Shloka 131
Trita in the Well (Udapāna-kathā) — Balarāma’s Tīrtha Observances
ततो विभज्यमानेषु बलेषु बलिनां वर: । प्रोवाच भ्रातरं कृष्णं राहिणेयो महामना:
tato vibhajyamāneṣu baleṣu balināṃ varaḥ | provāca bhrātaraṃ kṛṣṇaṃ rāhiṇeyo mahāmanāḥ ||
Then, as the armies were being divided and assigned, the foremost among the mighty—Rāhiṇeya, the great-souled one—addressed his brother Kṛṣṇa.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, power must be exercised with discernment and accountability: the division of forces highlights that leadership is not only strength (bala) but also responsible decision-making toward one’s allies and kin.
As the troops are being apportioned, Balarāma (Rāhiṇeya), described as the foremost of the strong and noble-minded, turns to speak to his brother Kṛṣṇa—signaling an important instruction or counsel connected with the ongoing organization of the battle.