarih Kaaliyaantakah॥42॥
Rajakaarih Mushtakaarih, Kansakodand Bhanjanah।
Chaanuraarih Kootahantaa Shalaarih Toshalaantakah॥43॥
Kansabhaatri Nihantaa Cha Malla Yuddha Pravartakah।
Gajahantaa Kansahantaa Kaalahantaa Kalankahaa॥44॥
Maagadhaarih Yavanahaa Paandupputra Sahaayakrit।
Chaturbhujah Shyaamalaangah, Saumyashchopagavi Priyah॥45॥
Yuddhabhrid Uddhavasakhaa Mantri Mantravishaaradah।
Veerahaa Veeramathanah, Shankhachakragadaadharah॥46॥
Revati Chittahartaa Cha, Revati Harsha Vardhanah।
Revati Praananaathashcha, Revati Priyakaarkah॥47॥
Jyotir Jyotishmati Bhartaa Raivataadri Vihaarakrit।
Dhritir Naatho Dhanaadhyaksho Daanaadhyaksho Dhaneshvarah॥48॥
Maithilaarchita Paadaabjo Maanado Bhaktavatsalah।
Duryodhanagurur Garvi Gadaashikshaakarah Shashih॥49॥
Muraari Madano Mando Niruddho Dhanvinaam Varah।
Kalpavrikshah Kalpavrikshi Kalpavriksha Van Priyah॥50॥
Shyamantak Mani Maanyo Gojeevi Kauraveshvarah।
Kubhaandakhanjanakarah, Koopakarna Prahaarakrit॥51॥
Sevyo Revata Jaamaataa, Madhumaadhava Sevitah।
Valishtah Pushtasarvaango Hrishtashtushtah Praharshitah॥52॥
Vaanaanaasigatah Kruddhah Saubha Paundook Ghaatakaha।
Sunandi Shikhari Shaali, Dvividaanga Nishoodanah॥53॥
Hastinaapuram Sankarshi Rathi Kauravapoojitah।
Vishvakarmaa Vedadharmaa, Devasharmaa Dayaanidhih॥54॥
Maharaajash Chhatradharo Maharaajopalakshanah।
Siddha Geetah Siddhakathah, Shukla Chaamara Veejitah॥55॥
Taaraakshah Keeranaasashcha Vimboshtah Susmitah Chhavih।
Karindrakara Dordaandah Prachando Meghamandanah॥56॥
Kapaata Vakshaah Peenaansah, Padmanaabhah Sphuradyutih।
Mahaavibhutih Bhootesho Vandha Moksha Sameekshanah॥57॥
Chaidyashatruh Shatrusandho Dantavakra Nishoodanah।
Ajaatashatruh Paapaghni Haridaas Sahaayakrit॥58॥
Shaala Vaahuh Shaalahantaa, Teerthayaayi Janeshvarah।
Naimishaaranya Yaartaarthi Gomati Teeravaasakrit॥59॥
Gandaki Snaanavaan Sragvi Vaijayanti Viraajitah।
Amlaanapankajadharo Vipaashi Shona Samplutah॥60॥
Prayagteerth rajasy saptayuh setuvandhanah।
Gayashir shchandhadhanah, Paulastyah Pulhashramah॥61॥
Gangasagar sangarthi sapta Godavari patih।
Veni Goda Bhimrathi Tamraparni Vatodaki॥62॥
Kritamala mahapunyah, Kaveri cha Payasvini।
Pratichi Suprabha Veni Triveni Sarayuramah॥63॥
Krishna Pampa Narvada cha, Ganga Bhagirathi Nadi।
Siddhashramaprabhavashcha, Vindu Vindu Sarovarah॥64॥
Pushkarah Saindhavo Jambu, Nara Narayanashramah।
Kurukshetrapatih Ramo, Jamadagnya Mahamunih॥65॥
Halvalatmaja Hanta cha, Sudama Saukhyadayakah।
Vishvajid Vishvanathashcha, Trilokavijayi Jayee॥66॥
Vasant Malati Karshi Gadogadyo Gadagrajah।
Gunarṇavo Gunānivir Gunayatri Gunakarah॥67॥
Rangavalli Jalakari Nirgunah Sagunobrihat।
Drishtashruto Bhavadbhoosho Bhavishyajnanavigrahah॥68॥
Anadirashir Anandah Pratyagdhamā Nirantarah।
Gunatitah Samah Samyah, Samadrishtir Vikalpakah॥69॥
Gudhah Vyudho Guno Gauno Gunabhaso Gunagrahah।
Nityoksharo Nirvikaro Ksharojasra Sukhomritah॥70॥
Sarvagah Sarvavitsarthah, Samabuddhih Samaprabhah।
Alkedyohchhidya Apurno’shoshyo’dahyo Nivartakah॥71॥
Brahma Brahmadharo Brahma Jnapako Vyapakah Kavih।
Adhyatmako’dhibhootashchadhidaivah Svashrayashrayah॥72॥
Mahavayur Mahavarishcheshta Rupatanusthitah।
Prerako Bodhako Bodhi, Trayovishantikogunah॥73॥
Amshashiko Naravesho’vataro Bhuparisthitah।
Maharjun Tapah Satyam Bhurbhuvah Svariti Tridha॥74॥
Naimittikah Prakrititah Atyantikramayolayah।
Sargo Visarga Sargadi Nirodhorodh Utimat॥75॥
Manvantaravatarashcha Manuh Manusuto’navah।
Svayambhuh Shambhavah Shankuh, Svayambhuva Sahayakrit॥76॥
Suralayo Devagirih, Meruhemarchito Harih।
Girisho Gananathashcha, Gaurisho Giri Gahvarah॥77॥
Vindhya Strikuta Mainakah, Suvelah Paribhadrakah।
Patangah Shishirah Kanko Jarudhih Shailasattamah॥78॥
Kalanjaro Brihatsanuh, Daribhrit Nandikeshvarah।
Santanas Tarurajashcha, Mandarah Parijatakakah॥79॥
Jayantakrit Jayantago Jayanto Digyayaakulah।
Kshatraha Devalokashcha Shashi Kumuda Bandhavah॥80॥
Nakshatreshah Sudhasindhuh, Mrigah Pushyah Punarvasuh।
Hasto’bhijichcha Shravano Vaidhrito Bhaskarodayah॥81॥
Aindrah Sadhyah Shubhah Shuklah, Vyatipatoshruvah Sitah।
Shishumaro Devamayo Brahmaloko Vichakshanah॥82॥
Ramavaikunthanathashcha Vyapivaikunthanayakah।
Shvetadvipo Jitapado Lokāloka Chalashritah॥83॥
Bhumir Vaikunthadevashcha Kotibrahmandanayakah।
Asankhya Brahmandapatih, Golokesho Gavam Patih॥84॥
Goloka Dhama Dhishano, Gopika Kantha Bhushanah।
Hrivarah Shridharah Liladharoh Giridharoh Dhuri॥85॥
Kuntadhari Trishuli Cha Vibhatsi Gharvarasvanah।
Shula Suchyarpitagajo Gajacharmadharo Gaji॥86॥
Antradhari Mundamali Vyali Danda Kamandaluḥ।
Vetalabhrit Bhutasanghah, Kushmandagana Samvritah॥87॥
Pramatheshah Pashupatih, Mridaniko Mrido Vrishah।
Kritanta Kala Samharta, Kutakalpanta Bhairavah॥88॥
Shadanano Virabhadro Dakshayajna Vighatakaha।
Sarparashi Vipashicha, Hasti Hastah Shivarthadah॥89॥
Pinaka Tankarakaraḥ, Chalajankara Nupurah।
Panditam Tarkavid Vidvan, Vedapathi Shrutishvarah॥90॥
Vedantakrit Sankhyashastri, Mimansi Kanvanamabhak।
Kanada Gautamo Vadi, Vadi Naiyayiko Nayah॥91॥
Vaisheshiko Dharmashastri Sarvashastrartha Tattvagah।
Vaiyakaranakrit Shabdo Vaiyasah Prakritir Vachah॥92॥
Pancharatri Samhitavit, Kavyakrit Nadaka Pradah।
Pauranikah Smritikaro, Vaidyo Vidyavisharadah॥93॥
Alankaro Lakshinartho Vyangavid Dharmavid Dhvanih।
Vakyasphotah Padasphotah Sphoto Vritti Rasarthavit॥94॥
Shringar Ujvalah Svachchho’d-bhuto Hasyo Bhayanakah।
Ashvastaho Yavabhoji Cha, Yavakrito Yavashanah॥95॥
Pradadarakshakah Snigdhah, Aila Vansha Trivardhanah।
Gatadhir Ambarishango Vigadhir Gadhivandhavah॥96॥
Nana Mani Samakirno Nanaratna Vibhushanah।
Nana Pushpadharah Pushpo Pushpadhanva Prashajitah॥97॥
Nana Chandana Gandhadhyo Nanapushparasarchitah।
Nanavarnamayo Varno Nanavastradharah Sada॥98॥
Nana Padmadharah Kaushi, Nana Kauseyaveshadhṛk।
Ratnakambaladhari Cha, Dhauta Vastrasamavritah॥99॥
Uttariyadharah Parno Ghanakanchuka Sanghavan।
Pitoshnishah Sitoshnisho Raktoshnisho Digambarah॥100॥
Divyango Divyarachano Divyaloko Vilokitah।
Sarvopamo Nirupamo Golokanki Kritanganah॥101॥
Kritasvotsangalokashcha Kundalibhuta Ashritah।
Mathuro Mathuradarshi Chalatkhanjana Lochanah॥102॥
Dadhiharta Dugdhaharo Navanitasitasanah।
Takrabhug Takradhari Cha Dadhichaurya Kritashramah॥103॥
Prabhavativaddhakaro, Dami Damodaro Dami।
Sikata Bhumi Chari Cha, Balakeli Brajarbhakah॥104॥
Dhulidhusara Sarvangaḥ, Kakapakshadharah Sudhih।
Muktakesho Vatsavrindah, Kalindikulavikshanah॥105॥
Jal Kolahali Kuli Panka Pranganalepakah।
Shri Vrindavana Sanchari, Vanshivat Tatsthitah॥106॥
Mahavananivasi Cha, Loharka Lavanadhikah।
Sadhupriyatamah Sadhyah Sadhvisho Gatasadhvasah॥107॥
Ranganatho Vitthalesho Muktanatho Ghanaghanah।
Sukirtih Suyashah Sphito Yashasvi Rangaranjanah॥108॥
Ragashanko Ramaputro Raginiramanotsukah।
Dipako Meghmalharah, Shri Ramo Mal Kaushikah॥109॥
Hindolo Bhairavakhyashcha Svarajatih Svaromriduh।
Talo Manapramanashcha Agamyopi Kalaksharah॥110॥
Shami Shyami Shatanandah, Shatapanaḥ Shatakratuh।
Jagarah Supta Asuptah, Sushuptah Svapna Urvarah॥111॥
Urjah Sphurjo Nirjarashcha Vijvaro Jvara Varjitah।
Jvarakrit Jvarakarta Cha Jvarayug Trijvaro Jvarah॥112॥
Jambuvan Jambukashanki Jambudvipo Dhiyariha।
Shalmali Shalmalidvipah, Plakshah Plakshavaneshvarah॥113॥
Kushadhari Kushah Kaushi Kaushikah Kushavigrahah।
Kushasthalipatih Kashonatho Bhairava Shasanah॥114॥
Dhasarhah Sasvati Vrishnih, Bhojandhakanivasakrit।
Andhako Dundubhidyotah, Pradyotah Satvatam Patih॥115॥
Shuraseno Nuvisayo Bhojavrishnyandhakeshvarah।
Ahukah Sarvanitijnah, Ugraseno Mahogravan॥116॥
Ugrasena Priyah Prarthyah Partho Yadusabhapatih।
Sudharmadhipatih Sakshat, Vrishnichakrakshatobhishak॥117॥
Sabhashilah Sabhadipah, Sabhagnishcha Sabharavih।
Sabhachandrah Sabhabhasah, Sadyo Deva Sabhapatih॥118॥
Prajar-thadah Prajabharta Prajapalanatatparah।
Dvarika Svargasanchari Dvarikagraha Vigrahah॥119॥
Dvarikaduhkhasamharta Dvarikajanamangalaha।
Jaganmata Jagadbharata, Jagattrata Jagatpita॥120॥
Jagad-bandhuh Jagadbharata Jagatmitro Jagatsvasah।
Brahmanyadevo Brahmanyo Brahmapadarajodadhat॥121॥
Brahmapadarajasparshi Brahmapada Nishebakah।
Viprango Jalaputangi Viprasevaparayanah॥122॥
Vipramukhyo Viprahito Vipragita Mahakathah।
Viprapada Jaladrango Viprayadodaka Priyah॥123॥
Viprabhakto Vipraguruh Vipro Viprapadanugah।
Akshauhinivrto Yoddha Pratimapancha Sanyutah॥124॥
Chaturanginyagravarti Samantoddhatapadakah।
Gajkotiprayayi Cham, Rathakotir Jayadhvajah॥125॥
Maharathi Chatirathi Jaitrasyandana Masthitah।
Narayanastri Brahmastri Ranashlaghi Ranodbhatah॥126॥
Mahotkato Yuddhaviro Devasura Bhayankarah।
Karikarna Marutprejat Kuntakashchala Kundalah॥127॥
Agrajo Dhirasammado Mardalo Ranadurmadah।
Bhatah Pratibhatah Prachyo Vanavarshi Suto Madah॥128॥
Khanga Khandita Shurangah Shodashabdah Shadaksharah।
Viraghoshah Klistavapuh Vajrango Vajrabhedakah॥129॥
Rugnavajro Bhanadandah Shatrunirbhartsonatah।
Adrihasah Pattaghasah, Pattarashipatih Patuh॥130॥
Kalah Paraha Vaditro Hunkaro Garjitah Svanah।
Sadhubhaktaparadhinah Svatantrah Sadhubhushanah॥131॥
Ashvatantrah Sadhumayah, Sadhugrastamana Manak।
Sadhudhanah Sadhujnatih Sadhupriyah Suyodhanah॥132॥
Sadhuchari Sadhuchitah Sadhuvashyah Shubhaspadah।
Iti Namnam Sahasram Tu Balabhadrasya Kirtitam॥133॥
॥ Falashrutih ॥
Sarvasiddhipradam Nrinam Chaturvargaphalapradam।
Shatavaram Pathedyastu Sa Vidvan Bhavedih॥134॥
Indiram Cha Vibhutim Chabhijanan Rupameva Cha।
Balamojashcha Pathanatsarvam Prapnoti Manavah॥135॥
Gangakule’tha Kalindikule Devalaye Tatha।
Sahasravartapathena Balat Siddhih Prajayate॥136॥
Putrarthi Labhate Putram Dhanarthi Labhate Dhanam।
Bandhat Pramuchyate Baddho Rogi Rogan Nivartate॥137॥
Ayutavartapathe Cha Purashcharyavidhanatah।
Homatrapanagodana Viprarchanakritodyamat॥138॥
Patalaṁ Paddhatim Stotram Kavacham Tu Vidhaya Cha।
Mahamandalabharta Syān Mandito Mandaleshvaraih॥139॥
Mattebhakarnaprahita Madagandhena Vihvala।
Alankaroti Tadvaram Bhramadbhungavali Bhrisham॥140॥
Nishkaranah Pathedyastu Pritiyartham Revatipateh।
Namnam Sahasram Rajendra Sa Jivanmukta Uchyate॥141॥
Sada Vasettasya Grihe Balabhadro’chyutagrajah।
Mahapatakyapi Janah Pathen Namashahasrakam॥142॥
Chhittva Merusamam Papam Bhuktva Sarvasukham Tvih।
Paratparam Maharaj Golokam Dhama Yati Hi॥143॥
॥ Shri Narad Uvacha ॥
Iti Shrutvachyutagrajasya Baladevasya Panchangam Dhritiman Dhartarashtrah Saparyaya Sahitaya Paraya Bhaktya Pragvipakam Pujayamasa।
Tamanjnjapyashisham Datva Pragvipako Munindro Gajahvayatsvashramam Jagama॥144॥
Bhagavato’nantasya Balabhadrasya Parabrahmanah Katham Yah Shrunute Shravayate Taya’nandamayo Bhavati॥145॥
Idam Maya Te Kathitam Nripendra Sarvarthadam Shribalabhadrakhandam।
Shrunoti Yo Dham Hareh Sa Yati Vishokamanandam Akhandarupam॥146॥
॥ Iti Shri Garga Samhitayam Balabhadrakhande Pragvipaka-Duryodhana-Samvade Balabhadra-Sahasranama-Varnanam Nama Trayodasho’dhyayah ॥
About Shri Balabhadra Sahasranam Stotram
Verses 1 to 5: the frame. Duryodhana asks; Pragvipaka replies "well said, great king," and promises the divine thousand names. The viniyoga says that the rishi is Gargacharya, the metre is Anushtup, the deity is Sankarshana the Supreme Self, the seed (bija) is "Balabhadra," the power (shakti) is "Revati" and the key (keelaka) is "Ananta." Then comes the dhyana: crowned and jewelled, with a mobile curl on the cheek, shining like a snow mountain, clad in a dark-cloud garment, with plough and pestle.
Verses 6 to 12: the first names. Balabhadra, Ramabhadra, Rama, Sankarshana, Achyuta, Revatiramana, Kamapala, Halayudha, Nilambara, the fair one (Shvetavarna), Baladeva, elder brother of Achyuta, slayer of Pralamba, Rauhineya, Talanka (palm-tree banner), Mushali, Hali, best of the Yadavas, Seerapani, Padmapani, with a staff and a flute, the one who parted the Kalindi (Yamuna). Then names of the Supreme: Vasudeva, Narayana-like names, Purushottama, Ananta, Shesha, beyond Prakriti.
Verses 13 to 19: the Supreme and Shesha. Names of the Self and the Supreme Self, the four forms (Chaturvyuha), the four Vedas; names that speak of Prakriti and the intellect; formless and with form. Then Shesha''s side: lord of serpents (Phanindra), the thousand-hooded (Sahasra-phani-mandita), and the seven nether worlds (Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Rasatala, Bhogitala, Patala).
Verses 20 to 24: the nagas and ornaments. The great serpents (Vasuki, Shankhachuda, Devadatta, Dhananjaya, Dhritarashtra), the intoxicated eyes, the lotus-eyed, the garland-wearer, the one with the beauty of crores of Kamadevas, honoured by the naga maidens, with anklets, waist-cord, bracelets and crown. Then names of end-time (Samharakrit, Kalagni, Pralaya) and, in a surprising turn, of grammarians: Patanjali, Panini, Katyayana, in the tradition that links Shesha with Patanjali.
Verses 25 to 36: avatars and the Ramayana. Vamana, Hari, Krishna, Vishnu, Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narada, Sanaka, Kapila, Dattatreya, Prithu, Buddha, Rishabha, Dhanvantari, Narasimha, Kalki and Rama. Then many names of Ramachandra and his brothers (Lakshmana is also thought of as Shesha): Kakutstha, Dasharathi, Saumitri, Bharata, Shatrughna, slayer of Marich, of Tataka and Viradha, friend of Sugriva, builder of the bridge, enemy of Ravana, lord of Ayodhya, of the Sun and Moon lines.
Verses 37 to 50: Braj and Krishna, Revati. Names of Gopala, Gokulesha, slayer of Putana, Trinavarta, Aghasura, Dhenuka, Pralamba, Arishta, Keshi and Vyoma. The dust-covered child, butter-thief and Damodara appear later. Then the names that bind Balarama to Revati (Revati''s beloved, her joy, lord of her life), his lordship of Raivata mountain and his being the son-in-law of Raivata. See the Revati Dhyanam.
Verses 51 to 59: deeds and war. The Syamantaka jewel, killer of Kumbhanda and Koopakarna, of Dvivida, of Paundraka, the teacher of mace to Duryodhana (Duryodhanaguru), the one who dragged Hastinapur with his plough, the hero who kept away from the Kurukshetra war and went on a pilgrimage, and slayer of Dantavakra, Shalva and Valvala (see the Baladevashtakam and the Balaram Chalisa).
Verses 59 to 66: tirthas. Naimisharanya, Gomati, Gandaki, Prayag, Gaya, Gangasagar, Godavari, Bhimarathi, Tamraparni, Kaveri, Sarayu, Krishna, Pampa, Narmada, Bindu Sarovar, Pushkar and Kurukshetra, in the tradition of his pilgrimage. The names turn the reader into a pilgrim.
Verses 67 to 83: qualities, mountains and stars. Names beyond the three qualities (Gunatita), equal-seeing, the Brahman, the one who pervades; the incarnations of the Manvantaras; Meru, Vindhya, Trikuta, Mainaka, Suvela, Mandara, Parijata; the moon and the lunar mansions (Pushya, Punarvasu, Hasta, Abhijit, Shravana). All of creation is placed in his name.
Verses 84 to 94: the great realms and learning. Vaikuntha, Shvetadvipa, Goloka and the lord of countless universes; names borrowed from Shiva (Giridhara, Trishuli, Pramathesha, Pashupati, Virabhadra, Bhairava); and a long list of learning: Vedanta, Samkhya, Mimamsa, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, grammar, poetics, the Puranas and the rasas (Shringara, Hasya, Adbhuta, Bhayanaka).
Verses 95 to 110: garments, childhood and music. Many gems, garlands and cloths (yellow, white and red turbans), the child of Vraja (butter-eater, Damodara, dust-covered, with a crow-feather, seeing the Kalindi bank, in Vrindavan and Mahavan), regional names (Ranganatha, Vitthala), and raga names (Deepak, Megh Malhar, Hindol, Bhairav, Shri, Malkauns) with svara and tala. This is why musicians sometimes read it.
Verses 111 to 119: states and lands. Waking, sleep and dream; names linked with fever (jvara), the continents (Jambu, Shalmali, Plaksha, Kusha), the Yadava families (Dasharha, Vrishni, Bhoja, Andhaka, Satvata), Ugrasena, the Sudharma assembly and Dvaraka.
Verses 120 to 133: devotion, war and the close. The friend and protector of the world, the lover of Brahmins and learned people, with many soldiers (akshauhini) and the weapons (Narayanastra, Brahmastra), a bold war-hero, and finally one who is "bound by the devotion of the good" (sadhubhakta-paradhina), dear to sadhus, friend of the good, and Suyodhana (a good warrior). Verse 133 says: this thousand names of Balabhadra is told.
Verses 134 to 143: the phalashruti. The text says: reading it a hundred times brings learning; wealth, family and strength come from reading; a thousand readings on the bank of the Ganga or Yamuna or in a temple brings success; one who wants a son gets a son, one who wants wealth gets wealth, the bound is freed, the sick is freed of disease; ten thousand readings with the purascharana method (homa, tarpana, cow-gift and worship of the learned) brings greater fruit. One who reads with no wish, for the love of Revati''s lord, is called "jivanmukta" (liberated while living); Balabhadra lives in his house, and even a great sinner who reads it, says verse 143, cuts a mountain of sin and reaches Goloka. These are statements of faith and devotional emphasis, not guarantees.
Verses 144 to 146: the close. Narada says that Duryodhana heard the five parts of Baladeva with great devotion, worshipped Pragvipaka, and the sage blessed him and returned to his ashram. One who hears or tells this story of the infinite Balabhadra, the Supreme Brahman, becomes joyful. The colophon names the Garga Samhita, Balabhadra Khanda and the Pragvipaka-Duryodhana dialogue.
The message. The thousand names show Balarama as one Lord seen in many roles: the plough-bearer, Shesha who holds the earth, the friend and brother, the pilgrim, the teacher of strength and the witness who stays out of the quarrel. Benefits mentioned in tradition are matters of faith. Prayer works best alongside real effort, and health, money or legal problems also need proper help. See the Baladevashtakam, Balabhadra Stotram, Balabhadra Kavacham and the Balarama Ji page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is Balabhadra Sahasranama (Balarama Sahasranama)?
Answer: It is a Sanskrit hymn of one thousand names of Lord Balabhadra (Balarama, Baladeva, Dauji) in 146 verses, given in the Balabhadra Khanda of the Garga Samhita (chapter 13 in this text). Sage Pragvipaka tells it to Duryodhana. The full Sanskrit with Roman and Hindi is on this page.
Question: What is the difference between Balabhadra Sahasranama, Balabhadra Stotram and Balabhadra Kavacham?
Answer: They are three texts in the same Balabhadra Khanda frame. The Balabhadra Stotram (stavaraja) has 11 verses and lists his names and deeds, the Balabhadra Kavacham has 12 verses of protection, and this Sahasranama has a thousand names. Many people search for "Balabhadra stavaraj" and "Balabhadra stotram", and those words refer to the Stotram page.
Question: What are the first names in Balabhadra Sahasranama?
Answer: Balabhadra, Rama-bhadra, Rama, Sankarshana, Achyuta, Revatiramana, Kamapala, Halayudha, Nilambara, Shvetavarna, Baladeva, Pralambaghna, Rauhineya, Talanka, Mushali, Hali, Seerapani and Kalindi-bhedana, among others. The first verses name him by his plough, pestle, blue garment and the palm-tree banner.
Question: When should I read Balabhadra Sahasranama?
Answer: After the morning bath, before an image of Balarama, and especially on Baldeo Chhath (Balaram Janmotsav), Bhadrapada Shukla Shashthi. The text names the banks of the Ganga or Yamuna and a temple as good places. See the Dauji Maharaj Temple, Baldeo.
Question: How many times should I recite it, and what does the text promise?
Answer: The phalashruti says reading it a hundred times gives learning, a thousand times by the Ganga or Yamuna or in a temple gives success, and ten thousand times with the full purascharana method gives greater fruit. It also names sons, wealth, freedom from bondage and illness, and Goloka at the end. These are statements of faith. Reading even once with attention is a devotion in itself.
Question: Are the 1000 names only about Balarama?
Answer: They also name other forms of the one Lord: avatars of Vishnu, names of Rama and Krishna and many names of Shiva, rivers, mountains, lunar mansions, ragas and branches of learning. In the tradition Balarama is Sheshnag, who holds up the earth, so the names run wide. The group-wise meaning is below.
