Vaisakha masam is considered as the supreme among the three most auspicious months. The other two months are Kartika and Magha. Vaisakha mas is the most favourite month for Lord Vishnu. Vaishakha month is also considered auspicious because in this month, four avataras of Lord Vishnu were incarnated – Parashuram Jayanti, Balarama Jayanti, Narasimha Jayanti and Kurma Jayanti and also Buddha Jayanti. In 2009, Vaisakha month starts on April 26, Sunday and ends on May 24, Sunday.

 Vaisakha Masa Festivals and Auspicious Days in April 2009:

Vaisakha Shudda Padyami – Narasimha Chandanotsav in Simhachalam and Parasara Jayanti:
On Vaisakha shudda Padyami day, Chandanotsavam is celebrated in Simhachalam (Andhra Pradesh) Sri Lakshmi Varaha Narasimha Swamy. Those who offer chandanam (sandalwood powder) to Lord Vishnu on this day can get rid of Kalachakra and liberation from sorrows. On Vaisakha Padyami day, Sri Simhachala Lakshmi Varaha Narasimha Swamy is offered chandan. Old chandan is removed and new chandan layer is applied on Narasimha swamy’s presiding idol.

In 2009, Chandanotsavam in Simhachala Sri Lakshmi Varaha Narasimha Swamy temple and Parasara Jayanti fall on April 26, Sunday.

Vaisakha Shudda Tadiya – Akshay Tritiya, Parashuram Jayanti and Balaram Jayanti:
Vaisakha Shudda Tadiya or Tritiya is considered as the most auspicious day. Ganga Snan or Punya Snan in any holy river, Yagnas and homas will cleanse every sin of the performer. This day is also celebrated as Lord Parashuram Jayanti and Lord Balaram Jayanti.

In 2009, Akshay Tritiya, Parashuram Jayanti and Balaram jayanti are celebrated on April 27, Monday.

Vaisakha Shudda Chavithi – Nagula Chavithi:
Vaisakha Shudda Chavithi is celebrated as Nagula Chavithi. In 2009, Nagula Chavithi falls on April 28, Tuesday.

Vaisakha Shudda Panchami – AadiShankara Jayanti or Jagadguru Shankaracharya Jayanthi:
Vaisakha Shudda Panchami is celebrated as Aadi Shanara Jayanti. Shankaracharya was the great Hindu philosopher and coordinator between Hinduism and other religions. In 2009, Aadi Shankara Jayanthi falls on April 29, Wednesday.

Vaisakha Shukla Sashti – Thyagaraya Jayanti:
Thyagaraya Jayanti is celebrated on Vaisakha shukla Sashti. Thyagaraya was one of the famous Vaggeyakara (devotional poet) of South India. In 2009, Thyagaraya Jayanti falls on April 30, Thursday.

Balarama Jayanthi, birthday of Lord Balaram or Appearance day of Lord Balaram is celebrated on Vaishakha Shudda Tadiya. The Appearance day of Lord Balaram is also celebrated as Akshay Tritiya and Parashurama Jayanti.

When is Balarama Jayanti or Appearance Day of Balaram celebrated in 2009?

In 2009, Balarama Jayanti is celebrated on April 27, Monday. This day is also observed as Akshay Tritiya.

Legend and Story of Lord Balaram – Balarama Avatar:
According to some Puranas, Lord Balaram was the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Balaram was the older brother of Lord Sri Krishna. Balaram was very powerful that he demolished the large demon, Asuradhenuka. Asuradhenuka was the great demon who had the manifestation of a donkey. When another great demon attacked and lifted him on his shoulders, very young Balaram thrashed the demon’s brain with his fist and killed him.

Some Hindu scriptures also explain that Balaram was not an incarnation of Lord Vishnu but of the great serpent god Aadi Sesha. Aadisesha is the serpent on whom Lord Vishnu reclines.

Lord Balarama – the Haldhari:
As Balaram’s chief weapon is ploughshare (hal), he is also called as ‘Haldhari’. He is also considered as the Lord of agriculture.

Balaram’s Role in Kamsa Vadha – Killing of the Demon Kamsa:
Right from the moment when Sri Krishna went to Mathura, Lord Balaram was with him till he demolished the demon Kamsa. Mahabharata describes that Balaram taught Duryodhana and Bheema, how to use the Gadha (mace).