Balarama kills Romaharsana and Balvala

Chapter 78, 79

When the Pandavas and Kauravas prepared for war, Balarama, desiring to remain neutral, went on pilgrimage. When He arrived in Naimisaranya, Romaharsana Suta was lecturing to the assembled sages. While sitting on the speaker’s dais (vyasasana), Romaharsana failed to respectfully acknowledge Balarama, and for this offence he was immediately killed. Seeing that the assembled sages were somewhat disturbed by this, Balarama awarded Romaharsana’s son (Ugrasrava, or Suta Goswami) a long life in teaching scripture.

To further pacify the sages, Balarama killed Balvala, a demon who was disturbing their sacrifices. He continued His travels, and upon reaching Kuruksetra He attempted to stop the mace battle between Duryodhana and Bhima. Their deep- rooted enmity, however, was unrelenting, and Balarama thus decided to depart and resume His sacred pilgrimage.