Kansa had imprisoned his sister, Devaki and Vasudeva's sixth child was also killed by the wicked king, Devaki was very upset and began praying to Vishnu for help.

One night, Vishnu appeared in Devaki's dream and said that the divine king of snakes, Seshnaga, would be born as her seventh child. He told her that the child would not be killed by Kansa. Miraculously, a baby that was conceived in Devaki's womb was transferred to the womb of Rohini, Vasudeva's second wife. This baby was the elder brother of Krishna.

Balarama was born in the village of Gokul in the full moon month of  Sridhara in July. This is where, his younger brother Krishna, the eight born, also joined him later.

He was named Rama but came to be known as Balarama, which means 'strong Rama' for his superior strength.