In Hinduism, Balarama (or Bala-rama) is a god of fertility, stength and agriculture, as well as the eighth avatar of Vishnu. He is a son of Vasudeva and Devaki. Balarama and Krishna, brothers, were moved from the womb of their mother to that of Rohini because their uncle Kamsa, an evil king, was attempting to kill them. He is married to Revati, with whom he is the father of Nisatha and Ulmuka. Sesha burst from his mouth just as Balarama was dying.

Balarama is pale (while his brother, Krishna, is dark-skinned). He is associated with the plow and the mace.