Dvivida's Fall: Lessons from Lord Balaram's Battle

H.G. Daivi Shakti Mataji - 20.11 2024

Today, we delve into the Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 67, which recounts the dramatic and instructive pastime of Lord Balaram slaying the great ape demon Dvivida. This chapter holds profound lessons about divine play, the dangers of bad association, and the unique role of the Lord's incarnations and expansions in fulfilling cosmic purposes. We explored verses 17 through 23 in particular, focusing on their translations, purports, and the broader context provided by auxiliary scriptures.
The chapter begins by describing how the mighty ape Dvivida uprooted a great shala tree and attacked Lord Balaram. Dvivida, who was once a powerful general in Lord Ramachandra’s army, had fallen from grace due to improper association and offenses. With incredible strength, he struck Balaram on the head, yet the Lord remained unmoved, like a mountain. Taking up His club, named Sunanda, Lord Balaram struck back with divine precision, setting the stage for a battle of cosmic significance.

**The Fall of Dvivida**

Dvivida, decorated with the blood flowing from his wounds, uprooted tree after tree in a frenzy, aiming to defeat the Lord. The forest was soon left treeless as Balaram shattered each tree hurled at Him into hundreds of pieces. When no trees remained, Dvivida resorted to hurling massive boulders, raining them down on Balaram. However, with playful ease, the Lord pulverized them into pebbles, showcasing His supreme strength and sportive nature.
Finally, when all external weapons were exhausted, Dvivida attempted to engage Balaram with his fists. But a single blow from Balaram to a weak spot—his collarbone—ended the mighty ape’s life. In that moment, Dvivida’s sins were not only nullified, but his soul was liberated, receiving the ultimate benediction of being slain by the Lord Himself.

**The Backstory of Dvivida**

To fully appreciate this pastime, we must examine Dvivida’s history. According to auxiliary texts like the Ramayana and the Garga Samhita, Dvivida was once a trusted ally of Lord Ramachandra. Alongside his brother Mainda, he served as a general in the vanara army during the battle against Ravana. However, over time, Dvivida succumbed to pride and poor association.
One critical incident led to his fall. Dvivida insulted Lakshman, which caused him to be cursed to associate with demons like Narakasura in his next life. This association further degraded him, and he became an agent of chaos, disturbing sages, desecrating holy places, and harassing the inhabitants of sacred regions. His ultimate fate was sealed when he challenged Lord Balaram, the original source of his strength.

**Lessons from the Battle**

This chapter is not just a historical or mythological account but a repository of lessons for spiritual seekers. It vividly illustrates the perils of bad association and the consequences of arrogance. Dvivida’s initial position as a devotee and his subsequent downfall remind us that even those in elevated positions are not immune to degradation if they stray from dharma.
Lord Balaram’s role in this pastime highlights the compassionate yet firm nature of divine justice. By killing Dvivida, Balaram not only protected the world from his disturbances but also liberated him from his sinful reactions, fulfilling the demon’s own wish to be slain by the Lord.

**The Compassionate Justice of the Lord**

In understanding Dvivida’s fate, we see how the Lord's justice is ultimately beneficial. While Dvivida’s actions warranted punishment, his liberation reflects the Lord’s boundless mercy. The pastime underscores that even when the Lord appears as an opponent, His actions serve the eternal good of the soul.
This principle is echoed in other stories as well. For instance, Jambavan, the mighty bear from Ramachandra’s army, sought to be defeated by Lord Krishna, and the demonic doorkeepers Jaya and Vijaya took births as adversaries of the Lord to accelerate their return to Vaikuntha.

**Divine Play and Human Lessons**

The playful nature of Lord Balaram’s battle with Dvivida, smashing stones and trees as if engaging in a sport, mirrors the recreational aspect of the divine. The pastime also reveals the spiritual origin of our propensity for play and competition, which exist in their pure form in the Lord's activities.
Even Lord Krishna and Balaram’s incarnations demonstrate the need to destroy demons, who symbolize the internal and external enemies of spiritual progress. This dynamic interplay of protection and purification serves as a guide for maintaining balance in the world and within ourselves.

**Applying the Lessons in Our Lives**

As devotees, we can draw inspiration from this pastime to cultivate humility, avoid bad association, and remain steadfast in our spiritual practices. By remembering the Lord’s pastimes and the protection they offer, we can strengthen our faith and align our actions with dharma.
Let us pray to Lord Balaram to bless us with His strength and clarity, to protect us from negative influences, and to grant us the wisdom to seek His shelter in all circumstances.
May we always meditate on the sweet and powerful pastimes of the Lord, drawing closer to Him with each passing day. Hare Krishna.