Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 19
Balarāma Humbles the Kurus and Rescues Sāmba
तं सङ्गय यथान्यायं गामर्घ्यं च न्यवेदयन् । तेषां ये तत्प्रभावज्ञा: प्रणेमु: शिरसा बलम् ॥ १९ ॥
taṁ saṅgamya yathā-nyāyaṁ gām arghyaṁ ca nyavedayan teṣāṁ ye tat-prabhāva-jñāḥ praṇemuḥ śirasā balam
They approached Lord Balarāma and worshiped Him as was proper, offering gifts of cows and arghya. Those among the Kurus who understood His true power bowed down, touching their heads to the ground.
The ācāryas explain that even the elders, like Bhīṣmadeva, also bowed down to Lord Baladeva.
FAQs
This verse shows that proper Vedic etiquette includes welcoming a respected person with formal reception and offerings like arghya and a cow, expressing dharma and reverence.
Those who understood Balarāma’s extraordinary potency recognized Him as a supremely powerful divine personality and therefore offered respectful obeisance by bowing their heads.
Practice dharmic hospitality—receive guests with respect and sincerity—and cultivate humility by honoring spiritually elevated persons and acknowledging genuine greatness without envy.